Common Dog Behaviour Issues Linked to Poor Nutrition

When dogs display troublesome behaviours, it’s easy to assume the problem lies in their training or environment. However, diet plays a significant role in shaping your dog’s behaviour. Just like in humans, poor nutrition can impact mood, energy levels, and even how your dog responds to stress. Here’s a closer look at some common behavioural issues that could be linked to inadequate nutrition, and how adjusting your dog’s diet might help.

Understanding the Connection Between Nutrition and Behaviour

A dog’s behaviour isn’t just shaped by training and socialisation—it’s also profoundly influenced by what they eat. Nutrients in a dog’s diet contribute to brain function, hormone production, and overall mental health. If the diet lacks essential nutrients, it can lead to various behavioural problems, including hyperactivity, aggression, and anxiety.

Inadequate diets, filled with low-quality ingredients, artificial additives, or insufficient protein, can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. This disruption affects how your dog feels and behaves, making certain behaviours more pronounced or harder to manage.

Common Dog Behaviour Issues

1. Excessive Barking

Excessive barking can be more than just a sign of excitement or anxiety—it can indicate a dietary imbalance. If your dog’s food is high in processed carbohydrates or artificial ingredients, they may experience blood sugar spikes followed by crashes, leading to heightened irritability or nervousness. This can make them more prone to barking at every little thing.

• Nutritional Solution: Switching to a diet with high-quality proteins and complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes or lentils can help stabilise your dog’s energy levels. Foods free from artificial colours and flavours can also reduce hyperactive responses.

2. Aggression

Aggressive behaviour in dogs can sometimes be linked to poor nutrition. Diets lacking essential nutrients such as tryptophan, an amino acid that helps regulate serotonin levels, can lead to imbalances that make dogs more irritable or prone to aggression. Low-quality foods often lack sufficient high-quality protein, which is vital for mood stability.

• Nutritional Solution: A diet rich in animal protein, which provides all the essential amino acids, can help stabilise your dog’s mood. Look for foods that list a named meat, such as chicken or lamb, as the first ingredient.

3. Destructive Chewing

Chewing is a natural behaviour, but when it becomes excessive or destructive, it may be a sign that your dog isn’t getting enough nutrients or energy from their food. Poorly balanced diets may leave your dog feeling unsatisfied, prompting them to chew on objects as a way to relieve boredom or anxiety.

• Nutritional Solution: High-protein diets with moderate fat levels can help keep your dog feeling fuller for longer. Including Omega-3 fatty acids may also support cognitive function and reduce compulsive behaviours like excessive chewing.

4. Hyperactivity

If your dog seems to have endless energy and struggles to calm down, their diet could be the culprit. Foods high in sugar, fillers, and artificial additives can contribute to hyperactive behaviour. These ingredients may cause spikes in energy followed by sudden drops, making it difficult for your dog to regulate their activity levels.

• Nutritional Solution: Opt for dog foods with low-glycaemic carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, which provide a more steady energy release. A grain-free diet can also help eliminate the unwanted effects of processed grains and reduce hyperactivity.

5. Separation Anxiety and Nervousness

Dogs that experience separation anxiety or general nervousness may benefit from dietary changes. Diets lacking in Omega-3 fatty acids or B-vitamins can exacerbate anxiety-related behaviours. These nutrients support the nervous system and help regulate stress responses.

• Nutritional Solution: Incorporating foods rich in Omega-3s, like those found in fish oils, can help reduce inflammation and support brain health. Ensuring your dog’s diet includes adequate B-vitamins can also aid in calming the nervous system.

How to Support Your Dog’s Behaviour Through Diet

Addressing your dog’s behavioural issues might start with a change in their diet. Here are some steps to consider:

1. Choose High-Quality Protein Sources: Dogs thrive on diets where animal protein is the main ingredient. High-quality protein helps to maintain steady energy levels and supports neurotransmitter production for balanced mood.
   
2. Incorporate Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Essential fatty acids found in fish oil or flaxseed support cognitive function and reduce anxiety. Including these in your dog’s diet can help manage stress-related behaviours.
   
3. Avoid Artificial Additives: Artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives can negatively affect behaviour. A natural diet with whole ingredients is the best choice.
   
4. Use Low-Glycaemic Carbohydrates: Carbs like sweet potatoes provide a steady release of energy without causing spikes in blood sugar. This helps maintain a calm demeanour throughout the day.
   
5. Consult a Vet for Supplements: If your dog continues to exhibit behavioural issues, speak to your vet about supplements such as magnesium or B-vitamins, which can support nervous system health.

At Next Level Dog Food, we believe that the right nutrition can make all the difference. Our recipes feature 65% high-quality animal protein, slow-digesting carbohydrates, and Omega-3-rich ingredients to support your dog’s mental and physical well-being. By avoiding artificial additives and focusing on nutrient-dense foods, we help your dog stay calm, happy, and well-behaved.

While training and environment are important, nutrition is a key factor in your dog’s behaviour. Feeding your dog a balanced, high-quality diet can help manage behavioural issues and promote a happier, more relaxed life. If your dog has been showing signs of hyperactivity, anxiety, or aggression, consider making changes to their diet and see the difference it can make.