Nutrition - Does what you feed your dog affect its behaviour?
This article brought to you by Maxhealth – www.maxhealth.co.za
When I was a child back in the 1950’s there was no such thing as commercial dog food available, at least in the part of Scotland where I lived. The dogs were feed mostly left over’s. Commercial dog food started making its appearance in supermarkets about 25 years ago and according to data I found in the US Pet Food Institute website (www.petfoodinstitute.org), in 2009 the US Pet Food tonnage produced, was a whopping 5,102,469 tons for dry dog food, 661, 26 tons for wet dog food and 141,580 tons for dog treats and mixers and this only in the US. In SA the latest data I could find pertained to 2004 and can be viewed at (www.petwise.co.za/live/content.php?Item_ID=22).
As to the question of whether or not food affects dog behaviour, we have to realize that as food can affect a child’s behaviour, so too can it affect our dogs behaviour. However, dogs are very much like us humans, in that one child may not be affected by too much sugar, and another child can consume the same amount and be totally ‘over the top’. A dog’s behaviour is a direct result of both its internal state and environmental influences that it is experiencing.
Some years ago I did research on 100 dogs, to see whether dog foods with a higher than normal protein and fat content affected the dog’s behaviour. Out of the 100 dogs involved in the research, breeds such as the Terrier and some working breeds, which were consuming a higher protein/fat content food, appeared to be more excitable, more likely to be reactive, less attentive, etc. than their counterparts that were consuming a lower protein/fat dog food. Although there were Terriers and working dogs in the research where the high protein/fat content did seem to affect them at all. Not all proteins are the same, some are better for your dog than others. The amount of protein a dog needs depends on how much of the essential amino acids are supplied by that protein. There are a total of 23 amino acids that are the molecular building blocks of protein. A dog will produce 13 of the amino acids required within its own body, but the other 10 that are required must be supplied from an outside source – the dog’s food.
Further research undertaken by myself on nutrition affecting behaviour, showed that many dogs on a food that contained an extremely high cereal content (wheat, corn etc), also appeared to be less able to focus and concentrate.
On further investigation, I also discovered that dogs that were already stressed (especially those suffering from various types of fear behaviour), did not seem to digest their food well and were more prone to intestinal conditions such as diarrhoea, allergies, food intolerances and problems with their coats such as being extremely dry, itchy, shedding etc. So the implementation and maintencance of correct nutrition is even more important with dogs that are stressed.
If we as humans are eating badly we are more likely to become grouchy, lethargic and have a lower concentration span, than if we are eating a well balanced, nutritional diet, and the same applies to our dogs. Take an athlete for example: If he/she is not eating nutritionally balanced meals, they will not be able to perform at their peak. Good nutrition constitutes a vital part of your dogs ability to think clearly and reduce stress levels, and in the case of a working dog (whether basic obedience, trials etc) a dog will use a lot of mental energy simply to focus on the tasks they are being asked to learn and perform, so correct nutrition is essential.
In addition to the behaviours mentioned above, other aspects of a dogs’ behaviour that can indicate nutritional deficiencies are ; excessive barking, mood swings and compulsive disorders. Physical side effects can be : dogs that are restless when sleeping, dogs with gas or that are picky eaters, mood swings, loose stools and allergy related complaints.
Here follows some extracts from an excellent article on the Impact of Nutrition on Canine Behaviour by Messrs. G. Bosch, B. Beerda, W. H. Hendriks, A. F. B. van der Poel and M. W. A. Verstegen. . This article can be viewed in its entirety at http://www.scribd.com/doc/47501977/Impact-of-nutrition-on-canine-behaviour and is well worth reading.
“Each year, millions of dogs worldwide are abandoned by their owners, relinquished to animal shelters, and euthanised because of behaviour problems. Nutrition is rarely considered as one of the possible contributing factors of problem behaviour. This contribution presents an overview of current knowledge on the influence of nutrition on canine behaviour and explores the underlying mechanisms by which diet may affect behaviour in animals. Behaviour is regulated byneurotransmitters and hormones, and changes in the availability of their precursors may influence behaviour. Tryptophan, the precursor of serotonin, may affect the incidence of aggression, self-mutilation and stress resistance. The latter may also be influenced by dietary tyrosine, a precursorto catecholamines. As diet composition, nutrient availability and nutrient interactions affect the availability of these precursors in the brain, behaviour or stress resistance may be affected. PUFA, especially DHA, have an important role as structural constituents in brain development, and dietary supply of n-3 and n-6 PUFA could modify aspects of the dopaminergic and serotonergic system and, consequently, cognitive performance and behaviour. Finally, persistent feeding motivation between meals can increase stereotyped behaviour and aggression and decrease resting time. This feeding motivation may be altered by dietary fibre content and source. At present, few studies have been conducted to evaluate the role of nutrition in canine (problem)behaviour through the above mentioned mechanisms. Studies that explore this relationship may help to improve the welfare of dogs and their owners”
“Dietary effects on behaviour have been investigated for anti-social aspects, but also for behavioural changes related to ageing and, in this, dogs have been used as a model for humans. Dogs develop similar cognitive deficits and neuropathology as can be seen in ageing humans and elderly suffering from dementia13 .Milgram and co-workers initiated a series of experiments with young and aged beagle dogs to study dietary interventions on age-related cognitive decline. Results showed that canine food enriched with antioxidants and mitochondrial cofactors decreased the rate of cognitive decline in aged beagle dogs under laboratory conditions and improved age-related behavioural changes in older pet dogs held in home situations (for reviews, see Roudebush. These findings demonstrate clearly that canine behaviour can be influenced by dietary components”
There is still a lot of discussion and debate taking place with researchers, scientists, behaviourists and trainers as to whether nutrition really does affect behaviour, and thankfully, this is now an area which is being investigated in more depth. When I first started puppy training and behaviour, my main concern was the importance of socialization, House Rules, basic behaviour, the potential owner getting the correct breed, etc. After undertaking research into the importance of nutrition in behaviour, whilst doing the Animal Care College Course, I quickly realized that one needs to educate owners about correct nutrition as early as possible, especially in the case of a puppy.
Pups grow very quickly and require higher amounts of vitamins, minerals, protein, calories etc. than an older dog, so it is imperative that you discuss your pup’s food with your vet to determine what food would be the best for your particular dog. I would even suggest that you take this a step further and investigate and make yourself aware of exactly what your pup does need, before discussing with your vet. You will then be in a better position to understand exactly why the vet or breeder has recommended a particular food, and be able to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have.
If we look at the array of foods on offer, and what the advertisers say about them is it any wonder then why we, as owners, are sometimes confused as to know what is best for our own dogs! So, the question is, where do you start?
1. Educate yourself – firstly determine what constitutes the correct balance of dog food i.e. percentage of protein, fat, cereal, complex carbohydrates, amino acids, vitamins, trace elements which are essential for optimum health and growth. Commercially prepared dog foods are made from a fixed formula of ingredients that should provide your dog with optimum nutrition. When shopping for a food for your dog, the ingredients on the package should be listed by amount in descending order, with the protein content coming first, naming what protein is contained. If the cereal content is named first, then that means that the food contains more cereal than protein.
2. A food should have more animal protein than grain.
3. “Meat” is not a name of a meat, it could mean anything and even be regarded as by-products’ or meat not fit for human consumption. Rather look for a protein with a name such as chicken, lamb, beef or fish. Manufacturers that supply the best quality food normally have no qualms whatsoever in stating which protein is used.
4. What cereal is used and does the percentage used comply with the amount recommended for a healthy diet. It should be noted that breeds that are prone to bloat should avoid soybean as this ingredient may cause bloat.
5. If the food states that it is premium, natural or organic but does not have a breakdown of the ingredients, then phone the manufacturer first.
6. Does the food contain additives, colourings, food derivatives, chemicals that could affect a dog’s health, cause allergies, food intolerances etc? If unsure of this, then ask the manufacturer. Any manufacturer worth his/her salt will be delighted to answer any of your questions.
7. Other factors such as your dog’s age, breed (for possible genetic concerns), weight etc also need to be weighed in the decision as to what type of food to provide.
In an article I came across, dated May 2004, the PFI (Pet Food Industry of SA) wrote the following regarding sub standard dog food (http://www.petwise.co.za/live/content.php?Item_ID=22)
“Typically, a sub-standard food will deliver a higher moisture content, which leads to a shorter shelf life and mouldy food. The manufacturer will use standard low quality ingredients, then decrease the protein, leave out the vitamins, reduce the fat and add extra fibre.
Typical ingredients used include maize, bran, meal & bone, carcass, soya, peanut hulls, poultry litter and urea. Other products found to be used include cocoa powder(which is deadly to animals) bakery by-products such as : old chips; bread; peanut hulls; and any reject material not fit for human consumption. If it is not fit for humans, it is USUALLY NOT fit for pets.
Certain sub-standard manufacturers include urea, rather than vitamins to meet the guarantees in the analyses. They also include chicken litter to improve palatability and increase protein levels, but this reduces their cost per tonne, thus saving hundreds of thousands of rands.
Animals cannot prepare their own mealsand so they rely on their human owners to give them their nutritional requirements. Feeding a dog an unbalanced, poor quality meal has huge implications to the animal's health.
We are in a fortunate situation nowadays that more and more research is showing that nutrition does indeed influence not just your dog’s health, but how your dog behaves, and as mentioned previously, this seems to affect some dogs more than others.
Your dog cannot shop for itself; so do your homework, make sure you get value for money, and get the very best you can for your dog. Feeding a good quality food will not only help with behaviour, it will benefit your dogs overall health and longevity.
As to the question of whether or not food affects dog behaviour, we have to realize that as food can affect a child’s behaviour, so too can it affect our dogs behaviour. However, dogs are very much like us humans, in that one child may not be affected by too much sugar, and another child can consume the same amount and be totally ‘over the top’. A dog’s behaviour is a direct result of both its internal state and environmental influences that it is experiencing.
Some years ago I did research on 100 dogs, to see whether dog foods with a higher than normal protein and fat content affected the dog’s behaviour. Out of the 100 dogs involved in the research, breeds such as the Terrier and some working breeds, which were consuming a higher protein/fat content food, appeared to be more excitable, more likely to be reactive, less attentive, etc. than their counterparts that were consuming a lower protein/fat dog food. Although there were Terriers and working dogs in the research where the high protein/fat content did seem to affect them at all. Not all proteins are the same, some are better for your dog than others. The amount of protein a dog needs depends on how much of the essential amino acids are supplied by that protein. There are a total of 23 amino acids that are the molecular building blocks of protein. A dog will produce 13 of the amino acids required within its own body, but the other 10 that are required must be supplied from an outside source – the dog’s food.
Further research undertaken by myself on nutrition affecting behaviour, showed that many dogs on a food that contained an extremely high cereal content (wheat, corn etc), also appeared to be less able to focus and concentrate.
On further investigation, I also discovered that dogs that were already stressed (especially those suffering from various types of fear behaviour), did not seem to digest their food well and were more prone to intestinal conditions such as diarrhoea, allergies, food intolerances and problems with their coats such as being extremely dry, itchy, shedding etc. So the implementation and maintencance of correct nutrition is even more important with dogs that are stressed.
If we as humans are eating badly we are more likely to become grouchy, lethargic and have a lower concentration span, than if we are eating a well balanced, nutritional diet, and the same applies to our dogs. Take an athlete for example: If he/she is not eating nutritionally balanced meals, they will not be able to perform at their peak. Good nutrition constitutes a vital part of your dogs ability to think clearly and reduce stress levels, and in the case of a working dog (whether basic obedience, trials etc) a dog will use a lot of mental energy simply to focus on the tasks they are being asked to learn and perform, so correct nutrition is essential.
In addition to the behaviours mentioned above, other aspects of a dogs’ behaviour that can indicate nutritional deficiencies are ; excessive barking, mood swings and compulsive disorders. Physical side effects can be : dogs that are restless when sleeping, dogs with gas or that are picky eaters, mood swings, loose stools and allergy related complaints.
Here follows some extracts from an excellent article on the Impact of Nutrition on Canine Behaviour by Messrs. G. Bosch, B. Beerda, W. H. Hendriks, A. F. B. van der Poel and M. W. A. Verstegen. . This article can be viewed in its entirety at http://www.scribd.com/doc/47501977/Impact-of-nutrition-on-canine-behaviour and is well worth reading.
“Each year, millions of dogs worldwide are abandoned by their owners, relinquished to animal shelters, and euthanised because of behaviour problems. Nutrition is rarely considered as one of the possible contributing factors of problem behaviour. This contribution presents an overview of current knowledge on the influence of nutrition on canine behaviour and explores the underlying mechanisms by which diet may affect behaviour in animals. Behaviour is regulated byneurotransmitters and hormones, and changes in the availability of their precursors may influence behaviour. Tryptophan, the precursor of serotonin, may affect the incidence of aggression, self-mutilation and stress resistance. The latter may also be influenced by dietary tyrosine, a precursorto catecholamines. As diet composition, nutrient availability and nutrient interactions affect the availability of these precursors in the brain, behaviour or stress resistance may be affected. PUFA, especially DHA, have an important role as structural constituents in brain development, and dietary supply of n-3 and n-6 PUFA could modify aspects of the dopaminergic and serotonergic system and, consequently, cognitive performance and behaviour. Finally, persistent feeding motivation between meals can increase stereotyped behaviour and aggression and decrease resting time. This feeding motivation may be altered by dietary fibre content and source. At present, few studies have been conducted to evaluate the role of nutrition in canine (problem)behaviour through the above mentioned mechanisms. Studies that explore this relationship may help to improve the welfare of dogs and their owners”
“Dietary effects on behaviour have been investigated for anti-social aspects, but also for behavioural changes related to ageing and, in this, dogs have been used as a model for humans. Dogs develop similar cognitive deficits and neuropathology as can be seen in ageing humans and elderly suffering from dementia13 .Milgram and co-workers initiated a series of experiments with young and aged beagle dogs to study dietary interventions on age-related cognitive decline. Results showed that canine food enriched with antioxidants and mitochondrial cofactors decreased the rate of cognitive decline in aged beagle dogs under laboratory conditions and improved age-related behavioural changes in older pet dogs held in home situations (for reviews, see Roudebush. These findings demonstrate clearly that canine behaviour can be influenced by dietary components”
There is still a lot of discussion and debate taking place with researchers, scientists, behaviourists and trainers as to whether nutrition really does affect behaviour, and thankfully, this is now an area which is being investigated in more depth. When I first started puppy training and behaviour, my main concern was the importance of socialization, House Rules, basic behaviour, the potential owner getting the correct breed, etc. After undertaking research into the importance of nutrition in behaviour, whilst doing the Animal Care College Course, I quickly realized that one needs to educate owners about correct nutrition as early as possible, especially in the case of a puppy.
Pups grow very quickly and require higher amounts of vitamins, minerals, protein, calories etc. than an older dog, so it is imperative that you discuss your pup’s food with your vet to determine what food would be the best for your particular dog. I would even suggest that you take this a step further and investigate and make yourself aware of exactly what your pup does need, before discussing with your vet. You will then be in a better position to understand exactly why the vet or breeder has recommended a particular food, and be able to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have.
If we look at the array of foods on offer, and what the advertisers say about them is it any wonder then why we, as owners, are sometimes confused as to know what is best for our own dogs! So, the question is, where do you start?
1. Educate yourself – firstly determine what constitutes the correct balance of dog food i.e. percentage of protein, fat, cereal, complex carbohydrates, amino acids, vitamins, trace elements which are essential for optimum health and growth. Commercially prepared dog foods are made from a fixed formula of ingredients that should provide your dog with optimum nutrition. When shopping for a food for your dog, the ingredients on the package should be listed by amount in descending order, with the protein content coming first, naming what protein is contained. If the cereal content is named first, then that means that the food contains more cereal than protein.
2. A food should have more animal protein than grain.
3. “Meat” is not a name of a meat, it could mean anything and even be regarded as by-products’ or meat not fit for human consumption. Rather look for a protein with a name such as chicken, lamb, beef or fish. Manufacturers that supply the best quality food normally have no qualms whatsoever in stating which protein is used.
4. What cereal is used and does the percentage used comply with the amount recommended for a healthy diet. It should be noted that breeds that are prone to bloat should avoid soybean as this ingredient may cause bloat.
5. If the food states that it is premium, natural or organic but does not have a breakdown of the ingredients, then phone the manufacturer first.
6. Does the food contain additives, colourings, food derivatives, chemicals that could affect a dog’s health, cause allergies, food intolerances etc? If unsure of this, then ask the manufacturer. Any manufacturer worth his/her salt will be delighted to answer any of your questions.
7. Other factors such as your dog’s age, breed (for possible genetic concerns), weight etc also need to be weighed in the decision as to what type of food to provide.
In an article I came across, dated May 2004, the PFI (Pet Food Industry of SA) wrote the following regarding sub standard dog food (http://www.petwise.co.za/live/content.php?Item_ID=22)
“Typically, a sub-standard food will deliver a higher moisture content, which leads to a shorter shelf life and mouldy food. The manufacturer will use standard low quality ingredients, then decrease the protein, leave out the vitamins, reduce the fat and add extra fibre.
Typical ingredients used include maize, bran, meal & bone, carcass, soya, peanut hulls, poultry litter and urea. Other products found to be used include cocoa powder(which is deadly to animals) bakery by-products such as : old chips; bread; peanut hulls; and any reject material not fit for human consumption. If it is not fit for humans, it is USUALLY NOT fit for pets.
Certain sub-standard manufacturers include urea, rather than vitamins to meet the guarantees in the analyses. They also include chicken litter to improve palatability and increase protein levels, but this reduces their cost per tonne, thus saving hundreds of thousands of rands.
Animals cannot prepare their own mealsand so they rely on their human owners to give them their nutritional requirements. Feeding a dog an unbalanced, poor quality meal has huge implications to the animal's health.
We are in a fortunate situation nowadays that more and more research is showing that nutrition does indeed influence not just your dog’s health, but how your dog behaves, and as mentioned previously, this seems to affect some dogs more than others.
Your dog cannot shop for itself; so do your homework, make sure you get value for money, and get the very best you can for your dog. Feeding a good quality food will not only help with behaviour, it will benefit your dogs overall health and longevity.