Did you know your dog’s diet may be the hidden cause behind some of their puzzling behaviours? 🧐 Poor nutrition doesn’t just affect physical health – it can also impact your dog’s mood, energy, and ability to learn.
Many behavioural issues can result from inadequate or unbalanced diets. Making informed and thoughtful choices about what to feed your dog is essential for their overall wellbeing.
At Bowlsome, we create meals with your dog’s wellbeing as our number one priority, using high-quality, nutrient-rich ingredients to promote balanced energy and moods while supporting behaviour, focus, and cognitive ability. Here’s a closer look at some common behavioural challenges linked to poor nutrition and how better food choices can make a difference.
🐕💨 Hyperactivity or Restlessness
Diets high in sugar or simple carbohydrates can cause energy spikes followed by crashes, leaving dogs hyperactive or unable to settle.
- Why it happens: Sugary or high-GI foods lead to erratic energy.
- The fix: Low-glycemic index (GI) carbs like sweet potato provide a steady energy release, helping dogs maintain focus and calmness (DeNapoli et al., 2000).
- Why Bowlsome works: Our meals are free from high-GI fillers, offering your dog sustained energy for play, learning, and relaxation.
😠 Aggression or Irritability
A lack of essential nutrients, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, has been linked to aggressive or irritable behaviour in dogs.
- Why it happens: Omega-3s support brain function and reduce inflammation, promoting emotional stability (Bauer, 2011).
- The fix: Include omega-3-rich ingredients like fish oil or flaxseed.
- Why Bowlsome works: We use ingredients naturally rich in omega-3s to support balanced behaviour in your dog.
💤 Lethargy or Low Energy
Low energy or disinterest in activities can signal protein or nutrient deficiencies.
- Why it happens: Protein is essential for maintaining energy, while fats and carbs fuel activity (National Research Council, 2006).
- The fix: High-quality protein sources like fresh chicken, beef, or kangaroo.
- Why Bowlsome works: Our recipes prioritise premium proteins to keep your dog energised and engaged.
🐾 Compulsive Behaviours
Excessive licking, chewing, or scratching can sometimes be linked to deficiencies in fatty acids and skin-supporting nutrients.
- Why it happens: Lack of essential fatty acids and vitamins can impact skin health (Watson, 1998).
- The fix: Include fish oil, flaxseed, and zinc for a healthy coat and reduced compulsive behaviours.
- Why Bowlsome works: We include these vital nutrients to promote healthy skin and support your dog’s comfort.
🪨 PICA (Eating Non-Food Items)
When dogs eat non-food items like dirt or rocks, it may indicate a nutrient imbalance.
- Why it happens: Deficiencies in minerals such as zinc or iron (de Laforcade & Freeman, 2004).
- The fix: Nutrient-dense diets that meet all their needs.
- Why Bowlsome works: Our meals ensure your dog gets everything they need, reducing risky behaviours like PICA.
😟 Anxiety or Nervousness
Deficiencies in B vitamins and tryptophan—a key amino acid—can affect the nervous system, leading to heightened anxiety.
- Why it happens: Lack of serotonin production due to poor nutrition (Bosch et al., 2007).
- The fix: Foods rich in B vitamins and tryptophan, like turkey and salmon.
- Why Bowlsome works: Our meals include natural tryptophan sources to promote a calm and relaxed temperament.
🎓 Poor Training Response
Dogs require focus to learn, but nutrient deficiencies can hinder cognitive function and energy.
- Why it happens: Lack of bioavailable nutrients affects memory and learning (Zicker, 2005).
- The fix: Nutrient-retaining, gently cooked meals.
- Why Bowlsome works: Our meals retain nutrients, supporting your dog’s ability to focus and learn.
🤢 Digestive Discomfort
Gastrointestinal issues like bloating, diarrhea, or constipation can lead to restlessness or whining.
- Why it happens: Poor fiber intake or imbalance in gut health (Swanson et al., 2002).
- The fix: Fiber-rich ingredients like pumpkin and broccoli.
- Why Bowlsome works: We include these ingredients to regulate digestion and support gut health.
🍽️ Appetite Changes
Sudden shifts in appetite, whether overeating or refusing food, can indicate poor nutritional balance.
- Why it happens: Diets that fail to meet nutritional needs (National Research Council, 2006).
- The fix: Balanced, complete meals made with real ingredients.
- Why Bowlsome works: Our meals meet AAFCO standards to support your dog’s physical and mental health.
😔 Depression, Withdrawal, or Low Mood
Just like humans, poor diets can affect your dog’s mood, leading to depression or disinterest in play.
- Why it happens: Lack of omega-3s, antioxidants, and high-quality proteins (Bauer, 2011).
- The fix: Include these nutrients to support brain health and mood regulation.
- Why Bowlsome works: Our carefully crafted meals include these nutrients to keep your dog happy and engaged.
🥗 Support Your Dog’s Health, One Bowl at a Time
Many behavioural issues can be addressed by choosing high-quality, thoughtfully crafted food. Bowlsome meals are:
- 🐾 Free from artificial fillers
- 🐾 Rich in essential nutrients
- 🐾 Designed to support physical and emotional wellbeing
From slow-cooked casseroles to freeze-dried meatballs, Bowlsome offers balanced nutrition to help your dog thrive.
If you've noticed behavioural changes in your dog, their diet might be the root cause. With Bowlsome, you can provide the nutrition they need for better behaviour, improved focus, and a happier, healthier life.
📚 References
- Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Nutritional Adequacy for Dogs.
- Bauer, J.E. (2011). Therapeutic use of fish oils in companion animals. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
- Bosch, G., Beerda, B., Hendriks, W.H., van der Poel, A.F.B., & Verstegen, M.W.A. (2007). Impact of nutrition on canine behaviour: current status and possible mechanisms. Nutrition Research Reviews.
- DeNapoli, J.S., Dodman, N.H., Shuster, L., Rand, W.M., & Gross, K.L. (2000). Effect of dietary protein content and tryptophan supplementation on dominance aggression, territorial aggression, and hyperactivity in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
- de Laforcade, A. M., & Freeman, L. M. (2004). Pica and nutritional deficiencies. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice.
- National Research Council (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. The National Academies Press.
- Swanson, K.S., et al. (2002). Influence of dietary fiber and prebiotics on gut health in companion animals. Journal of Animal Science.
- Watson, T.D.G. (1998). Diet and skin disease in dogs and cats. The Journal of Nutrition.
- Zicker, S.C. (2005). Cognitive and behavioral effects of dietary modification in senior dogs. The British Journal of Nutrition.