Is Your Dog’s Food Affecting His Behavior

For canines, living a vibrant and happy life is often informed by little details. Like dog food, for example. Dog food and nutrition can play a very large role in the disposition and behavior of your dog. While many of us may be surprised by this, nutrition has more to do with canine behavioral health than typically expected.

As dog owners, it’s our responsibility to provide a fulfilling life and stimulating environment for our dogs. That’s why we owe it to our pets to learn how diet informs behavior. 

Here’s what you need to know when it comes to good food and positive pets. 

Why is Healthy Dog Food Better for Your Dog’s Behavior? 

Healthy food poses a tremendous impact on the well-being of our dogs, both mentally and physically. This is because dogs need a diverse and nutritious diet of healthy dog food, just as humans do. 

For dogs, a surplus or deficit of key nutrients can deeply shift how they function. And with highly processed, unnatural foods, dogs become tired and lethargic, resulting in the same crash and burn symptoms humans experience. 

In contrast, a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet energizes our pets, ultimately resulting in better behavioral health. By feeding our dogs healthy, nutrient-dense meals, we can begin to see a change in canine energy, disposition, and overall behavior. 

What Healthy Dog Foods Should I Be Feeding My Pet? 

Though every dog is different, there are 6 key nutrients that prolong dog health all across the board. These include: 

• Water
• Protein 
• Fat
• Carbohydrates
• Minerals
• Vitamins

Creating a diet for your dog that includes these nutrients will take their health a long way. And it will ensure they get fresh, nutrient-dense meals that fuel their mind, body, and behavior. 

In contrast, here’s what to avoid feeding your dog along the way. 

What To Avoid When Feeding Your Dog

One thing is certain when it comes to feeding each and every dog. High-processed foods are a no-no! In order to reap the benefits of a well-rounded diet, dogs need fresh ingredients that stabilize their health and balance their mood. 

Here are some extra tips to keep in mind when searching for canine nutrition. 

• Avoid High Starch Foods: Many processed dog foods like kibble include an excess of starch sugars like corn or grains. To avoid a crash-and-burn effect, incorporate lean proteins into your dog's diet to balance glucose levels rather than spike them.

• Provide A Balanced Diet: Often, irregular dog behavior is the result of dietary gaps. This causes unwanted behavior like aggression or lethargy. Make sure your dog’s food incorporates all 6 of the recommended nutrients listed above to maintain a healthy balance and stable behavior. 

• Adequate Protein: Protein is responsible for the amino acid tryptophan, which supports serotonin levels, the neurotransmitter for happy feelings. Without protein, your dog can become tryptophan deficient, resulting in depression and poor behavior. Incorporate lean, fresh proteins into your dog's food to avoid these behavioral lows.

• Fresh Proteins and Vegetables: Your dog also needs fresh protein and vegetables in their diet. The more processed their food is, the less nutrients they’ll receive. To avoid irregular moods and bad behavior, feed your dog fresh, unprocessed foods. 

 

Fresh, Healthy Dog Food With Get Joy

The secrets out; fresh, healthy food is the best thing for your dog! But if you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. Get Joy has you covered.

Here at Get Joy, we specialize in high-quality, fresh, and healthy foods that provide your dog with all the ingredients their health requires. We even provide customized meal plans delivered straight to you. To learn more, head to our Meal Plan Page today to curate your dog’s food to perfection. Your dog won’t forget it!