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How Nutrition Affects a Dog's Mood: What to Include in the Diet, What Experts Say
27.02.2024 19:10
Has anyone thought about the influence of nutrition on a dog’s mood?
Many will be surprised, but the connection is actually direct. For dogs, proper nutrition is key and it directly affects their mood.
What You Need to Know About Dog Nutrition
It is worth noting right away that nutrition directly affects the mood and behavior of the pet.
Experts have long noted a direct connection between serotonin and an animal’s mood.
For example, if the serotonin level is normal, then the dog does not have aggression, depression or fear.
A deficiency of this component can cause depression, and the dog also becomes more angry, as it begins to protect its own food.
Another key element is tryptophan (a precursor of serotonin).
You can get tryptophan from the following foods:
1) Meat.
2) Fish.
3) Oats.
4) Legumes.
5) Nuts.
6) Bird.
Accordingly, if aggression or depression occurs, it is necessary to increase the level of tryptophan by including the listed products in the dog’s diet.
How Protein Affects Mood
On the contrary, protein can negatively affect a dog’s behavior.
If aggression or hyperactivity occurs, the amount of protein should be reduced as it may have negative consequences.
What kind of food do calm dogs need?
For calm animals, it makes sense to introduce the following into the diet:
• beef;
• turkey;
• chicken.
Of course, it is also important to calculate portions correctly.
What other foods are recommended to give?
A dog's diet must include:
1) Legumes.
2) Fish.
3) Berries.
4) Vegetables and fruits.
Also, each person should remember about variety. It is important to constantly combine the menu and select alternative products.
It was previously reported what to do if a dog misses its puppies.
