From Kibble to Kale: How Your Dog's Diet Shapes Their Mood and Moves

Photo by Jung Fitzpatrick. Copyright 2024.

You might not be surprised to hear that I read a lot of books about dog training, behavior, and wellness. Right now, I’m diving into The Forever Dog by Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Becker, and it’s been an eye-opener. I heard about the book from Rami Massarweh, founder of Dogue, whom I interviewed for my previous blog post. The book digs deep into how whole, fresh foods and smart lifestyle choices can keep our pups healthier for longer.

Growing up, my parents always believed that “food is medicine,” so it makes sense to me that what we feed our dogs matters just as much as what we eat. The connection between diet and health isn’t just for humans; it’s vital for our furry friends too. *The Forever Dog* has really brought home how what we feed our dogs impacts their health, behavior, and overall well-being.

Why What You Feed Your Dog Matters

When a client’s dog starts showing unexpected behaviors, one of my first questions is, “When was your last vet visit?” Illness or pain can cause sudden changes in behavior, especially as dogs age. But there are more critical links between health and behavior that’s directly tied to what’s in your dog’s bowl.

Inflammation: The Silent Trouble-Maker

Inflammation is at the root of many common health issues in dogs, like gingivitis (gum inflammation), dermatitis (skin inflammation), and arthritis (joint inflammation).

Impact on Behavior

Inflammation causes discomfort and can limit your dog’s ability to enjoy their usual activities. For example, dogs with gingivitis might avoid eating because it hurts, or they might stop playing with their favorite toys. Arthritis is another big one—when moving hurts, your dog might be less active, and you might notice more growling or snapping if they’re in pain and don’t want to be touched.

Gut Health: The Behavioral Connection

The gut microbiome plays a huge role in our physical, mental, and emotional health, and it’s no different for dogs.

Impact on Behavior

Dogs with poor gut health may be more prone to anxiety or even aggression. An anxious dog might be less confident in new situations, or they might struggle with separation anxiety. Aggression can show up as growling, barking, or even biting if your dog feels uneasy or threatened.

Poor Nutrition: More Than Just a Boring Bowl

Imagine eating the same processed meal every day—it’s not just boring, it’s unhealthy. Unfortunately, many dogs eat the same kibble day in and day out. Even if the packaging says it’s “complete and balanced,” ultra-processed kibble may lack the bioavailable nutrients your dog needs.

Impact on Behavior

If a dog isn’t getting the nutrients they need, they might start eating things they shouldn’t—like dirt or even poop. And if their food is full of empty calories, they may never feel full, leading to begging or scavenging for more food. This could mean more nose-diving for scraps at the dinner table or sniffing out questionable treats on walks.

Bananas are high in potassium, which is essential for a healthy heart and nerves. Green bananas have less sugar, which is even healthier for your pup!  Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash.

The Good News: You’re in Control!

The best part is that you have the power to make a difference in your dog’s health. Even small changes, like swapping 10% of your dog’s kibble for fresh, whole foods, can make a big impact. The Forever Dog makes it clear: kibble is one of the worst things we can feed our dogs. It’s packed with refined carbs that lead to inflammation, weight gain, and even diabetes—just like in humans.

While genetics and environmental factors also play a role in your pup’s health, improving their diet can make them more resilient. And guess what? Adding fresh foods to your dog’s diet doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. You can start with simple, safe produce like carrots or apples—just avoid the toxic ones like grapes, raisins, chocolate, and anything in the onion family. If you’re curious to learn more, The Forever Dog even offers a handy guide to toxic foods for dogs here.

To wrap it up, I’ll leave you with a key takeaway from The Forever Dog:

“Eat less, eat fresher, and move more and more often.”

Here’s to a healthier, more vibrant, and longer life for your pup!

Have questions about your pup’s behavior and what’s influencing it? Let’s chat!