General Diet & Behaviour Links

Over 50% of dog behaviour issues are linked to poor diet or nutritional imbalances.

Dogs on a high-protein diet are 20-30% more active than those on lower-protein diets.

Up to 40% of dogs with aggression issues show improvement when switched to a balanced diet.

Dogs fed commercial kibble tend to have higher stress levels than those on fresh, whole-food diets.

80% of dog owners report a noticeable change in behaviour when switching their dog’s diet.

Protein & Its Effects

Low-quality protein diets can cause mood swings and hyperactivity in some dogs.

Too much protein (above 30%) in inactive dogs can lead to increased excitability and restlessness.

Dogs with protein deficiencies are more prone to lethargy and depression-like symptoms.

High-protein diets improve focus and energy levels in working and sporting dogs.

20% of aggressive behaviours in dogs are linked to excess or poor-quality protein intake.

Carbohydrates & Sugar

High-carb diets can cause energy crashes and mood swings in dogs.

Dogs fed a diet with excess sugar show 40% more hyperactivity than those on low-sugar diets.

Artificial food coloring (like Red 40) is linked to increased aggression and anxiety in some dogs.

Dogs consuming wheat, corn, or soy show twice the likelihood of developing food-related allergies, which can affect mood.

A low-glycemic diet improves calmness and reduces anxiety in 60% of reactive dogs.

Fats & Omega-3s

Diets high in Omega-3 fatty acids improve trainability and focus in over 70% of dogs.

Dogs with low-fat diets can experience dry skin and increased irritability.

A diet rich in Omega-3s reduces aggression by up to 50% in dogs with behavioural issues.

Fatty acid deficiencies are linked to mood swings and poor learning ability.

Over 80% of ageing dogs benefit from Omega-3s, which help maintain brain function and reduce anxiety.

Vitamins, Minerals & Gut Health

Vitamin B deficiencies are linked to increased stress and anxiety in dogs.

Magnesium-deficient dogs may exhibit restlessness, muscle tremors, and nervousness.

Tryptophan (an amino acid) supplementation reduces aggression by 30-50% in some dogs.

Probiotic supplements improve mood and digestion in over 70% of dogs with gut-related issues.

90% of serotonin (the “happiness hormone”) is produced in the gut, meaning diet plays a huge role in a dog’s emotional state.

High Euthanasia Rates for Unadopted Dogs

Approximately 920,000 shelter animals are euthanized each year in the U.S., with 390,000 being dogs.

Older Dogs Face Adoption Challenges 

Only about 25% of senior dogs (7+ years old) in shelters get adopted, compared to 60% of younger dogs. On average, older dogs spend 4 times longer in shelters than younger dogs before being adopted. 

Behavioural Issues Impact Adoption

Dogs labeled as “aggressive” or having a history of aggression are 50% less likely to be adopted compared to non-aggressive dogs. Up to 40% of dogs euthanised in shelters are put down due to behavioural issues, including aggression.

Dangerous Dogs Have Lower Adoption Rates

Dogs labeled as “dangerous” or with aggression histories have an adoption rate 50-75% lower than non-aggressive dogs.

Black Dogs Are Less Adopted

Black dogs, especially large ones, are less likely to be adopted, a phenomenon known as “Big Black Dog Syndrome.” Studies show black dogs are 30%–50% less likely to be adopted than lighter-coloured dogs.

Special Needs Dogs Are Harder to Rehome

Dogs with special needs, including medical or physical disabilities, face greater challenges in finding adoptive homes. Special needs dogs are 60% less likely to be adopted compared to non-disabled dogs.

High Intake of Dogs in Shelters

Each year, approximately 3.3 million dogs enter U.S. shelters, many of which face difficulties in finding homes.

Impact of COVID-19 on Dog Surrenders

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in pet surrenders, with many dogs facing challenges in finding new homes. As people returned to work, owner surrenders increased by 35-50% in many areas.

Overpopulation of Domestic Pets

Overpopulation contributes to the high number of dogs in shelters, many of which are difficult to rehome. In the U.S., an estimated 6.3 million pets enter shelters each year (about 3.1 million dogs and 3.2 million cats).

Financial Constraints Affect Adoptions

Potential adopters’ financial constraints can impact their ability to care for dogs with special needs, making such dogs harder to rehome. 28-40% of potential adopters cite financial concerns as a primary reason for not adopting a dog.

The average annual cost of dog ownership is between $1,400 and $4,300, depending on size, breed, and medical needs.

High Return Rates for Certain Dogs

Dogs with behavioural issues or special needs are more likely to be returned to shelters after adoption. 7-20% of adopted dogs are returned to shelters within the first six months.

Breed-Specific Legislation Affects Adoption

Breed-specific legislation can make it more difficult to adopt certain breeds, such as pit bulls, rottweilers and German shepherds. Dogs labeled as restricted breeds are 50% less likely to be adopted due to fear and legal restrictions.

Lack of Training Hinders Adoption

Dogs without obedience training are less likely to be adopted, as potential owners may be deterred by the perceived effort required. 35-50% of dogs surrendered to shelters are given up due to behavioural issues, many of which stem from a lack of training.

Housing Restrictions Impact Adoptions

Landlord restrictions and housing policies can limit the ability of potential adopters to take in certain dogs, especially larger breeds. 25-30% of dog surrenders to shelters are due to housing-related issues.

Age Bias in Adoption Preferences

Potential adopters often prefer puppies over adult dogs, leading to older dogs being overlooked and remaining in shelters longer. Senior dogs are at least twice as likely to be euthanized compared to younger dogs.

Health Issues Complicate Rehoming

Dogs with health issues may require ongoing medical care, making them less appealing to potential adopters. Dogs with health issues are 50% less likely to be adopted compared to healthy dogs.

Overcrowding in Shelters

Shelters often operate at or above capacity, making it difficult to provide individualised care for dogs, especially those with special needs. Some shelters see adoption rates drop by 20-30% when overcrowded, as potential adopters feel overwhelmed by the large number of animals.

Lack of Public Awareness

 Many people are unaware of the challenges faced by dogs in shelters, leading to fewer adoptions of dogs that are harder to rehome. Dogs in overcrowded conditions are more likely to develop behavioural problems, reducing their chances of successful adoption.

Behavioural Training Resources Are Limited

Limited access to behavioural training resources can hinder the adoption prospects of dogs with behavioural issues. Shelters with behaviour training programs see dog return rates drop by 25-40%.

Economic Factors Influence Adoption Rates

Economic downturns can lead to increased surrenders and decreased adoptions, particularly affecting dogs that are harder to rehome. 25-50% of pet surrenders happen due to financial hardships, such as job loss, medical expenses, or rising living costs. During the 2008 recession, pet surrenders increased by 25%, and shelters saw a surge in abandoned animals.

Public Perception Affects Adoption

Negative perceptions of certain breeds or older dogs can reduce their chances of being adopted. After negative media coverage, adoption rates for targeted breeds drop by up to 50%.

Inaccurate Breed Labelling

 A study found that when breed labels were removed from shelter listings, adoption rates for bully breeds increased by 70%. Mislabeling is common—up to 60% of shelter dogs are mislabeled as “Pit Bulls,” which reduces their adoption chances.

Lack of Foster Homes for Special Cases

A shortage of foster homes for dogs with special needs or behavioural issues can lead to longer stays in shelters. Foster programs reduce euthanasia rates by 50-70% by freeing up space in shelters.

Transportation Challenges for Adoptions

Logistical challenges in transporting dogs, especially those with special needs, can hinder their adoption prospects. Transport programs increase adoption rates by 25-50% in low-intake areas.

Puppies in shelters

Litters from accidental breedings account for 20-30% of surrendered puppies in shelters. Over 90% of puppies are adopted within weeks, compared to 60-70% of adult dogs.