Verified by Experts. This article has been written and verified by natural dog treat specialists.
By: Georgina – Owner of Norbert’s Treats
Published: March 2025 | Last Updated: March 2025
Verified by Experts. This article has been written and verified by natural dog treat specialists.
We know that it is important to feed a natural diet to our dogs, but how does diet affect your dog’s behaviour?
As part of our series of looking at the most important facts relating to our dogs, we’ve collected 25 statistics about dogs diet and behaviour.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.