Good Behaviour Starts in the Gut: The Surprising Link Between Diet and Your Dog's Behaviour
The Gut-Brain Connection: Essential Raw Dog Food Advice for Calming Anxious, Hyperactive & Aggressive Dogs - When your dog is anxious, hyperactive, or displaying signs of aggression, your first instinct might be to book a training class or consult a behaviourist. But what if the root of the problem isn’t in your dog’s mind, but in their tummy? In this eye-opening episode of The Raw Feeding Journal, host Charlotte sits down with industry expert Robin to explore one of the most fascinating and often overlooked aspects of canine health: the powerful connection between the gut and the brain.
Understanding the Gut-Brain Axis
For years, we’ve treated behaviour and digestion as two entirely separate systems. However, emerging science reveals that they are intricately linked through what’s known as the gut-brain axis. This is a direct, two-way communication superhighway between your dog’s digestive system and their central nervous system. In this episode, Robin breaks down exactly how this works—explaining how the gut microbiome (the trillions of bacteria living in your dog’s digestive tract) directly influences mood, stress responses, memory, and even how easily your dog can be trained.
Perhaps most surprisingly, Robin reveals that a significant portion of the body’s serotonin—the "feel-good" neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood—is actually produced in the gut, not the brain. This means that a dog with poor gut health may genuinely struggle to feel calm, content, or emotionally balanced. This connection is increasingly supported by scientific research, such as studies published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which highlight the microbiome's role in behaviour.
What Happens When the Gut is Out of Balance?
Charlotte and Robin dive deep into the concept of dysbiosis—an imbalance in the gut microbiome that can trigger chronic, low-grade inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation doesn’t just cause physical discomfort; it can disrupt neurotransmitter function and activate the body’s stress response system, which has been directly linked to increased aggression and anxiety in dogs. We also explore the striking connection between gastrointestinal disorders, such as IBS, and behavioural changes.
The Power of Probiotics
Could a simple dietary addition help calm your anxious dog? In this episode, Robin explains the remarkable role of probiotics in supporting both digestive and emotional health. Beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, have been shown to reduce anxiety and lower cortisol (the stress hormone) by producing GABA, a naturally calming neurotransmitter. The pivotal role of a healthy microbiome is a growing area of veterinary focus, as detailed by resources like the American Kennel Club (AKC). Robin also shares a fantastic natural source of probiotics that many raw feeders already have in their freezers—green tripe—and explains why it’s such a powerhouse for gut flora balance.
Why Diet Matters More Than You Think
This episode takes a hard look at how what goes in the bowl affects what comes out in behaviour. Robin discusses the research showing that dogs fed highly processed diets are more likely to display negative behaviours, and why so many owners report dramatic improvements after switching to a natural, species-appropriate diet. We cover:
Energy & Blood Sugar:Â Why diets high in refined carbohydrates can cause erratic energy spikes and crashes, leading to hyperactivity and mood swings.
The Protein Advantage:Â How high-protein diets promote satiety and provide steady, sustained energy for a calmer disposition.
Essential Vitamins:Â The critical role of B vitamins, particularly B6, in converting tryptophan into mood-regulating serotonin.
The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Robin explains why omega-3 fatty acids—specifically EPA and DHA—are non-negotiable for cognitive health and emotional stability. Since dogs cannot produce these essential fats themselves, they must come from the diet. We discuss compelling research showing that aggressive dogs often have lower DHA levels and an imbalanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. For guidance on essential nutrients, resources from bodies like the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) offer valuable insight into canine dietary needs.
Ingredient Quality and Chewing as Enrichment
Finally, Charlotte and Robin discuss why ingredient quality is paramount, revealing how low-grade ingredients can actually stimulate inflammatory proteins associated with anxiety and stress. The episode wraps up on a positive, practical note by exploring the therapeutic benefits of chewing—a natural behaviour that releases feel-good endorphins like dopamine. The importance of enrichment for canine welfare is strongly advocated by leading welfare charities such as the RSPCA and the PDSA.
Key Takeaways for Every Dog Owner
Whether you’re dealing with a reactive rescue, an anxious puppy, or simply want to give your dog the best possible foundation for a happy life, this episode is packed with actionable insights. By understanding and nurturing the gut-brain connection through high-quality nutrition, probiotics, omega-3s, and enrichment, you can support not just your dog’s physical health, but their emotional well-being too. Because, as Robin so perfectly puts it, a healthy gut leads to a happy, well-behaved pet.
Tune in now to discover how you can transform your dog’s behaviour—one meal at a time.
As always, please consult a qualified veterinarian or canine nutritionist before making significant changes to your pet’s diet. For professional advice, you can find a practice via the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
