Feeding & Behaviour: Can Diet Help with Anxiety or Excitement?

If your dog seems a little too wound up or struggles with anxiety, you’re not alone. Many pet parents notice changes in behaviour that don’t seem tied to training or routine. But here’s something you might not have considered: what’s in your dog’s bowl can have a surprising effect on how they feel and act.

Just as food influences our mood, energy, and focus, it can do the same for our dogs. Let’s explore how diet and behaviour are linked, and which natural ingredients can help restore calm and balance.

The Gut–Brain Connection in Dogs

You’ve probably heard that “the gut is the second brain.” This holds true for our furry friends, too. The gut and brain are constantly communicating through something called the gut–brain axis.

When your dog’s digestive system is healthy and balanced, it produces chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, the same “feel-good” hormones that regulate mood and stress. But if their gut health is off, behaviour can follow suit, leading to:

• Restlessness or hyperactivity
• Nervousness and anxiety
• Trouble focusing during training
• Poor sleep or over-excitement

Diet and Behaviour: What the Science Says

While diet alone can’t fix behavioural issues, it plays a major supporting role. Nutrient imbalances, additives, or food sensitivities can trigger energy spikes or anxiety. A calm, steady temperament starts with consistent, nourishing food, not one full of artificial colours or quick-burn carbohydrates.

Research and veterinary nutritionists agree:

• Stable blood sugar = stable behaviour. Foods high in fillers like corn or wheat can cause sudden energy highs and crashes.
• Protein quality matters. Dogs need the right amino acids to make neurotransmitters that regulate mood. Poor-quality proteins can leave them anxious or easily overstimulated.
• Fats and oils feed the brain. Healthy fats, like Omega-3s, are essential for cognitive function and emotional stability.

Natural Ingredients That Support Calm Behaviour

🐟 Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish, Flaxseed, Chia)

Omega-3s are known to reduce inflammation and support brain health. They can also help moderate responses to stress, improving focus and trainability.

🌿 Chamomile & Valerian Root

Used for centuries to calm nerves, these herbs are gentle natural relaxants that can help reduce anxiety.

🍗 High-Quality Animal Protein

Essential amino acids like tryptophan (found in turkey and chicken) are building blocks for serotonin—the “happy hormone.”

🥕 Complex Carbohydrates (Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Brown Rice)

Slow-release energy from complex carbs prevents sugar crashes that can lead to erratic energy or overexcitement.

🦠 Probiotics & Prebiotics

A healthy gut microbiome supports balanced mood and reduces anxiety-related behaviours.

Common Food Triggers for Excitable or Anxious Dogs

• Artificial colours and flavours – often found in lower-grade kibble and treats; they can affect mood and hyperactivity.
• High sugar or simple carbs – spike energy and lead to restlessness.
• Low-quality proteins lack the right amino acid balance for healthy neurotransmitter function.

If your dog seems “off,” it’s worth reviewing their diet with your vet or a canine nutrition expert.

Behavioural Benefits of Feeding Real, Whole Foods

When you feed a natural, balanced diet made with real ingredients, you’re doing more than keeping your dog physically healthy; you’re supporting mental wellness, too. Dogs fed a stable, nutrient-dense diet tend to:

• Maintain calmer, steadier energy levels
• Respond better to training
• Sleep more soundly
• Exhibit fewer anxiety-driven behaviours (like chewing or pacing)

In short, food doesn’t just fuel their body; it shapes their behaviour.

The Real Dog Food Philosophy

At Real Dog Food, we believe a calm, happy dog starts with what’s in the bowl. Our recipes are made from real, whole ingredients—no artificial nasties, no fillers—just the right balance of proteins, vegetables, and natural fats to support both body and mind.

Whether your dog’s challenge is excitement, nervous energy, or just finding focus, real food makes a real difference.

Final Word

You can’t train calm into a dog that’s wired from the inside out—but you can nourish calmness. By choosing real, balanced ingredients that stabilise blood sugar, support gut health, and feed the brain, you’re giving your dog the best possible foundation for good behaviour and emotional wellbeing.

Because a healthy dog isn’t just one who eats well, it feels good, too. 🐾