As with people, there is a definite relationship between the food a dog receives and subsequent behaviour. The most common problem is that the decision of what a dog eats is affected by the owner's perception of what they like and not necessarily what is best for the dog. Many dog foods are attractive to owners due to the marketing of the brand rather than nutritional content.

Avoid brightly coloured foods, they naturally appeal to us, as primates we are attracted to the colour of ripe fruits. However the colourings and preservatives in feeds such as these are likely to make any dog hyperactive. Natural complete foods are balanced in amino acids, which have a significant influence on the release of serotonin. Serotonin is important for mood stabilisation, serving to reduce anxiety and destructive behaviour. We recommend you feed you dog a ?clean? or as ?natural? food as possible. Make your decision based on raw ingredients then you can be confident that you are giving your dog the best nutritional start.

Choose between a dry kibble and a moist food dependant on your husbandry preferences. It is perfectly acceptable to feed your dog a complete dry kibble as long as plenty of water is available. Palatability of food for dogs is based on odour and not taste as they have one fifth of our taste buds, approximately 1800 to our 9000. So don?t be afraid, just because your dog?s food doesn?t appeal to you it doesn?t mean that your dog will share views!

We recommend natural or organic foods and keep this in mind for treats as well. The best treats are raw vegetables; especially carrots and cooked pieces of meat such as chicken or liver. Cheese is often a real favourite, but should not be given to dogs that are on a dietary restriction. Never feed a dog chocolate or gravy made for human consumption, as these are highly poisonous to them.

Our basic advice is look at the label; do not to let clever marketing affect your dog?s nutritional welfare!

This article has been produced by a Waglife partner, Best Behaviour. For more information visit their website at: www.petdogbehaviour.co.uk

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