Brenda Khan
Dogs can experience anxiety for a variety of reasons, including separation anxiety, fear of loud noises, changes in routine, and new environments. It is important to learn how to calm your dog naturally for their health and happiness. While there are many ways to calm an anxious dog, such as music therapy, exercise, and grooming, one often overlooked factor is their diet. A healthy diet can reduce anxiety in dogs and improve their overall health and lifespan. This can be achieved by feeding your dog foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, such as blueberries, sweet potatoes, turkey, spinach, and beef. In addition, there are pre-made dog foods specifically formulated to reduce anxiety in dogs, such as Nutrience Care Calm & Comfort and Purina Pro Plan Calm & Balanced.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | Brown rice |
| Vitamins | A, C, K, B-6, B-5, B-12, E, D-3 |
| Minerals | Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Copper |
| Amino Acids | Tryptophan |
| Protein | Turkey, Beef |
| Fruits & Vegetables | Blueberries, Sweet Potatoes, Spinach |
| Commercial Food | Nutrience Care Calm & Comfort, Purina Pro Plan Calm & Balanced Dog Food, Royal Canin Canine Calm |
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What You'll Learn
- Blueberries, spinach, and other fruits and vegetables are healthy options to calm dogs
- Turkey, beef, and other meats can calm dogs with their essential amino acids
- Carbohydrates like brown rice and sweet potatoes can slow digestion and calm dogs
- Nutrience Care Calm & Comfort is a dog food brand that helps reduce anxiety
- Purina Pro Plan Calm & Balanced is another dog food brand with targeted nutrition
Blueberries, spinach, and other fruits and vegetables are healthy options to calm dogs
A healthy diet can help reduce feelings of anxiety in dogs and extend their life expectancy. Blueberries, spinach, and other fruits and vegetables are healthy options to calm dogs. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, fibre, phytochemicals, vitamin C, and resveratrol. They help prevent cell damage, build bone strength, and lower blood pressure. Blueberries can be fed to dogs in moderation as a treat, frozen or fresh, and are known to be a safe fruit for canine consumption.
Spinach, a leafy green vegetable, is another healthy option to calm dogs. It is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, K, and E, folic acid, iron, magnesium, antioxidants, and dietary fibre. Spinach also helps prevent cardiovascular issues and cancer. However, spinach is high in oxalic acid, which can block calcium absorption and potentially lead to kidney damage. Thus, it is recommended to feed dogs spinach in small quantities or as an occasional snack.
Other fruits and vegetables that can help calm dogs include bananas, cantaloupe, apples, and sweet potatoes. Bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs, packed with potassium, vitamins, biotin, fibre, and copper. Cantaloupe is loaded with vitamin A, beta carotene, vitamin B-6, vitamin C, fibre, folate, niacin, and potassium. However, it is high in sugar, so it should be fed in moderation. Apples are another fruit option that provides powerful antioxidants and vitamin C but must be given without the seeds, as they contain cyanide. Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins and minerals and can be added to a dog's diet to help reduce stress.
In addition to a healthy diet, regular exercise, a set routine, and mental stimulation are also important for reducing anxiety and promoting calmness in dogs.
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Turkey, beef, and other meats can calm dogs with their essential amino acids
A healthy diet is essential for a dog's life expectancy, reducing the risk of illness, weight issues, and stomach problems. It can also significantly reduce feelings of anxiety. Amino acids are essential components of a dog's diet, as they help build and maintain body tissues and regulate chemical processes in the body. They are the building blocks of protein and are therefore necessary for the synthesis of muscle and tissue. They also play a pivotal role in other metabolic processes in the cells.
Turkey, beef, and other meats are excellent sources of essential amino acids. Turkey, for instance, is a fantastic source of tryptophan, an essential amino acid known to promote calm behavior. It can help reduce anxiety in dogs and is a highly digestible protein that can help dogs build muscle. Chicken breast is the leanest source of chicken, but turkey is a better alternative if you are concerned about consuming too much saturated fat. White meats such as chicken and turkey are particularly rich in essential amino acids and contain less fat and cholesterol than red meat.
Beef is also a top-notch protein source, but the nutritional quality and quantity of saturated fats and amino acids depend on the cut and how the animals are raised. The round and back leg are the leanest cuts of beef, and they are perfect grilled. Lean cuts of beef provide about 31 grams of protein in each 3-ounce serving. Fish is another excellent source of amino acids, with a 3-ounce serving of halibut, tuna, or salmon providing about 22 grams of protein.
In addition to meat, eggs, dairy, beans, nuts, wheat germ, spirulina, soybeans, legumes, grains, and yeast are also good sources of essential amino acids for dogs.
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Carbohydrates like brown rice and sweet potatoes can slow digestion and calm dogs
Carbohydrates are an important part of a dog's diet, and brown rice and sweet potatoes are excellent sources of carbs that can help calm anxious dogs. These foods are rich in fibre, which aids in slowing down digestion, allowing the body to better absorb tryptophan, an essential amino acid that promotes the production of serotonin, a mood-stabilizing neurotransmitter.
Brown rice is a healthy complex carbohydrate that is easy to digest and can help regulate digestion in dogs. It is a good source of dietary fibre, which can help promote healthy bowel movements and reduce the risk of digestive issues. Additionally, brown rice contains essential nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and magnesium, which contribute to overall health and well-being.
Sweet potatoes are another excellent source of carbohydrates for dogs. They are naturally rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body, supporting healthy vision, immune function, and cell growth. Sweet potatoes are also a good source of dietary fibre, promoting healthy digestion and helping to slow down the absorption of glucose, which can help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
By including brown rice and sweet potatoes in their diet, dog owners can help their furry friends feel fuller for longer, reducing hunger pangs and associated anxiety. The slow digestion of these complex carbohydrates ensures a steady release of energy, promoting an overall sense of calm and well-being in anxious dogs.
It is important to note that while brown rice and sweet potatoes can be beneficial for calming dogs, they should be introduced gradually and in appropriate portions as part of a well-balanced diet. Consulting with a veterinarian or a canine nutritionist can help determine the optimal amount and frequency of these foods in a dog's diet, taking into account the dog's breed, size, activity level, and any specific health considerations.
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Nutrience Care Calm & Comfort is a dog food brand that helps reduce anxiety
Anxiety is a common behavioural issue in dogs, affecting all breeds and ages. It can be caused by anything from separation anxiety, fear of loud noises, changes in routine or environment, or even physical issues. Nutrience Care Calm & Comfort is a dog food brand that helps reduce anxiety in dogs of all breeds and life stages. Formulated with moderate amounts of protein, including easy-to-digest whey protein and hydrolyzed casein, it helps reduce overall body stimulation. This dry blend contains amino acids like L-tryptophan and L-tyrosine, which are crucial for serotonin and dopamine production, respectively. Serotonin is a mood-stabilizing neurotransmitter, and low levels can lead to increased fearfulness in dogs. Dopamine is important for attention and focus, making training easier.
Nutrience Care Calm & Comfort also includes Digestiboost, a digestive aid rich in fibres, organic acids, and gut-soothing ingredients like pumpkin, chicory root, turmeric, and ginger. A healthy gut is essential for proper nutrient absorption, and a well-balanced diet can reduce anxiety and promote overall health in dogs. This food is gluten-free and made with wholesome, natural ingredients, ensuring your dog gets a high-quality diet.
Transitioning your dog to Nutrience Care Calm & Comfort should be done gradually. Start by mixing 25% of the new food with 75% of their old food, and slowly adjust the proportions over 5 to 7 days. This brand offers both dry and wet food options, with the latter helping to increase water intake, which is beneficial for dogs prone to tummy troubles when stressed.
In addition to a proper diet, there are other ways to help calm your anxious dog. Regular exercise, a consistent routine, and mental stimulation through puzzle toys and training can reduce anxiety. Music or white noise can provide a soothing environment, and natural supplements or synthetic pheromones like Adaptil® may also be beneficial. Consult your veterinarian for advice on supplements and to rule out any physical causes of anxiety.
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Purina Pro Plan Calm & Balanced is another dog food brand with targeted nutrition
A dog's mental and physical health is of utmost importance for its well-being. Anxiety is a common behavioural issue among dogs, and it can manifest in various ways, such as constant pacing, whining, hiding, or shivering. It is crucial to identify the signs of anxiety and address them to ensure your dog lives a happy and healthy life.
Purina Pro Plan Calm & Balanced is a dog food brand that offers targeted nutrition to support calm behaviour in adult dogs and small-breed adult dogs. This brand provides a holistic nutrition solution with optimized levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA, derived from fish oil. These nutrients are known to promote cognitive health and have a calming effect on dogs when fed daily for an extended period. The formula also includes brain-supporting nutrients like B vitamins, arginine, and antioxidants, as well as live probiotics for digestive support.
The Purina Pro Plan Calm & Balanced Chicken & Rice Calming Dog Dry Food is a popular choice within this brand. It features real chicken as the primary ingredient, ensuring a high-protein content that helps maintain lean muscle and an ideal body condition. The formula is highly digestible and includes a blend of Omega-6 fatty acids and Vitamin A to promote healthy skin and coat. This dry dog food is designed to be complete and balanced, catering to the nutritional needs and taste preferences of adult dogs.
Transitioning to a new dog food brand should be done gradually. It is recommended to start with a proportion of 25% new food and 75% old food, gradually adjusting the proportions over 5 to 7 days. This gradual transition allows your dog's digestive system to adapt and ensures they receive the full benefits of the targeted nutrition offered by Purina Pro Plan Calm & Balanced.
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Frequently asked questions
A healthy diet can help reduce your dog's feelings of anxiety. A good diet for anxious dogs should be packed with vitamins and minerals, and be free from colours, artificial flavours, and preservatives. Nutrients like tryptophan and serotonin are important for mood regulation in dogs, and can be found in foods such as turkey and brown rice.
There are several foods that can help calm an anxious dog. Blueberries are high in fibre and vitamin C, and are full of minerals and antioxidants that can help protect your dog from stress. Sweet potatoes are another food that can help reduce stress in dogs, as they are packed with antioxidants, beta-carotene, fibre, and vitamins B-6 and C.
Turkey is a fantastic source of tryptophan, an essential amino acid that promotes calm behaviour. Skinless, unseasoned turkey with no bones is a highly digestible source of protein that can also help your dog build muscle. Beef is another good option, as it is rich in protein and fatty acids, and contains vitamins B6 and B5, which can help reduce anxiety.
Yes, there are several commercial dog food options specifically formulated for dogs with hyperactivity and anxiety-related behaviours. For example, Nutrience Care Calm & Comfort, and Purina Pro Plan Calm & Balanced.
