How Diet Affects Your Dog’s Mood and Behavior

Ever notice how you feel sluggish after a fast-food meal but energized after a balanced, nutritious meal? The same applies to your dog! Nutrition plays a crucial role in canine behavior, affecting everything from energy levels and focus to anxiety and aggression. A diet filled with low-quality ingredients can lead to hyperactivity, digestive discomfort, or mood swings, while a well-balanced, natural diet supports emotional stability and overall well-being.

In this blog, we’ll explore how different nutrients (or the lack of them) impact behavior, which ingredients to avoid, and how feeding your dog a high-quality, small-batch diet can promote better mood, focus, and calmness.

The Link Between Diet and Canine Behavior

Just like humans, dogs need a balanced intake of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, along with essential vitamins and minerals. When these needs aren’t met, behavioral issues can arise.

• Nutritional Deficiencies and Behavioral Changes:

  • Lack of B vitamins (especially B1, B6, and B12) can contribute to irritability and anxiety.

  • Deficiencies in magnesium and zinc are linked to restlessness and hyperactivity.

  • Low omega-3 intake can lead to poor cognitive function, making training more difficult.

  Blood Sugar Fluctuations and Hyperactivity:

• Diets high in processed grains and artificial fillers can cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar, leading to sudden bursts of hyperactivity followed by lethargy or moodiness.

• A protein-rich diet with slow-digesting carbohydrates (like sweet potatoes or pumpkin) can help stabilize energy levels.

• Gut Health and the “Gut-Brain Connection”:

• The gut is often called the "second brain" because of its direct influence on mood and stress responses.

• Poor digestion or an imbalance of gut bacteria (from low-quality food) can contribute to anxiety and irritability.

• Bone broth and probiotic-rich foods support a healthy gut microbiome, promoting calm behavior.

Ingredients That Can Negatively Impact Behavior

Some commercial dog foods contain artificial additives and fillers that may contribute to behavioral issues.

🚫 Ingredients to Avoid:

• Artificial colors & flavors (linked to hyperactivity and food sensitivities).

• Excess sugars & refined carbohydrates (cause energy spikes and crashes).

• Low-quality by-products & fillers (can lead to poor digestion and mood instability).

• Preservatives like BHA and BHT (suspected to have negative effects on the nervous system).

The Role of a Natural Diet in Promoting a Well-Behaved Dog

Switching to a high-quality, natural diet can have profound effects on your dog’s mental and emotional state.

✅ Key Nutrients for a Calmer, Happier Dog:

• High-quality proteins (lean meats, fish, eggs): Support brain function and energy stability.

• Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil, flaxseed, bone broth): Help reduce anxiety and improve focus.

• Complex carbohydrates (sweet potatoes, pumpkin, brown rice): Provide steady energy without blood sugar crashes.

• Probiotics & gut-friendly ingredients (bone broth, yogurt, fermented veggies): Support digestion and mood balance.

• Magnesium & B vitamins (found in leafy greens, fish, and eggs): Aid relaxation and reduce stress-related behavior.

How to Transition to a More Balanced Diet

If your dog has been eating processed kibble with low nutritional value, switching to a natural, small-batch diet can improve their mood and behavior.

Steps for a Smooth Transition:

1. Start Slow: Mix a small portion of the new food with their current food and gradually increase the amount over 7-10 days.

2. Monitor Energy & Behavior: Take note of any positive changes in energy levels, anxiety, or focus.

3. Incorporate Bone Broth & Nutrient-Rich Treats: Use bone broth to support digestion and limited-ingredient treats as training rewards.

Food is More Than Just Fuel—It Shapes Behavior

A well-balanced, natural diet isn’t just about keeping your dog full—it directly influences their energy levels, mood, and overall well-being. By choosing high-quality, whole-food ingredients, pet parents can support a calmer, happier, and more focused pup.

Want to see the difference a natural diet can make? Explore our selection of small-batch, human-grade dog food and treats designed to nourish your dog from the inside out!

Healthy Eating Isn’t Always Easy

Does your dog turn up their nose at a tasty bowl of food sometimes? You’re not alone! Just like kids, dogs can occasionally be picky eaters–and that’s ok. But when you’re trying to start the year off with a healthy diet for your furry friends, food aversions and weird eating habits can make it difficult to meet your dog’s health and wellness goals.

If you’ve known your dog to be a picky eater from the start, you may have found a few workarounds to entice them to chow down at dinner time. But if your dog is just starting to show signs of picky eating, or if your tricks no longer seem to work, it’s time to develop a new plan. Healthy eating is one of the foundations of your dog’s overall wellness: a complete, nutritious diet supports gut health, skin and coat, joints, muscles, and beyond. It’s crucial that you provide your dog with a full spectrum of nutrients even when they’re not in the mood for dinner.

Don’t despair when you encounter picky eating–we’re here to help. Read on to learn more about the root causes of picky eating and some easy ways to encourage your dog to eat healthy.

Identifying the Cause of Picky Eating

Some dogs are just born picky eaters. Others develop negative eating habits over time. The following are a handful of reasons why your dog may not be interested in their dinner.

• Over-treating: Dogs who receive too many treats, or too many high-value treats, during a regular day may not be as interested in their regular diet.

• Dental issues: A sore mouth may leave your dog disinterested in chewing their food, especially if they’re used to eating kibble.

• Food aversion: If your dog has experienced an upset stomach after eating their regular diet, they may associate that food with the negative experience, causing an aversion.

• Stress: Have you ever lost your appetite after a particularly stressful day? The same can happen to your dog! Undue stress and anxiety can leave dogs disinterested in a meal.

• Age: As your dog ages, their appetite will diminish. This is natural, but it’s important to ensure your dog is still getting their recommended nutrients each day.

Sometimes, picky eating habits can be temporary, lasting only a day or two, but if you notice long-term lack of appetite, it’s important to check in with your vet and ensure your dog is in overall good health. 

Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits

If your dog is in good health and is simply disinterested in their food bowl, there’s hope! As a dog parent, there are plenty of methods you can try to encourage your dog to eat properly.

• Establish a regular routine: Dogs thrive on routine! Setting regular mealtimes when your dog can expect a tasty, healthy meal may encourage them to be more interested in their bowls. It can also help ensure that you’re not over-treating them.

• Use positive reinforcement: If your dog finishes their healthy meal, that’s worth rewarding! Offer your dog a treat for leaving a clean bowl and they’ll start to look forward to dinner time.

• Keep it interesting: Just as you probably don’t like eating the same thing day after day, your dog might look forward to some variety in their meals. Try changing up the proteins you offer them. Also, mix in a little bone broth to give them different textures and flavors.

How High-Quality Food Can Help

High-quality, fresh or gently cooked food can whet your dog’s appetite in a way that kibble just can’t. First of all, the way kibble is processed can eliminate a lot of the smells, tastes, and textures that make food so appealing for dogs. With natural foods, your dog gets to dig into a real tasty meal–not just a bowl of boring crunchy nuggets.

Secondly, offering whole proteins gives you more opportunity to offer your dog a variety of flavors and textures. Switch it up between turkey, chicken, and beef to keep your dog interested and excited for dinnertime.

Artificial flavors, fillers, and preservatives just don’t cut it. Just like a wholesome meal is much more delicious than a processed meal, gently cooked food can get even the pickiest of eaters to start drooling.

So, what kind of quality food should you be looking for? Start with a solid foundation, like Pawsitively Pure’s Turkey and Vegetables Dog Food. Gently cooked and packed with the nutrients your dog needs to thrive, this wholesome dinner is great for dogs of all ages and breeds and offers a tasty and healthy alternative to the usual kibble.

Need a little extra enticement? Try our dog-friendly bone broth or limited-ingredient treats to add an extra flavorful punch! In particular, bone broth is great for picky dogs as it allows them to ingest the nutrients they need even when they’re not particularly hungry.  

Say Goodbye to Picky Eating with Natural Dog Food

Picky eating doesn’t have to be an issue forever! When you mix up your dog’s diet and ditch the kibble for nutrient-rich, gently cooked whole food, we have high hopes that your dog will be wagging their tail come dinner time. Be consistent with your training, try a variety of flavors and textures, and be patient–with time and encouragement, your dog will fall into a normal feeding routine. Ready to start your dog’s healthy eating journey? Visit our online shop or send us a message. 

Tasty Treats are Helpful Tools

Think of the last time you got a little treat for yourself. Maybe it was that pair of shoes you’ve been looking at, or maybe it was a slice of chocolate cake–either way, treats for us are often just indulgences. In your dogs’ case, however, treats are so much more than just fun snacks; they’re essential tools for your dog’s training. 

Dog treats come in a variety of types and sizes: some crunchy, some soft, some bite-sized, some long-lasting. No matter what your dog’s favorite flavor is, choosing high-quality treats can make all the difference when it comes to the success of your training program. 

So, how can you use treats to help your dog’s progress?

The Psychology of Positive Reinforcement

As a dog owner, you’re probably familiar with the term “positive reinforcement.” According to the AKC, positive reinforcement uses praise and rewards to encourage desired behaviors. For example, giving your dog a treat for sitting properly encourages that behavior and makes them more likely to do it again in the future. 

Edible treats are among the most effective motivators for dogs. Biologically speaking, the necessity of food has determined many of modern dogs’ drives and behaviors, and thus, receiving food with minimal effort comes across as a huge reward. Once your dogs know that they’ll receive food for repeated good behavior, you’re likely to find that training is a breeze.

Furthermore, rewarding your dog with treats is a great way to build trust between the two of you. Your dog will easily identify you as a provider and a reliable source of healthy snacks; they’ll look forward to training sessions and be eager to continue learning.

Why Healthy Treats Matter

Here at Pawsitively Pure Dog Food, we believe that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. Training your dog can be a lifelong pursuit, with your dog continuing to learn good behaviors year after year. What’s more, you should continue to positively reinforce learned behaviors over time to ensure your dog is still invested in repeating those good habits. That’s why offering your dog healthy treats is so important. 

• Avoid harmful ingredients. Low-quality, mass-produced dog treats often include a number of preservatives and fillers that can cause health problems over time or if treats are offered too frequently. Such health issues can include weight gain, digestive problems, allergies, and beyond. 

• Bring on the good stuff. On the other hand, healthy, all-natural treats not only avoid the negative health effects, but they can also offer a nutritional boost to your dog’s daily diet. After switching to all-natural dog food and treats, many dog owners notice improved skin and coat, higher energy levels, and improved digestion. Ingredients like blueberries and sweet potatoes are both nutrient dense and delicious!

• Don’t forget about portion control. Being mindful of your dog’s treat intake is important in maintaining their weight. If your training schedule is intensive, it’s a good idea to break treats into smaller pieces to make bite-sized rewards for correct behavior. 

Choosing the Right Treats for Your Training Sessions

When it comes down to it, the right treat for your dog is a matter of taste. Soft, chewy treats are easy for dogs to consume while they’re busy with a new task, but some dogs prefer the crunch of a chicken crisp or a biscuit. It can be a good idea to have a couple different treats on hand to keep your dog from getting bored and losing interest when it’s time for training and rewards. Experiment with different ingredients, textures, and flavors to find out what makes your dog’s tail wag the hardest. 

Now is the perfect time to stock up on some new, healthy treats to help make your dog’s training sessions a breeze. Selecting a treat that’s low on fillers and high on nutritional value not only makes training fun, but also provides your dog with critical nutrients and improves their overall quality of life. Pawsitively Pure Dog Food offers all-natural, soft biscuits and all-meat, crunchy chicken crisps so your dogs have a variety of tasty treats to choose from. Head over to our shop to order yours today.

Who Rescued Whom?

The decision to adopt a dog is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your lifetime. After all, you’re expanding your family and welcoming a new member to your pack! However, the thought of adopting a rescue dog may cause some people to hesitate. Many people think that rescue dogs come along with too much damage, from fears to bad behaviors and health issues. Wouldn’t it be easier to just start fresh?

Not at all! Rescue dogs make wonderful companions that offer companionship and unconditional love to their adopted families. You’ll need to prepare your home and your heart equally whether you choose to bring home a rescue dog or buy from a responsible breeder. What’s more, adopting a rescue dog helps give a deserving dog another chance at a happy life!

Why You Should Rescue a Dog

Rescuing a dog can be a rewarding experience for everyone involved. Here are just a few of the reasons why you should rescue your next dog: 

1. You’re saving a life. This one is obvious–it’s an incredible feeling to save a life! Dogs wind up in shelters for myriad reasons, and every dog deserves a chance at a happy, healthy life filled with love. You’ll see in the way your rescue dog “smiles” and wags their tail just how thankful they are that you found them.

2. You’re saving other lives, too. Shelter overpopulation is a serious problem, and animal shelters nationwide are pressed for space to rescue and care for animals in need. By adopting a dog, you’re freeing up a space for another dog that needs help.

3. You’re supporting animal health and protection services. Rescue organizations like Orange County Animal Services do so much for the community at large, offering services like spaying/neutering, microchipping, and beyond. When you adopt from one of these facilities, your money is helping to improve and maintain such programs.

4. You’re gaining a new best friend. Everyone loves love! Your rescue dog will give you just as much love as you give them. What’s not to love about a walking partner, adventure pal, playmate, and snuggle buddy all in one?

How to Make the Right Environment for Your Rescue Dog

Rescue dogs don’t have it easy, and they may be a little skittish at first depending on their histories and how they handled their time at the shelter–which is understandable. If your rescue seems a little nervous or reluctant at first, don’t worry. The commonly cited “3-3-3” rule says that rescue dogs tend to take 3 days to acclimate to their surroundings, 3 weeks to train and learn expectations, and 3 months to embrace routines and increase exposure to new places. Help ease the transition with a few easy preparation tips.

Understand your rescue dog’s background

It’s a great idea to get as much information as you can about your rescue dog from the shelter you’re adopting them from. Learn about their past experiences, potential phobias, health issues, and so on so that you can better understand their current behavioral quirks. 

Be sure to brush up on the common signs of fear and aggression in dogs. It’s important to understand what your new dog is trying to communicate with you through its body language and barking. Always be patient when you’re getting to know each other–if your dog could speak human languages, it would probably make things easier!

Make your home a safe space

Every dog should have a safe, quiet space where they can go when they feel overwhelmed or overstimulated. Crate training is a great way to establish such a space while also being an effective training tool. Don’t forget to add plenty of comfortable blankets, cushions, and toys depending on their preferences. 

Consistency can also help your dog feel safe and secure. Establish a routine as soon as possible; regular walking, feeding, playtime, and quiet time will give your dog a sense of belonging and stability.

Bond with your dog

You and your dog will ease into your relationship–don’t try to rush it at first! Be gentle, patient, and use lots of positive reinforcement to let them know they’re in a safe space. Giving your dog healthy, high-value treats will ensure they look forward to spending time with you.

Training is an excellent bonding activity as it establishes clear communication between you and your canine friend. By giving them clear commands, they’ll learn to read you better and be more confident in their interactions with you. 

And of course, give your dog lots of opportunities for play and both physical and mental exercise. Exercise and mental stimulation help keep your dog healthy, give them the chance to burn off extra energy, and they’re lots of fun!

Consult with your veterinarian

The professionals are here to help you successfully integrate your new dog into your family. You should establish your new dog with your veterinarian as soon as possible to ensure they’re up to date on vaccinations and any health issues are properly managed. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about behavior, acclimation, training, and whatever else is on your mind. 

Plenty of reputable dog training classes are available around Central Florida. Your veterinarian may even be able to give you a trusted recommendation of their own.

The Right Rescue Dog is Waiting For You

The most important thing to keep in mind when you bring home a rescue dog: patience. Your rescue dog has been through a lot; give them patience and be gentle as they get used to their new surroundings and learn how to fit in with your family. 

Make training fun and exciting with all-natural treats, like Pawsitively Pure’s Blueberry and Oat treats or Chicken Crisps. Head over to our online store to shop now!

Make a Splash With Your Furry Friends

The heat is on and summer is officially here in Central Florida, giving us the perfect opportunity to enjoy some fun in the sun with our dogs. There’s nothing better than letting your pup get their paws wet in the pool, at the beach, or wherever you like to swim and play. But before you dive in headfirst, it’s important to understand the risks and safety considerations involved with letting your dog play in any body of water. 

When you have an effective safety protocol at the ready and approach water play time with the proper preparation, you and your dog can have lots of fun while getting in some great exercise time. Keep reading to learn a few simple yet important tips to help keep your dog happy and healthy.

Water Safety for Any Canine Swim Session

While swimming may be fun for lots of dogs, it also comes with a unique set of risks. The following are a few tips to keep in mind before you start doggy paddling.

Teach your dog the basics of swimming

First and foremost: never put your dog in a body of water without proper training and introductions. Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs are born swimmers, and many need at least a few chances to get acclimated to the water before they start swimming in earnest. 

If you have a pool at home, start by letting your dog stand on the steps in the shallow end. You should always start off in the shallow end so it’s easy for your dog to get out if they panic or decide they don’t want to swim. Never force your dog to do more than they’re comfortable with. 

Additionally, there are many professional dog swim classes available to pet parents who want their dogs to have the best training possible. Our friends at Dip’n Dogs offer swim lessons for beginners, as well as hydrotherapy and fitness classes for dogs of all skill levels. 

Whether or not you want to make swimming a regular activity for your dog, it’s a great idea to give them lessons if you have a pool at home. Giving your dog confidence in the water can help save their life in an emergency!

Ensure water conditions are safe

Not all bodies of water are safe for swimming in. Lakes and ponds, in particular, can be home to deadly bacteria that can quickly cause your dog to fall ill or worse. Strong ocean tides can easily overwhelm even the most confident of swimmers, and consuming an excessive amount of saltwater can cause serious health issues in dogs. Always double check the water conditions before you set your play date.

Never leave your dog unattended

No matter how experienced your dog is with swimming, don’t leave them unattended while they play. Make sure you’re close by and free from distractions as you monitor your dog’s behavior and actions in the water. If possible, swim by their side–it’s a great bonding activity and also ensures you’re nearby to help if the need arises.

Plan for breaks

It can be easy to lose track of time when we’re having fun, but it’s important to let your dog take regular breaks during play time. They’ll need to be able to comfortably relieve themselves from time to time. Additionally, swimming expends more energy than the usual activities of running and walking, so they’ll probably get tired more quickly than you expect. 

Always have fresh water nearby

Don’t drink the pool water (or the ocean water, or the river water)! After expending all that energy, your dog is going to need to refuel and refresh with a drink of water. Your dog may be tempted to drink the water around them when they’re thirsty, but of course, that’s not healthy. Be sure to set out a bowl of fresh, cool water in an easily accessible area for your dog to rehydrate.

Teach your dog how to enter and exit the water

Knowing how to safely enter and exit the pool, ocean, or lake is just as important as knowing how to swim. In a pool, you should familiarize your dog with using the stairs. At the beach, make sure there are no rocky drops past the shoreline, and ensure the surf isn’t too rough before you allow your dog to make their way into the water. In other bodies of water, like rivers and lakes, make sure your dog has a slope or a sturdy foothold where they can easily exit as needed. 

Always clean up afterwards

Don’t let that water sit on your dog’s skin and fur after your swim session is over. Chlorine in pools can irritate and dry the skin and fur. Natural bodies of water can have toxins and microorganisms that want to cling to your dog. Always be sure to rinse and thoroughly wash and dry your dog after you’re done swimming. Use a gentle shampoo and be sure to clean around ears and folds!

Why Swimming is a Great Activity for Your Dog

When you’re safe and prepared, swimming is an excellent physical activity for dogs of all ages. It’s truly a full-body workout, more than playing fetch or jogging, and is great for the respiratory and circulatory systems. It’s a great exercise option for elderly and overweight dogs since it’s low impact and offers some additional buoyancy. Another benefit for elderly dogs is that cool water can be therapeutic on sore, arthritic joints. Overall, it’s one of our favorite ways to give our dogs some quality play time, and it’s even more fun when we can enjoy it together!

Keep High-Value Treats on Hand for Swim Training

Getting your dog comfortable and confident in their swimming abilities can take some time. Be sure to offer your dog some high-value treats for being brave and learning new skills! Our all-natural chicken crisps are the perfect reward for a hardworking dog. Visit our online store or stop by our booth at the Lake Mary, Winter Park, and Maitland Farmers Markets almost every weekend!