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!

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!

Your Dog is the Perfect At-Home Coworker

If you’re one of the many people who work from home, you know how special it is to have your dog by your side while you complete your daily tasks. Although occasionally distracting, dogs are great coworkers: They offer you a source of comfort and support when you’re stressed, they encourage you to take regular breaks away from your desk, and they never have an issue with what you have for lunch. Your dog appreciates your constant companionship, too! You know they’d never pass up the opportunity to spend more time with you (and all those extra belly rubs are an excellent bonus). 

But many companies are starting to encourage their employees to return to the office. This can be a difficult transition for you and your dog alike–you’ll both need to get used to new routines and a change in surroundings. If you’ve been called back to the office, it’s important that you help your dog adjust to the situation as much as possible. 

Dogs Thrive on Routines

Dogs are at their best when they’re able to follow a consistent routine. Giving them set times to eat, walk, play, and sleep helps them to be at their best behavior; they gain a great deal of calmness and confidence in themselves when they’re able to regularly practice daily tasks and commands. 

When you no longer work from home, you’re creating a huge change in your dog’s regular routine. Keep reading to learn five great techniques you can use to help make the transition much less stressful for your dog. 

Gradually Increase the Amount of Time You Spend Out of the House

If you suddenly switch from staying at home 24/7 to being gone for more than eight hours a day, there’s a good chance your dog will struggle and even experience some form of separation anxiety. If it’s possible, take a couple of weeks before your official back-to-the-office date and gradually increase the amount of time you spend away from home and your dog. 

As you go through this process, make sure you establish patterns that you’ll be carrying out before you leave and after you return from work. For example, start each morning by taking your dog for a walk and feeding them breakfast at a specific time; when you return, you can dedicate a few minutes to playing with their favorite toy or spending some time in the backyard. Whatever routine you choose, just be sure it’s as consistent as possible.

Give Your Dog as Much Exercise as Possible

Going for a long walk first thing in the morning, or before your shift begins, is a great way to tire your dog out so they’ll have the opportunity to sleep through your absence. All exercise can help boost your dog’s endorphins and increase their sense of independence. Furthermore, exercising together–whether you go on a trail run or play Frisbee in the backyard–is the perfect way to bond with your dog and let them know just how much you care about them. They’ll be at ease when you leave for the day, knowing that they’ll get to enjoy another great play session as soon as you return. 

Create a Safe Space for Your Dog

By now, your dog should have at least one safe, comfortable space to call their own in your home. If you’ve been working from home for some time, one of their safe spaces is probably somewhere in your office–I know I have a dog bed ready in the corner of my own home office. When you’re away from your dog for longer periods of time, they’ll need some extra comfort and reassurance, so be sure to put a piece of clothing or a stuffed animal that smells like you somewhere they can easily access it. 

Crate training can be extremely helpful in situations like these. Not only does a crate offer your dog a safe and comfortable place in which to retreat, but it can also help protect your home from any damage that could be caused by anxious and destructive behavior. Some dogs tend to chew or scratch when they’re home alone to help soothe the anxiety they’re experiencing. Crating is a great solution to this issue, but if you do decide to crate your dog while you’re away, it’s crucial that you ensure they have access to food, water, and a place or opportunity to potty.

Desensitize Your Dog to the Cues That Indicate You’re Leaving

Do you ever get the feeling that your dog can tell when you’re about to leave? Well, they can! Your dog can associate cues like putting on shoes or packing a backpack with you leaving the house. Some dogs can even determine if you’ll be away for a long time based on what your routine is before you leave. 

To help combat the nervousness your dog may experience when you take these actions, go through your leaving routine without actually leaving. For instance, if you put on your shoes and grab a backpack but don’t leave the house, you’ll weaken your dog’s association of these actions with you leaving the house. When you actually do leave, they won’t be starting the day with anxiety through the roof. 

Give Your Dog Puzzle Toys

Offering your dog mental stimulation is a great way to keep them distracted and wear them out. Whether you give them a Kong stuffed with treats or a puzzle filled with hidden goodies, they’ll be so focused on getting those tasty morsels that they won’t be as prone to anxiety. 

A word of caution before you go this route: you should never leave your dog unsupervised with a toy they could choke on. Make sure you do a trial run with your toys before you set them out to entertain your dog; and if you know your dog to be a chewer, it may be best to avoid giving them such toys while you’re not at home. A soft snuffle mat would be a great choice as it doesn’t have small parts that could be hazardous to your pup. 

Above All, Be Patient With Your Dog

Just as it will take you some time to adjust to your new routine, it will also take some time to adjust to being away from you for longer periods. Transitions are never easy, so be patient with your dog and offer them plenty of high-reward treats for good behavior. Pawsitively Pure offers delicious, healthy dog treats for dogs of every age and life stage. Browse our online store or send us a message to learn more!

Curiosity Gave the Dog an Upset Stomach

Dogs are naturally curious creatures. With their incredible sense of smell and innate thirst for adventure, all dogs occasionally find themselves digging up a bit of trouble. We’re guessing you’ve had to tell your dog to “drop it” at least once during your companionship. While some dogs quickly learn their lesson after destroying only one pair of shoes, other dogs may continue this behavior well into adulthood. 

It may be hard for us to understand this kind of behavior. Socks and rocks can’t really be that tasty, can they? But if you notice your dog ingesting items beyond their food bowls, it’s critical that you do some research and work on ending this behavior as soon as possible. Chewing and eating non-food items–other than dog-friendly toys and chew bones, of course–is more than just a nuisance for you; it can also be a harmful behavior with lasting consequences for them. 

Why Do Dogs Eat Inedible Objects?

To put an end to this troublesome behavior, it’s important that we understand where it comes from. There are a number of different reasons why your dog may want to eat non-food items. 

Nutritional Deficit

If you notice that your dog likes to munch on grass or dirt more than anything else, this may be an indication that their diet is lacking in key nutrients. Grass and dirt actually include nutrients that help aid and stimulate your dog’s digestion. You may have seen your dog munching on a mouthful of grass before vomiting; this is fairly normal behavior. When the grass and dirt eating is compulsive or consistent, however, you should talk to your veterinarian to discuss your dog’s nutritional needs.

Boredom

Destructive behavior in dogs can often be linked to boredom. Many dogs will engage in anything from rambunctious roughhousing to chewing up our clothes and furniture when they’re not physically and mentally stimulated. If your dog doesn’t get enough exercise–both mental and physical–they may try to release their pent-up energy in negative ways. 

Desire for Attention

For some dogs, any attention is desirable, even negative attention. When you notice your dog chewing on something off-limits, your first move is probably to scold them. However this may lead some dogs to double down on negative behavior so they can continue to get your attention, even if it’s to tell them no. 

Medical Issue

Unfortunately, eating non-food items can occasionally be a telltale sign of a digestive issue, parasite, or other medical issue. Consult your veterinarian if you notice this behavior, especially if it came on suddenly.

How to Correct This Negative Behavior

To choose the proper course of action to correct this behavior, you need to understand why they’re engaging in it in the first place. Start keeping a journal detailing the instances when you notice your dog eating non-food items. Be sure to keep notes about whether they’ve eaten their regular meal, what it is they’re consuming, and any additional stimuli or notable behaviors that accompany the instance. Then, you (maybe with the help of your veterinarian) can start getting your dog back on the right track. The following are just a few corrections that may help:

• Ensure your dog regularly gets exercise and mental stimulation. The amount of exercise your dog needs depends on their breed, age, weight, and so on. As a general rule, most dogs need about an hour of exercise a day, with active working breeds requiring much more than that. You should also keep a few puzzle toys on hand for your dog to get some brain training in.

• Get your dog the appropriate toys for heavy chewing. If your dog tends to tear up and consume their toys during play time, ensure you only provide them with toys designed to stand up to heavy chewing. Even the most durable toys can still get torn up with time, so keep a close eye on your dog while they play and dispose of the toy properly as soon as it starts to fall apart. 

• Dog-proof your home. If your dog has a propensity for eating your clothes/shoes/other such objects, remove their access to these objects as much as possible. Set up baby gates as needed. Get trash cans that have lids that firmly close. Put snap locks on your cabinets and drawers where necessary. 

• Try a corrective spray. There are sprays formulated with cayenne pepper or bitter apple that are designed to discourage your dog from chewing. Many dogs get a mouthful of the bad flavor and won’t be tempted to try chewing that object again. 

• Get proper veterinary attention. Discuss your dog’s behavior with your veterinarian and ask them to run appropriate tests to determine if your dog is suffering with a parasite or illness. Be upfront with your vet about the diet you feed your dog so they can determine if you need to add additional nutrients to their diet. 

Pica, or the consumption of non-food items, can seem like a tricky issue to tackle. But with keen observation and veterinary advice, you should be able to improve your dog’s diet and ensure they are only consuming the freshest and healthiest food and treats. 

We Love Our Weekend Farmers Markets

Every weekend, we set up our tents at three of the most wonderful farmers markets in Central Florida. For us, these market weekends are a treat: we get to be outside in beautiful park settings, meet new people, and offer tasty treat samples to the happy pups that join their parents. We’re lucky to have so many great dog-friendly events in Orlando, and we know that you dog moms and dads feel the same!

As responsible pet parents, it’s important to make sure your dogs are on their best behavior at the farmers’ market to ensure a fun time for all attendees. Here are just a few guidelines to keep in mind before you bring your dogs to the Winter Park, Lake Mary, or Maitland Farmers Markets to stop by our booth.

Be Realistic About Your Dog’s Temperament

A bustling farmers’ market can be a high-stress environment for any dog. There are so many new sights, smells, people, and other dogs to encounter. While we know you want your dog to be included in all the fun, it’s so important to be realistic about your dog’s temperament and manners. Putting your dog in a situation where they’re unable to make the proper responses to a variety of situations can be dangerous for you and for those around you.

At a minimum, make sure your dog is comfortable around strangers, other dogs, and children. Your dog should also know commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “down.” As always, be sure you bring along some high-value treats to reward them for good behavior in new situations.

Make Sure Your Dog’s ID is Visible

The goal in bringing your dog to the farmers’ market with you is to have a great time, not to put them under stress! However, even the best-trained dog may become overwhelmed in a new situation. What’s more, there’s always the possibility that you lose control of the leash when you have a handful of shopping bags. Whatever the situation, you want to make sure that your dog is easily identifiable in case of emergency.

If you don’t already have an ID tag on your dog’s harness or collar, you should get one now. You can also get your dog’s information embroidered on their harness or collar so you can make sure it stays with them at all times. Additionally, if your dog is not already microchipped, now is the time to do it. 

Get the Right Gear

You’ve obviously taken your dog on a walk before, so we’re sure you have a good leash and a collar or harness that fits your dog comfortably and securely. The farmers’ market is not a place to go off-leash, so this equipment is non-negotiable for your outing. We strongly recommend using a standard, non-retractable leash when you’re bringing your dog to high-stress and high-excitement situations like a market. Remember: not everyone at the farmers’ market is there to see dogs, and some vendors (especially food vendors) may not want dogs near their merchandise. To keep everyone comfortable, keep the leash short and make sure your dog doesn’t stray. 

Bring Water and Snacks

Here in Florida, we experience hot daytime temperatures well through the month of October and beyond. Your dog will dehydrate quickly in these conditions, so you need to make sure you have a source of fresh water and a vessel for them to drink from. Additionally, you may want to offer them a few healthy snacks to keep them satiated while you’re away from home. Of course, you’ll want to make sure you have poop bags on hand to clean up any accidents and keep the market looking beautiful.

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

It’s important to make sure you keep an eye on anyone who may be approaching your dog - dogs and children alike. While we always hope that people are responsible enough to ask permission before they pet your dog, not everyone knows these rules, and young children are likely to pet a cute puppy at their whim. If you notice someone approaching, put yourself between them and your dog and clearly state what kind of contact your dog is comfortable with, if any. You never want to put yourself or your dog in a position to be a liability.

Responsible Pet Ownership is Good for Everyone

When you follow these common-sense guidelines, you’re making sure that dog-friendly events are safe and fun for everyone. Farmers markets are great places for your dogs to socialize and explore. They’re also the perfect place for your dog to sample some of our tasty, healthy treats! To learn more, send us a message on Facebook or visit our online shop to order your dogs’ favorite food, treats, and bone broth.