Ever wonder why your dog has become more aggressive after eating a piece of meat or high protein dog food? While protein is important for dogs, studies show that some dogs are fed too much protein, causing them to become aggressive. Unless your dog is under a year old, pregnant, nursing, or an actively working dog such as a herding, sled, or hunting dog, a high protein diet is unnecessary and can cause dominance and territorial aggression. While studies have shown that puppies under a year old need a diet with 28% protein content and working dogs require a diet with a protein content of 32%, chances are your dog needs less.
Medical studies have determined that feeding dogs lower protein diets can help curb both dominance and territorial aggression problems. In some studies, besides switching to a lower protein diet, tryptophan was given as a supplement. Additives and fillers have also been shown to have a negative impact on dog aggression. If your dog is displaying aggression consider changing your dog to a lower protein diet, many veterinarians recommend about 18% protein, and choosing premium dog foods with little or no additives and fillers.
Photo credit Brian Ford
With all due respect, I must disagree with what this article suggests. While food may exacerbate a pre-existing condition, the suggestion that a high protein diet can *cause* aggression is simply not backed up by the research. As a canine nutritionist, I must also take exception with the recommended protein amounts. 18% is the MINIMUM amount of protein that a food should contain, as suggested by the AAFCO guidelines. Many recent studies suggest that higher protein levels are actually optimal. The trouble comes in when dogs are fed a diet so high in protein that it starts to tax kidney and liver functions. In my studies, I am yet to come across a food that could be considered “premium…with little or no additives or fillers” that was as low as 18% protein. Every dog is different and different levels of activity, different health issues and other factors should affect your food choices. The use of Tryptophan is a widely controversial topic, in fact some studies have shown an INCREASE in dominance aggression in male mice and the use of Tryptophan has greatly reduced since the late 90s following concerns of toxicity and that continued use could potentially lower seratonin synthesis.
Comment by Kolchak & Felix — June 3, 2010 @ 10:27 pm