The Missing Link Between Behaviour and Nutrition
The Missing Link Between Behaviour and Nutrition
By Jo Middleton, Director of Studies, Canine Principles
When our dogs struggle with behaviour or emotional challenges, our first instinct is often to seek training advice or make changes to their environment. But there’s a quieter factor that can have a profound impact on how a dog feels and functions: nutrition.
Just like us, dogs are complex beings whose brains, bodies and emotions are deeply influenced by what they eat. Nutritional imbalances or poor-quality ingredients can quietly shape behaviour in ways that are easy to miss. A dog who seems restless, easily frustrated, or slow to settle might not just be "high energy" or "stubborn" - they could be feeling the effects of a diet that isn’t meeting their full needs.
We now understand that the gut and the brain are deeply connected. Nutrients affect everything from serotonin production to inflammation, energy levels to impulse control. When a dog’s body isn’t getting what it needs to function smoothly, it can show up as reactivity, anxiety, low motivation, or even reduced curiosity and resilience. In short, behaviour and nutrition are not separate conversations.
One of the most overlooked areas in this conversation is treats. We might put great care into choosing our dog’s main food, but treats can make up a surprising portion of their daily intake - especially for young dogs, those in training, or dogs with smaller appetites. Many commercial treats are packed with fillers, artificial colours, preservatives, or added sugars. These ingredients can spike energy, upset digestion, and add unnecessary stress to the body’s systems.
Treats don’t just reinforce behaviour; they feed the brain and body. Choosing natural, species-appropriate treats like It’s The Dogs, means that you are looking at the full picture rather than just part of it. When treats are made with transparency and integrity, they become more than rewards - they become tools for care.
Taking a holistic approach to nutrition means looking at everything our dogs consume as part of their wellbeing. It’s not about perfection or sudden overhauls. It’s about the little things, like reading ingredients, choosing treats with recognisable whole foods, or reducing artificial additives - can make a genuine difference.
The truth is, behaviour is never just a matter of "training." It's a window into how a dog is feeling inside. By supporting their nutritional health alongside their emotional and cognitive needs, we give our dogs the best chance to thrive in every sense.
At Canine Principles, we offer trusted, flexible online courses for people who love dogs and want to understand them better — whether you’re a dog owner, trainer, behaviourist or vet nurse, we’re here to support you.
What we offer:
80+ CPD-accredited courses & workshops
Topics like dog behaviour, body language, reactivity & more
Ofqual-regulated qualifications in behaviour and care
Resources for professionals and passionate dog owners
We believe in kind, force-free training and helping dogs thrive through compassionate, science-based education.
We’re thrilled to be partnering with It’s the Dogs to reach even more of you who love and care for your dogs as much as we do.
To celebrate, enjoy 15% off all our courses with code: ITSTHEDOGS15
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