Gut health is a complicated topic for both humans and animals. The bacteria, or flora, that live within our digestive tracts have very important roles to play in the overall health of our bodies. As our dog’s diets come under stronger scrutiny, more research is being poured into the effects of foods and nutrients within a dog’s digestive tract. Turns out there is a strong link between gut health and common canine behavioral problems like aggression and anxiety. Studies suggest that microbiomes found in a dog’s gut have a connection to areas in the brain that control mood and behavior. How does gut health affect dog behavior? Processed dog foods are common, and while not wholly bad for your dog, not all brands create their food with quality ingredients and standards. This means some of the processed dog food on the market is high in sugar, calories, carbohydrates, and fats that aren’t necessarily benefiting your dog. In fact, these types of foods can cause lipopolysaccharides, bacterial toxins that already live in your dog’s gut, to be released into the bloodstream. It’s here where they can damage brain cells and functions for developing feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine. When your dog’s ability to produce and stabilize these hormones is compromised, a host of behavioral issues can become apparent through anxiety, fear, depression, and aggression. Can the effects of poor gut health be reversed? Fortunately, adjusting your dog’s diet can reverse the effects of gut health on their behavior. Consider other brands of food or different proteins to help heal your dog’s digestive tract. Switching food will take several weeks to months to see any effects but is well documented to help treat behavioral issues caused by gut health. If you’re already feeding a high-quality food, you may want to review the nutrition label – as too much, or too little protein, can lead to issues depending on the needs of your dog. In addition, adding a pre- or probiotic to your dog’s meal can assist in restoring good bacteria to his gut, further aiding in the healing. As always, any dog exhibiting behavioral issues should see a veterinarian for a thorough physical examination. It’s not a surprise that animals in pain or dealing with an illness behave out of character – so it’s important to eliminate this as a possibility before changing their diet. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to canine nutrition or behavior. Do what is best for your dog and give him the best chance at living a quality life.