Published in Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, this pilot study explored nutritional influences on behavioral problems frequently seen in companion dogs. A total of 48 Iranian domestic dogs were enrolled: 6 without behavioral disorders (control group) and 42 exhibiting at least one disorder including excessive activity, inappropriate elimination, fearfulness, destructiveness, and aggression toward unfamiliar people or dogs.
Dogs received a daily gelatin capsule containing 330 mg EPA and 480 mg DHA, alongside 12–15 mg/kg magnesium citrate and 5 mg/kg zinc sulfate. Behavioral outcomes were assessed through owner questionnaires administered twice before supplementation and twice after, using a 5-point Likert-type scale.
In the control group, no behavioral scores changed significantly, indicating stable baseline behavior. In contrast, dogs with behavioral issues showed significant improvements in:
• Fearfulness (P = .0083)
• Destructiveness (P = .002)
• Inappropriate elimination (P < .001)
No significant changes were observed in excessive activity, aggression toward other dogs, or aggression toward unfamiliar people, suggesting that nutritional supplementation may preferentially support emotional regulation rather than high-arousal or socially complex behaviors.
These findings support the hypothesis that combined omega-3, magnesium, and zinc supplementation can improve select canine behavioral disorders. The authors highlight the need for larger, controlled studies to refine dosage, explore mechanisms, and expand the behavioral domains assessed.
Source: Rahimi Niyyat, M., Azizzadeh, M., & Khoshnegah, J. (2018). Effect of Supplementation With Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Magnesium, and Zinc on Canine Behavioral Disorders: Results of a Pilot Study. Topics in Companion Animal Medicine. Published December 1, 2018.
