Zhicong Fan and colleagues (2023), writing in Antioxidants, examined the impact of nutrition on stress management in dogs and cats. Stress in companion animals activates the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic–adrenal medulla (SAM) axis, producing adaptive short-term responses but also leading to oxidative stress when reactive oxygen species overwhelm the body’s defenses.
The review highlights that sustained stress and oxidative imbalance can cause chronic health issues, including cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal problems, immune dysfunction, and abnormal behaviors. Dietary interventions are therefore considered a promising route to mitigate these effects.
Key nutritional strategies discussed include:
• Antioxidants (e.g., vitamins E and C, polyphenols) to counteract oxidative damage.
• Anxiolytic agents such as certain amino acids and herbal extracts to reduce anxiety-related symptoms.
• Probiotics to support gut health and modulate the gut–brain axis, potentially improving emotional balance.
The authors emphasize that while existing evidence is encouraging, much of it comes from rodent or human studies. More controlled trials in dogs and cats are required to establish effective formulations and dosages. Still, integrating nutritional strategies into veterinary practice could complement behavioral and medical interventions, improving both animal welfare and owner satisfaction.
Source: Fan, Z., Bian, Z., Huang, H., Liu, T., Ren, R., Chen, X., Zhang, X., Wang, Y., Deng, B., & Zhang, L. (2023). Dietary Strategies for Relieving Stress in Pet Dogs and Cats. Journal: Antioxidants, Volume 12. Publication Date: 2023-02-21. Authors: Zhicong Fan, Z. Bian, H. Huang, T. Liu, R. Ren, X. Chen, X. Zhang, Y. Wang, B. Deng, L. Zhang.
