Modern canine lifestyles, shaped by urban living and human behavioral patterns, can expose dogs to heightened stress and anxiety. This study published in The Veterinary Record examined how diet could influence neuroendocrine and oxidative stress parameters in dogs diagnosed with behavioral disorders related to chronic anxiety.
Sixty-nine dogs of various breeds (38 males and 31 females) were randomly assigned to receive either a standard control diet or a nutraceutical-enriched diet for 45 days. The nutraceutical diet contained compounds designed to support neurochemical stability and antioxidant defense.
At the end of the trial, dogs on the nutraceutical diet exhibited significant biochemical changes associated with improved emotional balance. Serotonin, dopamine, and β-endorphins levels increased, while cortisol and noradrenaline levels decreased—markers of reduced stress and improved mood regulation. Additionally, derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (dROMs), indicators of oxidative stress, declined significantly, whereas biological antioxidant potential remained stable.
The findings confirm that diet can play a meaningful role in regulating neuroendocrine activity in dogs. By modulating neurotransmitters linked to anxiety and well-being, a targeted nutraceutical diet may complement behavioral therapies and enhance welfare outcomes for dogs suffering from chronic stress.
This research highlights a growing intersection between veterinary nutrition, behavior, and neurobiology, encouraging further studies into functional dietary interventions for emotional disorders in companion animals.
Source: Sechi, S., Cerbo, A., Canello, S., Guidetti, G., Chiavolelli, F., Fiore, F., & Cocco, R. (2016). Effects in dogs with behavioural disorders of a commercial nutraceutical diet on stress and neuroendocrine parameters. The Veterinary Record, 180, 18–18. Published November 24, 2016.
