Which foods make dogs hyper?
Dave Leannon
2025-10-18 20:37:51
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Food allergies can occasionally manifest in bizarre behaviors and some sensitive dogs may react to artificial additives. It is therefore sensible to review the diet of a dog with behavioral problems and avoid foods that contain the common dietary allergens and/or artificial colourings, flavourings and preservatives. One of the most common pet food myths or misconceptions is that foods high in protein cause hyperactivity in dogs. Hyperactivity in dogs has numerous potential motivators but a link between high levels of good quality, highly digestible protein in a dog’s diet and true hyperactivity has not been proven. Your vet may suggest a lower protein diet – such as Arden Grange light – if your dog has been prescribed a tryptophan supplement. A dog with a particularly voracious appetite may also engage in unwanted behaviors.
Bailey Schuster
2025-10-10 20:35:43
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Too Many Artificial Additives = Hyperactivity & Poor Focus
Many commercial dog foods contain artificial colours, preservatives, and flavour enhancers that can cause hyperactivity and reduce a dog’s ability to concentrate.
Too Much Protein = Hyperactivity & Aggression?
Protein is essential, but the type and amount matter.
Some working breeds may thrive on a high-protein diet, but for pet dogs, too much high-energy protein (like red meat) can sometimes lead to excessive excitability or even aggressive tendencies.
Low-quality dog foods packed with simple carbohydrates (like corn, wheat, and soy) can cause rapid blood sugar spikes and crashes.
This leads to bursts of energy followed by lethargy or irritability—similar to how children react to too much sugar!
Key nutrients that impact behaviour include: Protein – Essential for brain function and muscle growth, but too much of the wrong kind can cause hyperactivity.
Larue Boyer
2025-10-01 02:44:05
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Foods that spike blood sugar can cause bursts of energy. Sugar: Can cause a rapid increase in energy, followed by a crash. Caffeine: Found in chocolate, which is toxic to dogs. Artificial Additives: Such as colours and preservatives. Sugar Sweets, some processed foods Rapid energy spike and crash Caffeine Chocolate, tea, coffee Toxic, can lead to restlessness Artificial Additives Many commercial dog foods Unknown long-term effects
Sheila Cummings
2025-10-01 02:13:26
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Sugar can cause peaks in dog’s blood sugar which can cause hyperactive behaviour.
Some sensitive dogs can also have the same peaking blood sugar reaction from carbohydrates like cereals and grains.
If the pet owner’s adult dog is fed a diet for a puppy for example, then they are likely to be getting too much protein and energy, possibly causing hyperactivity.
The same scenario can be true for senior dogs on an adult diet.
Choosing treats which do not contain sugar and refraining from giving a dog unhealthy human food could reduce this hyperactive behaviour.
Junior Renner
2025-09-30 23:26:10
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This may be what causes spikes of hyperactive energy in your dog.
Carbohydrates are turned into fat so that they can be used for energy.
Low quality protein is harder for your dog to utilize and puts extra strain on the kidneys.
We also advise against feeding foods containing additives and colourants and have seen improvements in behavior.
Many people visit our store and ask for a low protein diet for their dog because they are a little hyper but we have found that feeding a high protein diet calms dogs down.
In recent years we have advised customers against using low protein diets to calm their dog and recommend high quality protein diets.
Alexie Beahan
2025-09-30 23:06:20
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When dogs consume too much energy, they tend to become hyperactive and vocalise excessively, such as barking.
This is often caused by the consumption of foods that are high in fat and protein, as these tend to be more energy-dense.
Poor quality food, overfeeding, chemicals or excess fat and protein can all have a negative impact on your dog's behaviour.
Foods that are high in fat and protein tend to be more energy-dense.
Foods that are low in fat and protein and free from simple sugars and chemical additives such as colourings are also beneficial.
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