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Effect of Diet on Behaviour (view source)

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→‎Behavioural Problems Related to Diet and Their Diagnosis

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Fatty acids such as DHA form part of the modified diets and dietary supplements that are used to treat canine and feline cognitive dysfunction<ref>Heath, S.E., Barabas, S., Craze, P.G., (2007) Nutritional supplementation in cases of canine cognitive dysfunction—A clinical trial

Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 105. 284–296.</ref>

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~~==Behavioural Problems Related to Diet and Their Diagnosis==~~

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If it is thought that diet may be a contributing factor to behavioural problems the theory should be tested by trial and exclusion. The new diet, potentially with lower protein levels should be fed for a 1-2 weeks, taking note of any differences in behaviour and then returning the animal to the initial diet to see if behaviours which ceased or became reduced during the trial period return. Before implementing a trial diet a careful clinical examination should be performed and blood and urine samples should be taken to ensure these are normal. If a homemade diet is going to be used for the trial period, this should consist of the same amount of meat and carbohydrate, one part of each and the same quantity should be fed as of the diet it is replacing. No supplements or treats or other types of food should be fed during the trial. Alternatives to a homemade diet include using prescription diets which are already low in protein, for example a canned renal diet. It is also important to consider the difference between diets which contain additives and preservatives - dry foods, and those which don't - canned foods or homemade diets and whether this is also an influencing factor on behaviour.

==Control of Diet Associated Behavioural Problems==

Jon Bowen

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