When it comes to raising a happy, well-behaved dog, most people focus on training techniques — teaching commands, reinforcing positive behaviours, and creating structure. But there’s another powerful factor that’s often overlooked: nutrition.
What your dog eats can directly affect how they behave, how well they learn, and how effectively they respond to training. The right diet doesn’t just support physical health — it fuels the brain, regulates mood, and sharpens focus. In contrast, poor nutrition can lead to hyperactivity, irritability, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.
At Next Level, we’ve worked with hundreds of dogs and we’ve seen first-hand how powerful this connection can be. In many cases, improving a dog’s diet transformed their training outcomes long before a formal programme even began.
This article dives deeper into why dog nutrition and training go hand in hand, which nutrients matter most, how to make dietary changes successfully, and how a holistic approach can set the stage for lasting behavioural change.
Table of Contents
Just like humans, dogs are affected by what they eat — not only in terms of physical energy but also mood, stress levels, and cognitive performance. Training a dog with poor nutrition is like asking a tired, unfocused child to do their homework after a sugary snack.
Many common behavioural issues — from excessive excitement to anxiety and aggression — can be linked to diet. Once these issues are addressed through proper nutrition, training becomes smoother, more effective, and more enjoyable for both dog and owner.
Here are some of the most common ways poor nutrition affects behaviour:
Understanding what goes into your dog’s bowl is the first step to unlocking better behaviour. A well-balanced diet supports not just muscles and joints, but neurotransmitters, brain function, and emotional regulation.
1. Protein: The Building Block of Behaviour
Protein is crucial for everything from muscle development to brain chemistry. Amino acids, which make up proteins, help produce key neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine — both associated with calmness, focus, and a stable mood.
2. Healthy Fats: Fuel for the Brain
Fats — particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids — are essential for brain health, energy regulation, and reducing inflammation.
3. Complex Carbohydrates: Stable Energy, Better Focus
Carbohydrates provide the energy your dog needs to learn and play. The type of carbohydrates matters:
4. Vitamins: The Quiet Powerhouses
Even though they’re required in small amounts, vitamins have a big impact:
5. Minerals: The Calming Influencers
6. Hydration: The Forgotten Factor
Even mild dehydration can cause mood changes, lethargy, confusion, or irritability. Always provide fresh, clean water, and consider moisture-rich foods to support hydration.
Once a dog’s diet is balanced, training tends to progress faster and more smoothly. Here’s why:
At Next Level, nutrition is a standard part of our behavioural assessments. Here’s how we typically integrate it:
Step 1: Behavioural & Dietary Assessment
Before we begin training, we discuss the dog’s diet with the owner. This helps us spot red flags, such as cheap high-carb kibble, excess treats, or imbalanced meals.
Step 2: Dietary Adjustments
If we identify dietary contributors to behavioural issues, we recommend:
Step 3: Training Implementation
Once nutrition is improved, training becomes more efficient. Dogs are calmer, more focused, and more responsive to positive reinforcement.
Changing your dog’s diet can bring fantastic results, but it must be done gradually to avoid digestive upset.
Recommended Transition Timeline
During this process:
Selecting the right diet depends on your dog’s age, breed, activity level, and health status.
Consult your vet or a qualified canine nutritionist before making major dietary changes — especially if your dog has allergies, sensitivities, or underlying health issues.
Some dogs are resistant to dietary changes. If your dog is a fussy eater:
As your dog transitions to a better diet, watch for:
If issues persist, consult a vet — it may be the wrong food or an underlying health problem.
Good training isn’t just about obedience classes or reward timing — it’s about supporting the dog as a whole. Nutrition provides the mental clarity, emotional balance, and physical energy needed to learn effectively. Training then builds on that foundation to shape reliable behaviour.
By addressing diet first, you can often shorten training time, reduce frustration, and create a stronger bond with your dog.
Nutrition and dog training are not separate pillars — they are deeply connected. When your dog’s body and brain are nourished, their ability to learn, focus, and adapt increases dramatically. Whether you’re raising a puppy, working with a reactive rescue, or supporting a senior companion, diet is one of the most powerful tools you have to support behaviour.
Start by evaluating what’s in the bowl. From there, every training session becomes more productive and rewarding.
If you’re struggling with behavioural challenges, consider reviewing your dog’s diet before increasing the intensity of training. Sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs begin not with commands — but with nutrition.
© 2025 Next Level Dog Training. All rights reserved.