Protein affecting behavior?

[Tink]

I feed Luke Royal Canin Natural Blend "puppy". He's almost 5 mos old. On occassion I mix a wet food (Neuro 95% meat from Old Mother Hubbard) just because he LOVES it and yes, I do like to see him excited. But I have noticed that on the day he eats the mix he gets crazy, and I do mean CRAZY! he is almost aggressive. He plays way too rough, then starts ignoring commands, then it escalates to his jumping at me trying to bite my arm/face/leg.. etc. At first I didn't know why he would do this, but then I watched closely and realized that it was only after he had the Neuro.
(yes, he gets no more Neuro) He doesn't have any allergy symptoms to it such as red ears, hives, higher temp, pinker skin on his chest/feet... all the usual allergy/sensitivity symptoms he gets with things.
I was wondering if it could be too much protein? The ingredients are great... and for the most part the same as the Royal Canin, but it's "95% meat". It doesn't seem to matter what type of meat it is. Lamb, chicken, duck. He always gets nuts!
Sheesh, sometimes I feel like I watch him too closely! LOL But... he is my other son.

 

[gmacleod]

Its unlikely to be the meat or the protein per se - or else all raw feeders would have permanently nutty dogs (and we don't ). Dogs are designed to eat a diet consisting largely of meat, and with a much higher protein content then humans. However - that doesn't mean to say its not something else in the neuro. Have you tried any other brands of wet food?

 

[Tink]

Very good point you make about BARF-ers. I hadn't thought of that. I have tried other wet foods. My latest (before neuro) was canidae and he wouldn't eat it. Just sniffed and walked away. Being so food driven I was amazed that he would actually prefer to skip a meal than eat it! This was the only one he would not only eat, but went crazy to get. Just the aroma earned me a woo-woo! I do follow ingredient lists closely, so I have no clue as to what it could be.
He doesn't act like that at all any other time though. As we speak he's chomping a fantastic marrow bone with extra raw beef on it. I do part raw sometimes as a treat too and he doesn't act like that. Hhmmm. I guess since I can't zero in on why, I'll just K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid) and avoid Neuro. Oh well. I did so enjoy the woo woo's.

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

Look at the carbohydrate content and sugars. This could be causing hyperactivity, more so than the protein level. Even the highest levels in puppy foods, usually around 28% is needed to grow muscle and bone, etc. That protein is usually used for that purpose by the body. The daily energy levels are provided by the carb and sugar intake.

 

[0728avila]

It's the protein

Sorry guys, I gotta disagree. It's the protein. When we rope we feed hot (high protein). If you feed hot and don't run your horse, he'll be really jumpy. If you feed too hot, he'll run right past the steer and they're hell to hold on to. Just a change in feed and they'll calm down. Maybe it's the same for dogs. I could be wrong. Just a thought

 

[gmacleod]

Re: It's the protein

Originally posted by 0728avila If you feed hot and don't run your horse, he'll be really jumpy... Maybe it's the same for dogs. I could be wrong. Just a thought

Horses are herbivores, dogs are scavnager carnivores/omnivores - and their dietary needs are quite different. By "feeding hot", I presume you mean oats and other grains? Sorry - mostly carbohydrates, not protein

 

[Debbie Magon]

Tink why dont you just feed more raw meat and less commercial?
Your dog will not only be clamer he will be healthier.

My own dogs show various bad behaviour , not to mention health problems when they have been allowed to eat any type of commercial foods other then the specifically natural ingredients brands.

I avoid the majoritory of processed foods and my dogs never get sick.
Their actvity levels are high but only because they are in peak health and able to offer great stamina.
Dogs do not require a lot of grain in their diets and the bulk of processed foods seems to be grain .

Processed food is no longer in a completely useable state to the dogs system and although dog companies profess they can feed a dog for life, I am yet to believe that any dog given the opportunity would eat man made pet food over his natural diet.

 

[Tink]

Dan, I have thought of it being sugars, however he doesn't react like this on days when he has had (too) many cookies/treats and they have a higher carb/sugar level than the Neuro or his regular food. This is why I thought it may be the protein. He energy and exercise level is very high. I am priveleged to be able to be home all day and we are out walking, running, playing and training (mental too) nearly all day.

Debbie, I have given serious thought to raw feeding. Before I got him I looked into it quite a bit. I think I will switch to all raw at some point, however I do want to learn more about it to be able to achieve the best, rounded diet (menu) so he isn't lacking in any vitamins or minerals etc.
At the moment however, I have been consumed more with my son and his health, dietary (digestive) issues, and trying to get it diagnosed. It's overwhelming and some days I don't think I can add more to my plate, no pun intended.
When things settle down with him I'll look into making the switch. I do believe it is a better way to go.


On another note, I flipped thru all my Boxers books last night re-reading all the nutrition/feeding info. In "Living With A Boxer" it said that "Most Boxers thrive on a diet that is relatively low in protein." p.60 Is there some way that I can figure out how much of any one thing is too much, or too low for that matter?
I'm sure I'm hypersensitive to diet now with my son and what he's going thru, but Luke's behavior change is/was very real. (and yes, I do tend to overthink things)

Thankx!