5 best food options to reduce stress & anxiety in dog

Some pets show signs of stress in subtle or very obvious ways. Here are a few signs in dogs, prompting anxiety issues:

• Excessive yawning
• Panting excessively when at rest
• Whimpering or crying
• Destroying furniture, curtains, etc
• Aggressive behavior
• Excessive licking
• Avoiding eye contact/averting the eyes
• Raised hair on the back of the neck
• Flattened ears
• Low body posture
• Tail tucked between hind legs

There are many holistic approaches, along with behavioral modifications, that can be considered to help your pet cope with their anxiety issues. Some natural healthy foods and that can help a stressed dog combat and prevent anxiety are below:

Sweet Potatoes:

Sweet potatoes is one of the superfoods, packed with full of vitamins and minerals. They also offer complex carbohydrates which help regulate blood sugar levels. Fluctuations in blood sugar can be controlled, which can make your dog feel anxious. These super veggies are also a great source of fiber, which helps maintain a healthy GI tract, which is necessary for optimal health and reducing anxiety.

Spinach:

Spinach can be a sensible addition to your dog's diet because of the higher concentration of magnesium, along with several other minerals and vitamins. Magnesium is required for many enzymatic processes in the body. It also balances neurotransmitters, that help reduce anxiety. Make sure you are only using organic spinach, because they may be heavily sprayed with pesticides, which may cause more harm than good.

Whole brown rice:

Fiber rich complex carbohydrates slow down the rate of digestion and improves the absorption of tryptophan. A healthy level of tryptophan will help the production of serotonin, which is considered as nature’s very own antidepressant.

Almonds:

Almonds are naturally a great source of vitamin E, B vitamins, magnesium and zinc. Magnesium is responsible for healthy nervous system function and the production of “happy” chemicals in the brain. This will make your dog become more resilient during times of stress. Whole almonds or even almond butter is a great way to adjunct your dog’s diet.

Eggs:

Eggs are one of the few complete food sources. They have almost everything in them!  Eggs are also higher in zinc, which helps with the immune system and reduces anxiety. Some dogs may be susceptible to eggs, so if you feel like they’re reacting (loose stool, itchy skin), then limit this food and work with a veterinarian to figure out why your pet is having a reaction.