Pet Digest

Can Food Make Your Dog Hyper—Just Like It Sometimes Does to Kids? If you’ve ever watched your child get a “sugar high,” then crash into a meltdown, you may wonder: can food have the same effect on dogs? The answer isn’t black and white—but there is evidence that diet can influence canine behavior, energy, and mood. Below is what research says and how you can use that to help your pup stay more balanced. --- 1. The Human “Sugar Rush” vs. the Canine Reality In children, high-sugar or high-carb snacks can trigger rapid blood glucose spikes and hormonal responses, leading to bursts of energy (and sometimes crashes). Dogs’ physiology is different—but there is a plausible pathway for diet to affect behavior: Diet influences neurotransmitter precursors (e.g., tryptophan → serotonin, tyrosine → catecholamines) which influence mood and arousal. (PubMed) Metabolic and gut‑microbiome interactions may influence how nutrients are processed, modulating energy or restlessness. (ScienceDaily) Some add...