Training your dog is a big step for both you and your dog. It can be both rewarding and exhausting depending on your dog’s will. While training has been mostly related to dogs’ temperament, their brain also plays a big role.
Did you know that you can make dog training easier if you feed your dog with brain foods? Yes, brain foods nurture dogs’ brain, thus boosting their cognitive function. This allows them to understand your training instructions easier and faster.
Are you ready to boost your dog’s brain function? Here are the 5 brain foods for easier dog training.
5 Brain Nutrients for Easier Training
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids have a proven record for being one of the healthiest nutrients for brain function. They support and improve cognitive function and development.
The long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, are especially beneficial to the brain health of puppies. According to studies, DHA is essential for the learning and trainability of pups.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, fish oil, ghee, eggs, chia seeds, and olive oil.
- High-quality Proteins
High-quality proteins provide dogs with amino acids which participate in the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Apart from having mood-improving benefits, amino acids are also important for better cognition and memory.
The most common sources of high-quality proteins are meat, fish, chia seeds, and eggs. You can also use yak cheese for dogs since they are rich in high-quality proteins.
- Probiotics
Probiotics are usually related to gut health. That’s why most people don’t know that they are essential for brain health. Why? Because the digestive system and brain are dependent on each other. Namely, gut bacteria produce neurochemicals the brain uses for regulating mental processes such as learning and memory.
You can find probiotics in yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and buttermilk.
- Vitamins
Vitamins are known for being the most essential nutrients for a healthy body. Many of them, such as vitamin B12, are directly involved in the development and function of the brain.
The most vitamin-rich foods are fruits and veggies. You can also give them natural dog treats that are packed with vitamins.
- Antioxidants
Antioxidants have a protective function and help reduce inflammation in the body. They also improve and maintain cognition. The best-known antioxidants are vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, selenium, manganese, coenzyme Q10, flavonoids, and polyphenols.
The most common sources of antioxidants are the colorful fruits and veggies like berries, spinach, carrots, garlic, and onion, as well as ginkgo biloba, chia seeds, sweet potatoes, and parsley.
The 8 Best Brain Foods for Your Dog
- Bone broth – rich in nutrients that support brain function and health.
- Gingko biloba – an antioxidant that improves blood flow to the brain and can potentially improve cognitive speed and memory.
- Blueberries – a great source of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber
- Spinach – rich in antioxidants and vitamins
- Fish and fish oil – very rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Fish like anchovies and sardines boast a high level of EPA and DHA Omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, vitamins, minerals, and high-quality protein.
- Chia seeds – contain high levels of B vitamins, antioxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, iron, fiber, and proteins.
- Eggs – loaded with high-quality proteins, fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins.
- Yogurt and fermented foods – loaded with probiotics.
- Natural dog treats – packed with high-quality proteins and vitamins
Final Thoughts
By feeding your dog with food rich in the 5 above mentioned brain nutrients, you will support proper brain development and function. These nutrients will also help improve your dog’s memory, which will help them better understand and memorize your instructions.