How Canine Nutrition Shapes Behaviour and Wellbeing

Hi, I'm Lana, proud Border Terrier mum and a canine nutritionist in training. I know what it's like to feel worried and exhausted because your dog's tummy or behaviour just isn't right, or is too much. You're doing everything by the book: following vet advice, trying the "best" foods, providing endless enrichment and still something feels off.

Why Enrichment Matters (And Why It Sometimes Falls Short)

Dogs thrive on mental stimulation. Training sessions, puzzle games, snuffle mats, scent work — these activities are essential for their wellbeing. In fact, 10 minutes of focused enrichment can be as tiring and rewarding as a 30-minute walk!

When our dogs engage their brains through training and puzzle games, they're happier, more balanced, and genuinely fulfilled. It's one of the best things we can do for them.

But here's what I discovered the hard way: the treats we use during these activities make the biggest difference to how much our dogs enjoy them and how good they feel afterwards.

For months, I had this nagging feeling that something wasn't quite right with my boy. Even before I understood the subtle signs of pain, I could tell he wasn't thriving. I was following my vet’s advice, getting professional help, doing all the enrichment, using "premium" treats... but something was still wrong.

The Behaviours We Misunderstand

Hyperactivity. Reactivity. Dogs who just can't seem to settle. We often assume these are training issues — but they’re often signs of pain.

80% of dogs in rescue are experiencing some form of musculoskeletal or gut pain.

Even more surprising? Dogs with "good" poop can still have dysbiosis and gut pain.

Why the Gut Matters More Than You Think

Approximately 70% of the immune system resides in the gut — the microbiome. When your dog isn't on the right diet, inflammation builds, pain develops, and their ability to cope drops.

Endless barking, reactivity, inability to settle — often labelled as "bad behaviour" — can actually be pain responses.

Your dog isn't being naughty. They're hurting.

Every Ingredient Matters. And Every Dog Is Different

Different dogs have different intolerances. What works for one may cause chronic inflammation in another.

Many breeds — including Border Terriers — are prone to gluten intolerance, yet gluten appears in many commercial foods.

Much of pet food marketing is designed to sell, not suit your dog.

When Enrichment Isn't Enough

If you've tried everything and your dog still seems wired or reactive, it's often something deeper — like gut health.

The treats used in enrichment might be fuelling the problem.

The Connection Between Treats, Games, and Wellness

Mental stimulation is vital — but if treats are inflammatory, you're solving one problem while creating another.

Dogs in gut pain have a much lower stress threshold.

What This Means for Your Dog's Daily Life

Looking beyond "good enough" poop and questioning every ingredient changed everything for us.

I re-evaluated everything — especially training treats — because rewarding behaviour with inflammatory ingredients makes no sense.

When the right nutrition supports your dog, everything improves: behaviour, enjoyment, and recovery.

Before labelling your dog as "difficult," it’s worth investigating pain — especially gut-related.

Every ingredient matters. Every dog is different.

Author Spotlight

I’m Lana, your South Coast Fairy Dog Mother. I help dog parents build healthier, happier lives with their dogs.

I specialise in gluten intolerance and gut issues, alongside 1:1 training and canine wellness education.

Visit Lana’s website here and find her on Instagram and Facebook.

Lana also hosts a monthly session at Nest Coffee House in Southampton.