Canine Nutrition and Behavior: Why What Your Dog Eats Matters

We often hear about the need for us humans to eat well, eat more vegetables, less fast food. But do we always consider this for our dogs? That is why I have teamed up with Kav Gaglani, a dog trainer and canine nutritionist, to talk about canine nutrition and why it matters.

Tell us a little about you?

“I hold a BSc, with additional training in Culinary Arts, and I am a certified nutritionist with the Feed Real Institute.

I support working, sport, and highly active companion dogs using ethical nutrition practices designed to complement training and performance goals.

This service is not veterinary care. I do not diagnose or treat medical conditions. For dogs with medical issues, ongoing health concerns, or prescription diets, nutrition support is provided alongside your veterinarian, not instead of one.”

Why did you become a canine nutritionist?

“I became a canine nutritionist because I saw how profoundly nutrition can change a dog’s health, behavior, and quality of life. Helping dogs thrive and empowering owners with clear, supportive guidance felt important to me. Feeding dogs real, thoughtfully chosen food is something I truly care about.”

What do you do as a canine nutritionist, and why is canine nutrition important?

“As a canine nutritionist, I evaluate and design diets that support a dog’s individual needs based on age, breed, activity level, health history, and lifestyle. Nutrition is foundational to a dog’s overall health - it influences everything from digestion and immune function to skin, coat, behavior, and longevity. The right nutrition can help prevent disease, manage existing conditions, and improve overall quality of life.”

Nutrition and the Whole Dog

Is a dog’s behavior affected by their nutrition?

“Absolutely. Nutrition plays a significant role in brain health, energy regulation, and emotional balance. Poor-quality diets or nutritional imbalances can contribute to hyperactivity, anxiety, lethargy, or difficulty focusing. When a dog is properly nourished, their behavior often becomes more stable and predictable.”

What are the benefits of refining your dog’s nutrition?

“Refining nutrition can lead to improved digestion, healthier skin and coat, better weight management, stronger immunity, increased energy, and improved behavior. Over time, it can also help reduce veterinary costs by supporting preventative health rather than reactive care.”

Are there signs that a dog’s diet should be reassessed?

“Yes. Common signs include chronic itching, digestive upset, inconsistent stools, low energy, excessive shedding, a dull coat, frequent ear infections, weight changes, or noticeable behavioral shifts. If a dog is frequently unwell, nutrition is often a good place to start.”

Choosing the Right Diet

What should dog owners think about when selecting a diet for their dog?

“Dog owners should think about their dog as an individual. Important factors include life stage, size, activity level, allergies or sensitivities, medical conditions, and ingredient quality. It’s also important to understand where nutrients come from, how the food is processed, and whether the diet is complete and balanced for that specific dog.”

Fresh food vs. processed food - what does that mean to you?

“Fresh food means minimally processed, whole-food ingredients that retain more of their natural nutrients. Processed food can still serve a purpose, but heavy processing often reduces nutrient availability. I focus on finding the right balance - one that fits both your dog’s life and yours - while ensuring the diet is nutritionally balanced and appropriate, and minimizing unnecessary processing when possible.”

What small changes can people make to add variety to their dog’s diet?

“I don’t recommend adding anything without guidance. Even small changes can create imbalances if they aren’t done thoughtfully. This is something I prefer to guide clients through based on their dog’s specific needs.”

Working with a Nutritionist

Why should people consider hiring a canine nutritionist?

“A canine nutritionist provides a personalized, tailored plan for your dog. Instead of guessing or following generic advice, I create a plan that truly supports a dog’s individual health goals.”

What does the process of changing a dog’s diet look like?

“The process starts with a full assessment of the dog’s current diet, health history, and lifestyle. From there, I create a tailored plan and guide the transition gradually to avoid digestive upset. Follow-ups are important to monitor progress and make adjustments - nutrition is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix.”

How does your program work for international clients?

“You can book remotely and attend consultations from your own time zone. Sessions are usually done via video call or online meeting so travel isn’t needed.

Because consultations are online, scheduling will take your time zone into account - you’ll choose a time that works for both you and The Driven Dog team.”

Staying connected

You can find Kavita through her website to learn more about her nutritional programs and schedule a consultation!