Can the Gut Be the Key to a Calmer Dog?
A while back I watched the Netflix documentary Hack Your Health: The Secrets of Your Gut, and I was blown away. Of course, we all know that a healthy diet supports overall well-being — but what surprised me was just how profoundly our gut biome influences not just physical health, but mental health too.
As someone who can be a bit anxious from time to time, I’ve become much more intentional about feeding my gut to support my mood and energy levels. And it got me thinking — why would it be any different for our dogs?
When Eating the Wrong Things Becomes a Clue
There’s a canine condition called Pica — the compulsive consumption of non-edible items like rocks, socks, or plastic toys. The reasons can be complex and varied:
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Some dogs, especially certain breeds like Labs, will swallow just about anything they find.
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Some resource guarders gulp down objects rather than surrender them.
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And then there are true pica sufferers — dogs driven by nutritional deficiencies, medical issues, or even genetics.
Does eating the wrong thing lead to eating the wrong thing?
What fascinates me is the overlap between gut health, anxiety, and behaviors like Pica. At Mountainside Mutts, I see a lot of anxious dogs. And stress, as we know, often shows up in the gut: diarrhea, gas, sudden urgency — check, check, and check. Drooling, too, is a common stress signal. We know adrenaline stimulates the salivary glands, but could there also be a deeper connection between salivation, digestion, and mental health?
That’s the rabbit hole I’ve found myself exploring: could improving a dog’s diet actually help reduce their stress levels — and maybe even behaviors like leash reactivity?
Let’s Talk Kibble
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, it’s not news that most kibble is highly processed. In fact, flavorings and nutrients are often sprayed on during production (learn more here).
Most of us know that commercial kibble isn’t ideal, but feeding fresh, species-appropriate food can feel out of reach — especially with premium options like Farmer’s Dog, or when a vet-recommended diet limits what we can use. I’ve been there myself, trying to balance cost with the specific dietary needs of a dog who requires low-calcium-oxalate food for bladder stones.
Even for dog professionals, filtering through online advice can be overwhelming. Thankfully, there’s now a growing field of canine nutritionists whose mission is to help pet parents make informed, practical choices.
Enter Amanda Smith, Canine Gut Solutions
Recently, I was introduced to Amanda Smith of Canine Gut Solutions, based in New Jersey. Amanda’s career began as a veterinary technician, but it was her French Bulldog’s chronic skin issues that led her to study canine nutrition in depth.
“Once I started feeding her real, fresh food that was species-appropriate,” Amanda shared, “everything changed. Her skin cleared up, the itching stopped, and I got my happy, energetic girl back.”
Last month, Mountainside Mutts was delighted to host Amanda for an online presentation on simple ways to enhance your dog’s health. Even small additions — like blueberries, eggs, or sardines — can significantly improve your dog’s diet.
Knowing When to Refer and When to Learn
There’s a saying: “Jack of all trades, master of none.” It’s a reminder to be wary of anyone claiming they can “fix” everything. As a trainer, I know my lane — behavior and training — and I’m always happy to refer clients to specialists for areas like agility, mobility assistance, or bite work.
Nutrition is no different. Connecting my clients with experts like Amanda means I can focus on what I do best, while they gain knowledge from someone deeply qualified in another area.
Join the Canine Gut Solutions Community
Now might be a great time to explore what Amanda offers. You can book a private consultation or join the Canine Gut Solutions Community, a membership group offering expert talks, Q&As, and ongoing education.
Right now, membership is $29 for the month of October as part of a founding members promotion (it will increase to $69 after October). Inside the group, Amanda brings in guest experts to speak on various dog-related topics — and I’m honored to be one of them!
📅 Join me on November 12th for a session on Canine Body Language.
I already know two Mountainside Mutts clients who’ve had great experiences with Amanda. One told me that a private consultation actually cost less than a month’s supply of Farmer’s Dog — and gave her actionable steps to improve her dogs’ diets at home.
The Gut–Brain Connection
As Amanda explains:
“Research increasingly shows that gut health shapes how dogs experience and respond to stress. A balanced microbiome supports the production of neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin, which calm the nervous system and help regulate mood.”
If our dogs are showing signs of anxiety and stress, doesn’t it make sense to look at their diet and gut health as part of the bigger picture? Helping them feel better from the inside out might just be another key to helping them live their happiest, healthiest lives.
Learn more:
🌐 Canine Gut Solutions Community
📞 Amanda Smith — 856-818-6919
💻 www.caninegutsolutions.com
