Is Too Much Protein Fueling Your Dog’s Behavior?

May 17

cute dog laying in grass — Your Dog’s Behavior May Be A Result of What He Eats.

Dogs are known for their love of meat, and it's no surprise that many dog owners choose to feed their furry friends a high-protein diet.

For kibble feeders, adding fresh meat to the bowl is one of the first toppers they consider.

However, it's important to be aware that excess protein in dog food may contribute to behavior problems if the protein isn’t being fully utilized through activity

I always say energy has to leave the body somehow — if not through exercise and activities, it may show up in behaviors you don’t like.

Dogs thrive on protein—it’s essential for muscle development, organ function, immune health, and so much more. But like anything, too much of a good thing can throw off the balance... especially when we’re feeding active nutrition to dogs living fairly sedentary lives.

For kibble feeders, adding fresh meat is often the first step in a journey toward better nutrition. And I’m here for that—fresh food is always a win. But there’s a catch…

Protein creates energy. And energy has to leave the body somehow.

If it’s not burned through movement, work, or play, that extra fuel may show up in behaviors you don’t like—restlessness, reactivity, overexcitement, and even conflict between dogs in the home.

I often say: “The bowl builds the behavior.” If your dog seems overstimulated, intense, or “on edge,” excess protein might be one of the pieces worth exploring.

How Protein Affects Behavior

Here’s why this matters…

Amino Acid Imbalance
When the body is overwhelmed with protein, it may not be able to properly metabolize all of the amino acids. This can disrupt the delicate balance needed to produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine—key players in emotional regulation, mood stability, and impulse control.
Overstimulation from Sustained Energy
Protein digests more slowly than carbs or fats, which means it releases energy over a longer period of time. For dogs with working jobs or high daily activity, this is helpful. But for those living a couch-based lifestyle, it may result in a low-grade, ongoing stimulation that leads to pacing, barking, or hyperarousal.
Behavioral Shifts in Dogs with Predispositions
If your dog is already prone to heightened emotions, adding extra protein could fan the flames. I see this all the time in my training clients—especially among working-line breeds or dogs recovering from trauma. It’s often only after reducing protein that pet parents say, “He’s finally calm!”

What TCVM Teaches Us About Protein and Behavior

From a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) perspective, food is more than just nutrition—it’s energetic medicine. Proteins are classified by their energetic temperature and organ affinity, meaning the type of meat you feed can either help regulate your dog’s emotional and physical state… or unintentionally make things worse.

Here’s how that plays out:

Hot Proteins (Yang) – such as lamb, venison, and chicken, are considered warming or heating. They are stimulating to the body and mind. Dogs that are already anxious, hyper, or inflamed may become even more so on a diet that’s rich in these proteins.
Neutral Proteins – like beef and pork, have a more grounding quality but still provide strength and energy. For some dogs, especially those with inflammatory tendencies, beef can be too rich when not balanced appropriately.
Cooling Proteins (Yin) – such as duck, rabbit, turkey, and white fish, can help calm the system. These are especially supportive for dogs with excess heat signs: panting, red skin, hot spots, restlessness, and impulsivity.

In TCVM, we look at the whole dog—including personality, physical symptoms, digestion, and emotional behavior—to recommend the right foods for balance.

If a dog with a “hot” constitution is fed a “hot” protein, you may see:

Increased reactivity or vocalization
Red, inflamed skin or ears
Restlessness, pacing, difficulty settling
Digestive upset or loose stool

This doesn’t mean these proteins are bad—just that they may not be ideal for your dog right now.

As a holistic pet health coach who studies TCVM food energetics, I often recommend rotating protein sources strategically—especially if a dog’s behavior or skin is flaring up. Cooling proteins and gently prepared foods can soothe the Liver and Heart systems (governing emotions and impulse control), reduce inflammation, and help your dog feel more grounded and emotionally regulated.

Take the 5-Element Theory Quiz.

How To Balance Protein in Your Dog’s Diet

Protein isn’t the enemy. It’s just one part of a bigger picture. The key is matching your dog’s intake with their lifestyle and emotional needs. Here’s how to start:

Choose the right protein sources.
High-quality meats (muscle and organ) are ideal, but consider adding variety with cooling proteins or plant-based additions—especially for dogs who run hot or are emotionally intense. Check out our TCVM-based protein energetics post for more insights.
Balance with fats and low-glycemic vegetables.
Healthy fats support brain health and help calm the nervous system. Non-starchy veggies provide fiber, minerals, and grounding energetics.
Watch the toppers.
If you’re already feeding a protein-rich kibble or premade raw, be mindful of adding extra chicken breast, beef, or turkey. It all adds up and may throw other important ratios out of balance. Instead, consider rotating in eggs, sardines, bone broth, or fermented vegetables to boost nutrition without excess stimulation.
Observe your dog’s response.
Does he seem more settled or more wired after meals? Sometimes, tweaking the ratios can bring noticeable changes in just a few days.

A Word About Activity and Output

If you do have a high-protein feeder, ask yourself: Is my dog burning enough energy to justify it? Mental stimulation, enrichment games, movement, and grounding exercises are all ways to help the body use that fuel constructively.

Modalities like Raindrop Technique and PEMF Therapy can also support nervous system regulation when things feel out of sync—especially helpful for dogs with chronic tension or over-arousal.

Top 5 Things to Try Today

Reevaluate your dog’s daily protein intake—especially from added toppers.
Observe behavior changes post-meal: hyper, restless, vocal, or conflict?
Add grounding foods like steamed veggies or cooling proteins (fish, duck).
Introduce enrichment or scent work to help burn energy calmly.
Explore holistic tools like Raindrop sessions or calming essential oils.

Want to go deeper with support for your dog through all life stages?

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"Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Educational content only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please do your own additional research, consult your vet as needed."

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Dana Brigman