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Like people, dogs need proper nutrition to stay mentally sharp and emotionally balanced. The nervous system plays a vital role in how your pet moves, thinks, and interacts with the world—and it’s directly impacted by what they eat. A biologically appropriate raw diet can provide the essential nutrients their brain and nerves need to thrive. This can help support cognitive function, improve focus, and even reduce inflammation in the nervous system. Let’s explore how feeding raw can positively impact your dog or cat’s nervous system health.
What Is the Nervous System?
The dog’s nervous system is a complex network that transmits signals between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body. It consists of two main parts:
The Central Nervous System (CNS): The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord, and is responsible for processing information and sending out commands.
The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): The PNS comprises nerves that extend from the CNS, allowing communication between the brain and body.
A healthy nervous system ensures your pet can move, learn, and react appropriately to their environment. Proper nutrition can help keep these systems functioning smoothly and reduce the risk of neurological issues as your pet ages.
How Raw Pet Food Benefits the Nervous System
Supports Brain Health with Essential Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, are essential for brain function and nerve signaling. Naturally found in raw fish and grass-fed meats, these beneficial fats support cognitive health, helping pets maintain sharp mental function as they age. Dogs and cats fed a diet rich in omega-3s often display better learning abilities, improved memory, and a lower risk of cognitive decline. Since raw diets provide these nutrients in their most bioavailable form, they offer more significant benefits than processed foods with synthetic additives.
Enhances Neurotransmitter Function with High-Quality Proteins
Proteins are the building blocks of life, and the amino acids they provide to the brain are vital for neurotransmitter production. Raw meat naturally contains high levels of amino acids like taurine and tyrosine, which are important for brain health.
Taurine is vital for cats as they cannot produce it independently. It supports vision, heart function, and proper nervous system development.
Tyrosine helps produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation and focus.
By feeding your pet raw, you ensure they receive these amino acids in their most natural and absorbable form, supporting mental clarity and overall neurological function.
Reduces Neurological Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Inflammation and oxidative stress are potential causes of problems with cognition in dogs and cats. Processed foods tend to include artificial preservatives, fillers, and artificial additives that can potentially lead to greater oxidative damage in the nervous system.
A raw diet, in contrast, contains plenty of natural antioxidants in fresh meats, organs, and produce. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, lessening the effects of oxidative stress and inflammation. Lower oxidative stress has been associated with enhanced cognition and a lower risk for neurodegenerative disease in animals.
Supports the Gut-Brain Connection
Did you know your pet’s gut health directly influences their brain? The gut-brain axis is a communication network between the digestive and nervous systems, meaning that a healthy gut can lead to a healthier mind.
Raw diets promote a balanced gut microbiome, which has been linked to:
- Reduced anxiety and stress-related behaviors
- Better mood regulation
- Improved cognitive function
A study by Bermingham et al. (2017) found that dogs on raw diets had a more diverse and beneficial gut microbiota than those on processed kibble. This diversity is essential because an imbalanced microbiome can negatively impact brain function and behavior.
Improves Energy and Neuromuscular Coordination
Ever noticed how some pets seem sluggish or uncoordinated? Their diet could be a factor. A high-quality raw diet provides bioavailable nutrients that support nerve function and muscle control, helping pets maintain better coordination and agility.
Processed carbohydrate-rich diets lead to blood sugar swings, resulting in energy downturns and mental fogginess. Raw foods are naturally low in carbs, offering a consistent level of energy and a boost to neuromuscular well-being and mental acuity.
Cognitive Dysfunction in Senior Dogs
As dogs age, they may develop cognitive dysfunction, similar to dementia in humans, causing a negative quality of life. Symptoms include:
- Disorientation or confusion
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Increased anxiety or restlessness
- Decreased responsiveness to commands
If you notice any of these neurological conditions, we suggest a physical examination by your veterinarian.
Cognitive Problems in Dogs and How Raw Food Helps
A study by Bosch et al. (2015) found that diets rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and high-quality proteins could improve cognitive function in aging dogs. A raw diet can help slow mental decline and enhance a dog’s ability to learn and retain information by reducing inflammation and supporting neurotransmitter function.
A Natural Diet for a Healthy Mind
At Steve’s Real Food, we believe in feeding pets as nature intended. Our raw pet food has the nutrition your dog or cat needs to stay sharp, full of energy, and feeling great from head to tail. Ready to give your pet a brain boost? Use our Store Locator to find a store near you, or shop online at RawPetFood.com today!
