A newsletter reader asked:

do you have more information on Steve Brown’s research on a possible correlation between  raw meat diets and aggression? I have a personal interest because I’ve observed this in my cats and have been unable to find an explanation beyond what I believe is an energy issue: raw food has more energy, and may just be too much for some animals.
I’d appreciate any help you can give me.

 

 

the important point is that many dogs and cats have a need for Tryptophan that is not met if the fats are not balanced.   Now, I do agree that you may see a certain type of feistiness because of the increased energy, but you should not see real aggression.

Steve’s book is Unlocking the Canine Ancestral diet, but not sure the tryptophan in there. The article will soon be posted on the IVC site.

One study on aggression men shows some correlation, though it was with a predisposition and giving tryptophan was not necessarily curative.

Another study hoped that supplementing with tryptophan would decrease aggression since it is necessary for serotonin production,  and that is definitely correlated with aggression. It did not help.

A canine study by DeNapoli in the JAVMA concluded “—For dogs with dominance aggression, the addition of tryptophan to high-protein diets or change to a low-protein diet may reduce aggression. For dogs with territorial aggression, tryptophan supplementation of a low-protein diet may be helpful in reducing aggression”.

A google search gives more references.

Feeding a single source protein (especially too fatty beef) is usually the cause.  Remember what I teach over and over — each individual needs different treatments, diets and approaches for good health.  This is merely one more thing to consider.

Have you tried Reiki, flower essences, acupressure, TTouch, Healing Touch for animals or behavior training with your cats?