Aggression in dogs

The development of aggression is a complex and far-reaching topic. Unfortunately, the dog community still disseminates outdated and simply misinformation about it. Aggression is not an independent behavioral cycle , nor is it an emotion, like fear (behavior). It is more of a tool-based behavior. Therefore, aggression in dogs can also be influenced by diet. Certain nutrients regulate the neurotransmitters in the brain that are important for impulse control and stress management.

Aggression is not an emotion. Aggression in dogs represents a tool-based behavior that can involve many motivations and can be influenced by nutrition .

Aggression in dogs - not an innate behavior. How does aggression develop in dogs? Serotonin and aggression in dogs. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). Glutamate and aggression in dogs. Noradrenaline and aggression in dogs . The influence of dopamine and pathological aggression in dogs. Which ingredients can help prevent aggression in dogs ? Ingredients that promote aggression in dogs . 💡 Conclusion: Nutrition to prevent aggression. FAQs.

About the author: Dr. Julia Lettow

Julia holds a PhD in biology, is a certified dog trainer, a dog nutrition expert, and an Alpenwuff ambassador. With her in-depth scientific training and years of experience, she shares her knowledge in our Alpenwuff blog.

Aggression in dogs - not an innate behavior

Aggression in dogs is a tool-like behavior that can have many motivations. This means that there is no innate "aggressive drive." The reason for aggressive behavior is usually a regulation of the individual sphere in order to keep conspecifics or other individuals at a distance. In healthy , well -socialized dogs, this is initially achieved with the least possible effort . Body language often includes pouncing (24%), threatening barking (19%), and staring (15%), as well as gasping for air (21%), pulling the lips (16%), and growling (5%) (Müller, 2015). Pouncing, threatening barking, and snapping are the most effective ways to increase distance.

aggression in dogs - signals - alpenwuff

How does aggression arise in dogs?

Aggression is controlled by various hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain. The ratio of testosterone (the sex hormone) to cortisol (the stress hormone) has been found to be related to the way aggression manifests. High testosterone/cortisol ratios lead to higher levels of aggression , while low testosterone/cortisol ratios are more likely to encourage avoidance of aggressive behaviors (Montoya, 2012). Serotonin also plays a key role . Different neural pathways can respond differently to the same chemical reaction. For example , serotonin is positively associated with forms of aggression that serve communication purposes (Kulikov, 2012) but simultaneously inhibits pathological aggression (De Boer, 2009).

Serotonin also influences the way dogs deal with aggressive behavior. Dogs with higher serotonin levels can better tolerate aggressive signals from other dogs and avoid counter-aggression. Serotonin also controls the release of other neurotransmitters such as GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) and glutamate in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. While GABA inhibits aggressive behavior, glutamate has an excitatory effect. Signaling molecules such as noradrenaline and acetylcholine also influence this system. Depending on receptor availability, noradrenaline can inhibit or promote aggressive behavior.

Serotonin and aggression in dogs

Role : Serotonin has a calming effect, reduces stress and regulates impulsivity and aggression.
Connection to aggression in dogs : Low serotonin levels are associated with impulsive aggression. Studies show that dogs with low serotonin levels are more likely to exhibit uncontrolled, reactive outbursts of aggression.
Diet : Tryptophan (an amino acid found in food) is the precursor to serotonin and can be positively influenced by diet (e.g., by eating turkey, eggs, salmon, and avoiding corn).

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)

Role : GABA is the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. It promotes relaxation and dampens excessive arousal.
Connection with aggression : Low GABA levels can cause a dog to become more excitable and anxious-aggressive because of a lack of inhibition of stimulus reactions.
Diet : GABA can be boosted by fermented foods or natural supplements such as L-theanine (from green tea).

Glutamate and aggression in dogs

Role : Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter and plays a role in learning, memory and reaction time.
Link to aggression : An imbalance between glutamate and GABA can lead to increased irritability and explosive aggression. Too much glutamate without enough GABA can contribute to dogs overreacting and having difficulty calming down.
Diet : Excessive glutamate production can be exacerbated by an imbalance in amino acid metabolism (e.g., due to low-quality protein or artificial flavor enhancers).

Noradrenaline and aggression in dogs

Role : Norepinephrine is associated with the stress response, increasing alertness, heart rate, and energy in an emergency.
Connection to aggression : Excessively high norepinephrine levels can increase aggressive behavior, especially in anxious or insecure dogs. Sudden overstimulation can trigger an overreaction.
Nutrition : More stable blood sugar regulation (through slow carbohydrates and high-quality proteins) can help avoid excessive noradrenaline spikes.

The influence of dopamine and pathological aggression in dogs

Dopamine is a vital neurotransmitter and can have both an inhibiting and an enhancing effect on aggressive behavior. Dopamine is known as the happiness hormone and creates a pleasant feeling. The involvement of dopamine in aggressive conflicts is particularly evident in conflicts over resources . Depending on the weighting given to the prospect of a valuable resource, dopamine levels rise and with it risk-taking. In addition, the experience of winning a resource creates a "winner effect" that can increase aggressive behavior to pathological levels. The dog therefore feels happy when it emerges victorious from an aggressive conflict and also receives the desired resource, such as food or a toy. Dopamine levels can be significantly influenced by diet.

Avoid sugar & artificial additives

An unbalanced diet with too many simple carbohydrates can lead to short-term dopamine peaks followed by a sharp drop, which can increase frustration and impulsivity.

Which ingredients can help prevent aggression in dogs

Certain ingredients can help reduce aggression in dogs by supporting neurotransmitter balance and minimizing inflammation and blood sugar fluctuations. Here are some particularly recommended ingredients:

1I High-quality proteins (serotonin & dopamine balance)

✅ Turkey meat , chicken meat – Contains a lot of tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, which has a calming effect.
✅ Salmon, sardines – Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation in the brain and improve impulse control.

✅ Eggs – Good source of tryptophan.

2I Healthy Fats (Brain Function & Nervous System)

✅ Linseed oil, salmon oil, hemp oil – Contain omega-3 fatty acids that regulate stress reactions and reduce aggression.

✅ Coconut oil – Supports brain energy supply through medium-chain fatty acids.

3I Calming Carbohydrates (Blood Sugar Regulation & GABA Support)

✅ Oat flakes , quinoa – Slowly digestible carbohydrates that keep blood sugar levels stable.

✅ Sweet potatoes , pumpkin – Rich in fiber and antioxidants, promote a balanced energy supply.

4I Important Micronutrients & Herbs (Stress Relief & Impulse Control)

✅ B vitamins (e.g. in liver, brewer’s yeast) – Support the nervous system and help regulate stress.

✅ Magnesium (e.g. in green leafy vegetables, pumpkin seeds) – Promotes muscle relaxation and stress resistance.

✅ Zinc (e.g. in beef, flaxseed) – For serotonin production.

✅ L-Theanine (e.g. in green tea, valerian) – Promotes GABA production and has a calming effect.

✅ Chamomile & Lemon Balm – Natural herbs that reduce stress and restlessness.