Academy / Hund / Trikem clarifies / Tryptophan – The path to a calm dog
Tryptophan – The path to a calm dog?
It is not uncommon for dogs to appear or behave in a stressed, overexcited, or anxious manner. Whether it is due to habitual behaviors, the dog’s personality, or a specific situation, it often involves changes in hormonal balance.
Both in humans and animals, stress can be expressed through different behaviors. Some dogs become reactive, while others withdraw and enter what, in humans, might resemble depression. It is important to remember that different individuals can react differently, and the extent and degree of behaviors can vary. When discussing depression, it is often linked to sadness and anxiety. In dogs, anxiety-related behavioral problems such as separation anxiety and fear are commonly observed.
Calming hormone
Melatonin and serotonin are hormones that affect a dog's well-being and are strongly linked to the management of stress, anxiety, aggression, and impulse control, as well as depression. Hormones influence both the central nervous system, the gastrointestinal system, and the cardiovascular system.
Both melatonin and serotonin impact the dog’s mood and sleep. Research has shown that dogs displaying anxious, reactive, or nervous behaviors often have lower serotonin concentrations compared to other dogs. These behaviors include separation anxiety and fear. Higher concentrations of serotonin and melatonin have been shown to have a calming effect, helping the animal to relax or manage its stress.
Tryptophan
Melatonin and serotonin are produced with the help of the essential amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan is one of the building blocks of protein and something the dog must obtain through its diet.
To examine whether a high protein intake was sufficient to meet a dog’s tryptophan needs, researchers compared two different diets. One diet contained 28% protein, while the other contained 25% protein with an added tryptophan supplement. The results showed that the diet with 28% protein but no tryptophan supplement led to lower serotonin concentrations in the blood compared to the diet with 25% protein and added tryptophan. In other words, a lower proportion of tryptophan in the total number of amino acids results in reduced serotonin production, even if the diet contains a high total amount of amino acids.
A calmer dog
Can serotonin and melatonin production in dogs be increased? Based on research, the answer is yes. It has been shown that tryptophan supplementation can increase serotonin levels in anxious and stressed dogs. The type of food also matters, as we saw earlier—simply increasing protein levels is not the solution. Instead, ensuring that the dog gets enough tryptophan is key.
Remember to check the concentration of tryptophan before purchasing supplements! Exercise also has a positive impact on the dog’s well-being and can increase serotonin levels.
Working Dog Max Relax -
Year-round or only for specific occasions?
Based on what we currently know about canine stress management, Trikem has developed Working Dog Max Relax, a supplement with a high concentration of tryptophan and added thiamine (vitamin B1), which is needed for the dog to produce essential hormones.
MaxRelax is a supplement that can be given without problems all year round. As mentioned earlier, all dogs are individuals, and some may not be inherently stressed but only need help in specific situations. New Year’s Eve is one such occasion when a tryptophan supplement can benefit the dog significantly. Start a few days before New Year’s Eve and give a double dose to ensure your dog has the best conditions for a calmer celebration.
To install this Web App in your iPhone/iPad press 
and then Add to Home Screen.
