At this time of year, many Canadians immediately think of turkey when you mention tryptophan.
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.
At this time of year, many Canadians immediately think of turkey when you mention tryptophan. Many households attribute the custom of napping after dinner on Thanksgiving to this essential amino acid that promotes sleep, which is believed to be abundant in turkey meat. Advertisement 2Story continues below; if this is the case, are there any advantages to giving hyperactive pets a turkey dinner? Your article continues below; the advertisement has not yet loaded.
The Thanksgiving feast is over, and your dog is sprawled out on the floor, seemingly in a post-turkey coma Is it just a coincidence, or could the turkey dinner be the culprit behind your dog’s drowsiness?
The answer, like most things in science, is a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or no. While there’s no denying that tryptophan, an amino acid found in turkey, plays a role in regulating sleep, the connection between turkey consumption and sleepiness in dogs is not as straightforward as it might seem
The Science Behind Tryptophan and Sleep
Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of well-being and relaxation Serotonin, in turn, is converted into melatonin, the hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. So, it stands to reason that increased tryptophan levels could lead to increased sleepiness
However, it’s important to remember that tryptophan is just one of many factors that influence sleep. Other amino acids, such as tyrosine, compete with tryptophan for absorption into the brain. Additionally, the amount of tryptophan needed to significantly impact serotonin levels is relatively high.
The Evidence on Turkey and Dog Sleepiness
Research on the effects of tryptophan-rich diets on dog behavior is limited, but some studies suggest that it may have a calming effect. For instance, a 2000 study published in the American Journal of Veterinary Medicine found that dogs fed a high-protein diet supplemented with tryptophan were less aggressive than those fed a standard diet.
However, it’s important to note that these studies often use specialized diets with high concentrations of tryptophan. Simply feeding your dog a turkey dinner is unlikely to have a significant impact on their sleepiness.
Other Factors Contributing to Post-Turkey Drowsiness
So, if tryptophan isn’t the sole culprit, what else could be causing your dog’s post-turkey slumber?
- Overeating: A large meal, regardless of its content, can make anyone feel sleepy. This is especially true for dogs, who have smaller stomachs than humans.
- Digestion: The process of digesting a large meal can be tiring, leading to drowsiness.
- Relaxation: The festive atmosphere and the company of loved ones can create a sense of relaxation, making your dog more likely to doze off.
While the evidence suggests that tryptophan may play a role in regulating sleep, there’s no definitive answer to the question of whether turkey makes dogs tired. Several factors contribute to post-meal drowsiness, and the impact of tryptophan is likely minimal in most cases.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s sleepiness after eating turkey, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian. They can help rule out any underlying medical conditions and provide guidance on how to manage your dog’s diet and activity levels.
Sign In or Create an AccountEmail Address
Researchers have been interested in the potential for tryptophan to induce calm behaviour in rambunctious pets for decades. There is evidence that feeding a tryptophan-rich diet can have calming effects, even though feeding turkey dinner hasn’t been shown to be effective in managing behavioral disorders in cats and dogs.
Researchers at Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine in the United States published one of the earliest studies on this topic in the American Journal of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. S. Article content.
Nicholas Dodman and associates evaluated the impact of providing 38 pet dogs with anxiety-related aggression issues with high-protein or low-protein dry kibble diets. In addition, some of these dogs had their diet supplemented with tryptophan, while others did not.
Dodman discovered two things. First, dogs fed the highest protein diets were more aggressive than the dogs fed low-protein kibble. And second, dogs fed additional tryptophan supplements were less aggressive than those fed their kibble straight. Overall, dogs fed a low-protein diet with tryptophan supplements showed the greatest decrease in aggression.
Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion.
- There was an error, please provide a valid email address.
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!
A welcome email is on its way. If you dont see it, please check your junk folder.
The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox.
We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againArticle contentAdvertisement 3Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content.
Tryptophan-enriched diets have been developed and distributed by pet food companies in response to these discoveries, suggesting that they may be a helpful supplement to behavioral therapy for abrasive animals. These diets are intended to lessen anxiety and associated disorders in pets.
Scientists from Japan’s Azabu University Graduate School of Veterinary Science released their research results in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior in 2012. They discovered that dogs who were fed the tryptophan-enriched Royal Canin Canine CALM Diet for seven weeks were able to handle stressful situations like going to the vet and getting their nails trimmed more easily than dogs who were fed regular kibble. Furthermore, dogs fed the tryptophan-enriched diet also had lower urinary levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Although this study’s focus is primarily on the context of stress reduction, the actual reduction in stress is far more extensive.
Similar stress-reducing benefits have also been found for cats that are fed tryptophan-rich diets. This month, 24 cats fed the Royal Canin Feline CALM Diet showed improved behavior, according to research conducted in Canada and published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. Advertisement 4Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content.
Cats that were fed the tryptophan-enriched option fared better when they were in stressful, unfamiliar environments, but their fear of strangers remained unaffected.
This week’s peer-reviewed journal Behavioral and Brain Functions published additional evidence of the connection between tryptophan and mood in dogs. The study found that dogs with anxious traits and those with ADHD behaviors had lower tryptophan metabolites.
Is there a mechanism that explains why a cat or dog’s behavior would be affected by adjusting the tryptophan levels in their dinner?
It is well known that tryptophan plays a crucial role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters like melatonin and serotonin in the mammalian body. Serotonin regulates moods, obsessive disorders, mating, appetite, predatory behavior, memory, and learning in addition to promoting feelings of well-being and happiness. In general, a cat or dog feels better and less anxious the more of it (we or they have). Advertisement 5Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content.
Providing a tryptophan-rich diet for pets is a low-hanging fruit when it comes to making a meaningful and positive impact on a pet’s mental health, so what are the options for owners who feel that feeding their pets this diet is worthwhile?
First off, since turkey is not any more tryptophan-enriched than other meats, it is unlikely to significantly affect a dog or cat’s anxiety. Instead, feeding the Canadian veterinarians’ selection of Royal Canin CALM is the simplest way to enjoy the benefits.
In case a pet exhibits sensitivity towards chicken-based food, tryptophan can be directly incorporated into their current diets. Tryptophan for pets, known as NutriCalm, is only available by prescription from veterinarians due in part to the fact that an excessive amount can seriously harm a dog or cat. Additionally, by first discussing a pet’s behavior with a veterinarian, they can rule out any potential underlying medical issues and, if necessary, recommend more suitable treatment options. Article contentShare this article in your social networkTrending.
This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Is turkey meat toxic to dogs?
Is Thanksgiving turkey bad for dogs?
No, Thanksgiving turkey is not bad for dogs. In fact, it can be a healthy addition to their diet in moderation. Turkey provides essential proteins and amino acids that are beneficial for canine health. However, it should always be served plain without added seasonings or oils as these can cause digestive issues.
What are the health benefits of ground turkey?
Ground turkey has multiple benefits. It is a good source of minerals, and B vitamins, rich in proteins, low in fat and it is lower in calories than common turkey.
Why do dogs eat turkey?
The presence of amino acids like leucine, isoleucine, and valine aids in muscle protein synthesis and provides the necessary support for an active lifestyle. For dogs engaged in regular physical activities or those in their growth stages, the inclusion of turkey can contribute to robust muscle development.
Is Turkey good for dogs?
It’s an excellent source of vitamins such as B6 and B12, promoting energy metabolism and a healthy nervous system. Additionally, turkey provides essential minerals like zinc, phosphorus, and selenium, contributing to bone health and antioxidant defense mechanisms. This nutrient density makes turkey a valuable addition to a balanced canine diet.