Can Processed Pet Food Make Your Cat or Dog Act Out?

currynpepper
Sep 3
3 min read

The Hidden Link Between Additives and Pet Behavior

You may already know that processed human foods can affect mood and behavior—but did you know the same applies to pets? Increasing evidence suggests that regularly feeding your cat or dog low-quality, highly processed food packed may lead not just to physical problems—but behavioral ones too.

How Additives May Trigger Behavior Changes

Sugar, Refined Carbs & Poor-Quality Fillers

Processed starches and sugars—common in many commercial pet foods and treats—can drive hyperactivity, inattention, and emotional outbursts, much like they do in children. These ingredients produce blood sugar spikes followed by crashes, leading to mood swings in pets as well.

Artificial Colors & Flavors

Additives like Red #40, Yellow #5, and Blue #2 have been linked to allergic-like reactions and behavioral problems including hyperactivity and aggression.

Preservatives (BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin)

Ethoxyquin, a synthetic antioxidant still allowed in pet food, has connections to allergic reactions and organ issues in dogs.
BHA and BHT, commonly used to preserve fats, are known carcinogens and have been associated with liver and kidney damage in lab studies.
Many regulators rely on outdated safety assessments so there’s growing concern that testing procedures aren’t sufficient.

Flavor Enhancers (“Palatants”)

Pet foods often include flavor enhancers to make them irresistible—sometimes intentionally to the point of addiction. Ingredients like pyrophosphates have earned nicknames like “cat crack” in popular conversations, precisely because they make foods hyper-palatable.

Gut-Brain Connection & Nutrient Imbalance

Poor-quality processed foods often lack essential nutrients—like omega-3s, B-vitamins, magnesium, and zinc—critical for cognitive function, stress regulation, and calm behavior. Deficiencies may manifest as increased anxiety, poor focus, or irritability. An unhealthy gut microbiome (often linked to low-quality food) may further influence behavior through the gut-brain axis.

Ultra-Processed Diets and Chronic Illness

Feeding pets ultra-processed diets (like predominantly kibble) may heighten risks of chronic inflammation, gut disorders, and behavioral changes later in life. In contrast, more natural, meat-based diets appear protective.

What Pet Parents Think—and Why It Matters

Interestingly, pet parents express more concern about preservatives in pet food than in their own meals. Most believe these additives could be harmful—even if the industry hasn’t proven that conclusively.

However, labeling is confusing, and safety data is often limited.

How to Feed for Better Behavior

Here are some practical steps to help promote better behavior through nutrition:

Read Labels Carefully
Avoid foods that include artificial colors, preservatives like BHA/BHT or ethoxyquin, and fillers such as excessive grains or sugar.
Opt for Natural, High-Quality Ingredients
Choose whole proteins as the primary ingredients and look for sources rich in omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals. A balanced diet supports both physical and mental health.
Focus on Nutrient-Dense Feed
Diets rich in proteins, complex carbs (like sweet potato), healthy fats, probiotics, and essential minerals can stabilize mood and enhance cognitive function.
Avoid Hyper-Palatable “Addictive” Foods
Resist foods packed with flavor enhancers or engineered to be overly appealing—especially if you notice obsessive behaviors around feeding.
Prepare Whole-Food Meals Carefully

Adopt a fresh whole food plant based diet. Ensure it is safely prepared and is nutritionally complete and balanced to restore mind-body balance for your dog.

Final Thoughts

Although more scientific studies are still emerging, there’s a growing body of evidence linking processed pet food additives to behavioral challenges—ranging from hyperactivity and aggression to anxiety and mood fluctuations. Combined with the effects of nutrient imbalances and gut health, it’s clear that diet plays a powerful role in shaping how our pets think, feel, and behave.

Soumav’s dog, Benji, is a wonderful example. After a surgery at age 7, Benji experienced stress, hormonal changes, and troubling behavioral shifts—such as indoor accidents and excessive hunger, despite being potty trained and on a meat-based diet. However, once he transitioned to a plant-based diet, his well-being improved dramatically. His stress eased, behavioral issues diminished, and he regained balance in both health and temperament.

By choosing clean, balanced, whole-food meals and avoiding chemical additives, you’re not just feeding your dog—you’re supporting a calmer, happier, and healthier companion. The saying “you are what you eat” holds true for our dogs too. Nutrition directly influences their energy, mood, and ability to handle stress.

With our Meal Balancer, you can create complete and nutritionally balanced home-cooked meals for your dog—without worrying about missing nutrients. It’s the simplest way to give your pet the joy of fresh food while ensuring long-term health and well-being.