I was talking to someone today who said that if you have a dog with any problems which include those who are hyper(not a problem to some) that you shouldn't give a dog food with a very high level of protein in it. The reason they gave was that it furthers the behaviour and makes them more hyper, or more what ever. Just wondered if anyone else had heard this and how true it really is.

I believe it, and have seen it, the higher the protein level we give ours, they start bouncing off walls, I keep the protein level to 21%, even when the Danes are growing up, the level is the same, to stop them shotting up in size to quickly, would rather they matured slowly, everybody has there own way of feeding, your higher protein levels are usually for smaller breeds, not your Giant breeds, who should be on a lower levels of protein, except for your working dogs etc..

Food for working dogs is basically high protein food - usually those who work their dogs will switch to these foods at times when their dogs require additional energy, and switch back to a normal food when the dog is not working.  I've never quite understood this - if you take humans who have done the Atkins diet (which is basically high protein), they will often complain of feeling really tired!

I have to say I don't notice any difference with my dogs and the amount of protein in their food.  Before switching to raw they were on complete with 25% protein and they were not in the least bit hyper (we have 7 dogs by the way) so have a few to compare with. 

I would look more at the additives and preservatives in the dog food....this is what makes them act hyper.  If the bag says 'no added preservatives' it is likely it already has some and they haven't added anymore - clever wording!

well what i find is you have to change the amount of food you feed as protein is a %, so if you feed 400g of 20% protein food your dog gets 80g protein a day but if you feed 200g of 40% food your dog also gets 80g of protein. I fed orijen and my pair had the 180g a day 44%protein (looked like nothing but followed feeding guide on bag ) and no problem at all. before hand they had 400g of 25% ( as on the bag too )

I've just fournd this:
"If, for example a dog had too much protein in his diet versus carbohydrate he may have more dopamine and noradrenalin available in the brain which can make a dog become hyperactive, anxious or aggressive. Therefore, it is important to ensure that dogs get sufficient of both protein and carbohydrate in the correct balance." taken from here

Interesting. If it is to be believed then it's the balance of protien:carbs that can alter behaviours rather than simply high protein.

My dogs are fed predominantly raw/home made consisting mostly of raw meat and poultry.  Protein wise the % on their diet would work out higher I'm sure pro rata than that of any good quality complete but I've found them to be calmer and more biddable in general on their current regime.

I did notice a change in my 4 year old bitch when she was getting the pups left over puppy kibble on a regular basis - definitely got her more hyped so perhaps rather than just looking at the level of protein in a diet it also matters how it is processed and from what source - i.e. whether meat or cereal protein .....

regards, Teri

Yup I believe this too and have seen it in my oldest dog.  When we switched him from one brand (which was 27% protein) onto another recommended one (at 20%) we saw a marked decrease in dominant and hyper behaviour.  All mine are now on 20% or lower protein foods including the baby once he was over 6 months and are fine.  They all go onto Active food over the summer months when they are competing as that is higher protein.

Oh dear now I'm a bit concerned! my bag of Origen is arriving tomorrow, heard such good reports about this food I thought I would try my Papillons on it but it is very high protein, Papillons are an active breed anyway so I hope it doesn't make them bounce off the walls :-O will let you know.

For everything you read saying protein causes hyperactivity there will be an article debunking the theory,there's one here..

PROTEIN AND HYPERACTIVITY
Most dog caretakers at one time or another have heard this pronouncement... "High protein diets can make dogs hyper!"   I have searched the literature and contacted nutrition specialists regarding this myth and nowhere can I find any scientific study that proves this unfounded contention.   There are no biochemical or nutritional factors that would even make this supposition appear to be credible.  Hyperactivity in dogs has numerous potential motivators, including genetic temperament predispositions, but a link between high levels of protein in a dog's diet and hyperactivity has yet to be proven.  I listened to a canine "expert" once tell me that Purina Hi Pro was causing hyperactivity in dogs and that he's seen it happen.  I politely pointed out that Purina Hi Pro is in fact not high in protein at all... and yet the myth goes on.

From..   http://www.thepetcenter.com/imtop/protein.html

Another one here..

http://www.ardengrange.com/hyperactive-pets-and-diet.asp

Very interesting read, thankyou charlie72 :-)

Yvonne.