I am interested if anyone has tried a raw diet high in tryptophan (from which serotonin is manufactured) in managing a dog with acute or chronic fear (canine PTSD, separation anxiety), aggression, depression, compulsive behaviors (licking, chewing, fly catching).

The diet would contain (almost) exclusively:
Turkey
Fish
Peanut oil
Egg
Cottage cheese
Lentils

I should also add - with vit B6, magnesium, vit C and folic acid supplements.

Or has anyone used the supplement 5-HTP for their dog?

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I am interested if anyone has tried a raw diet high in tryptophan (from which serotonin is manufactured) in managing a dog with acute or chronic fear (canine PTSD, separation anxiety), aggression, depression, compulsive behaviors (licking, chewing, fly catching). .....

I did read something out of U.C. Davis (Vet Med College) about that type of treatment for some canine compulsive behaviors that can be seratonin-uptake-related. I'll dig it out. As I recall, the study concluded that there was some benefit for hyperactivity......... But I'll get their actual words so I don't misquote.

Or are you interested only in personal anecdotal evidence? That I don't have.

Anything is good! Thank you, Connie!

As far as serotonin uptake, this diet is supposed to replicate the effects of fluoxetine (prozac) while "chronic exercise" - defined as 4.2 mph, 6 - 20% incline, 90 minutes, every day - replicates the effect of the other serotonin-uptake inhibitors (tricyclics) like imipramine (Tofranil and Elavil).

I have found a couple studies in rats, monkeys and dogs. As far as anecdotal, there was one post on here last year in which a person thought it reduced aggression (but not dog vs. dog aggression) and improved obedience. I assume that was a dominant dog as this works on fear-related aggression and has no effect on dominance aggression.

I've found some more info since my last post. In order for a diet to have any effect at all, it must be 1 part protein to 6 parts carb. (Triggers insulin production which "clears" competing amino acids to raise the porportion of tryptophan in the plama).

Also some of the foods that are supposedly high in tryptophan are not any better sources than ordinary foods. This site has helped me a lot - I recommend it to anyone wanting to refine their dog's raw diet. http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/etext/000020.html

I'd like to try this diet on a particular dog - however, I'd like more evidence before trying a diet that seems to be such a dramatic change.

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Anything is good! ...As far as serotonin uptake, this diet is supposed to replicate the effects of fluoxetine (prozac) while "chronic exercise" - defined as 4.2 mph, 6 - 20% incline, 90 minutes, every day - replicates the effect of the other serotonin-uptake inhibitors (tricyclics) like imipramine (Tofranil and Elavil).

Then you also will want to read about the studies on SAMe (S-Adenosyl-Methionine), a well-studied supplement that has been shown to be as effective with moderate to severe seratonin-uptake problems as Paxil and Prozac without the side effects (a naturally-occuring supplement as opposed to a drug).

I too would want plenty of studies to read before trying a high-carb diet on a dog, especially about which carbs the canine system can digest well (meaning other than cereal grains). Your research habits are so good that I know you will do plenty of reading <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />.

These studies about the effects of fine-tuned nutrition combined with excellent training for dogs with neurotransmitter and phospho-lipid problems -- it's a fascinating area of research.

I'll PM you tomorrow with the studies I've saved. Some are so technical that they're way over my head, but a couple are both clear *and* low on the 6-syllable words! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I want to bounce this off a few raw diet people. For a 46 lb. bitch that is on 3 lb p/day of a "normal" raw diet.

3/4 lb potatoes ( boiled w/skin)
1/2 lb pearlized barley (boiled)
1 T Salmon Oil
1 T Apple Cider Vinegar
1 T kelp powder
2 T ground flaxseed
2 large egg yolks
1/3 can peas
1/2 c. pumpkin

This has 23.81g protein, 143.77g carb (1:6).

What do you think? (I think it's crazy!)

I agree with you Anne.

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.....As far as serotonin uptake, this diet is supposed to replicate the effects of fluoxetine (prozac) while "chronic exercise" - defined as 4.2 mph, 6 - 20% incline, 90 minutes, every day - .......

Anne, your PM quota has been exceeded. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> I'll try again later.