Mention tryptophan to a Canadian at this time of year and the first thing that comes to mind for many is turkey.
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Mention tryptophan to a Canadian at this time of year and the first thing that comes to mind for many is turkey. The Thanksgiving post-dinner snooze customary in many households is often attributed to this sleep-inducing essential amino acid, which is thought to be copious in turkey meat. If this truly is the case, could there be benefits to feeding a turkey dinner to over-reactive pets?Advertisement 2Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
The holiday season is a time for togetherness, celebration, and of course – food For many families, the centerpiece of holiday meals is turkey As owners Plate up leftovers for themselves, it’s only natural to want to share a bit with furry family members. But a long-standing myth persists that turkey might not just fill up dogs, but actually make them sleepy. Is there any truth to the belief that turkey contains magical sleep-inducing properties for our canine companions? Let’s take a closer look.
A Look at the Origins
The notion that tryptophan, an amino acid found in turkey, leads to drowsiness likely stems from the fact that tryptophan plays a role in the production of serotonin Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate sleep and mood
So in theory, consuming tryptophan could indirectly help production of serotonin, which in turn helps regulate sleep. Therefore, the logic follows that foods rich in tryptophan, like turkey, might induce sleepiness.
This effect is likely more pronounced in humans due to the fact that tryptophan can cross the human blood-brain barrier. However there has been limited research conclusively demonstrating that tryptophan induces drowsiness in dogs specifically.
Examining the Evidence
A few key points worth considering when evaluating the veracity of this myth:
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The tryptophan content in turkey is relatively low. While turkey does contain tryptophan, the levels are not remarkably high compared to other protein sources. In fact, many other foods contain just as much or even more tryptophan per serving compared to turkey. This includes foods like soybeans, eggs, cod, chicken, and cheddar cheese.
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Large servings would be required. Even if the tryptophan in turkey did induce sleepiness, the serving size needed to exert this effect may be unrealistically large for most dogs. There is no evidence that the relatively small portions served to dogs would provide enough tryptophan to directly influence energy levels.
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Other factors influence fatigue. Sleep and lethargy are complex processes controlled by multiple variables. While diet can play a role, other factors like age, activity level, portion sizes, and underlying health conditions also influence a dog’s energy and sleep patterns. So fatigue cannot be attributed exclusively to one specific nutritional trigger like tryptophan.
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Limited research. Most evidence exploring the impacts of tryptophan on energy levels focuses on humans. Direct research on this specific topic in dogs appears limited. More investigation would be needed to prove that dietary tryptophan induces drowsiness in dogs.
Potential Risks of Turkey for Dogs
While the concept of turkey as a sleep promoter may be more myth than fact, it is still important to exercise caution when sharing holiday turkey treats with pets. Here are a few risks to keep in mind:
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Bones: Turkey bones can easily splinter and pose a serious choking hazard or damage a dog’s digestive tract. Never feed dogs bones of any kind.
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Fatty skin: The fatty skin should also be avoided as it is difficult to digest and can cause pancreatitis. Lean, skinless turkey meat is safest.
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Seasonings: Onions, garlic, salt, spices and other seasonings can all be toxic for dogs, so only share plain turkey meat.
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Portion sizes: As with any treat, portion control is key. Only share small bits of turkey and avoid overfeeding.
Healthier Treat Alternatives
If you want to share a special holiday treat with dogs, but are concerned about the risks and myths around turkey, consider these healthier options:
- Lean cooked chicken or beef
- Slices of apple or banana
- Baby carrots
- Plain yogurt
- Peanut butter
- Pumpkin puree
- Unsalted cooked egg
All can give dogs that same sense of inclusion at the holiday table, without the uncertainties that come with turkey. As always, introducing any new food in moderation is advised.
The Bottom Line
Based on the available evidence, it seems the link between tryptophan in turkey and drowsiness in dogs is questionable at best. While the reasoning is logical in theory, science has yet to conclusively prove this popular myth.
However, turkey does come with some inherent risks that warrant caution when feeding it to pets. By avoiding fatty skin, bones, seasonings and overfeeding, and offering it only in moderation, small bits of lean turkey meat can make a fine holiday treat. But when in doubt, safer alternatives exist.
So this holiday season, feel free to indulge your pup a little bit – but make sure to rely on facts rather than myths or assumptions. As always, check with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about diet changes or nutrition for your dog. With some care and moderation, your dog and your holiday turkey can co-exist just fine!
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Researchers have been interested in the potential for tryptophan to induce calm behaviour in rambunctious pets for decades. While feeding a turkey dinner has yet to be proven effective in the management of behavioural disorders in cats and dogs, still there is some evidence that feeding a tryptophan-rich diet can have calming effects.
One of the early studies on this subject was published in the American Journal of Veterinary Medicine in 2000 by researchers at Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine in the U.S.
Nicholas Dodman and his colleagues assessed the effects of feeding high-protein versus low-protein dried kibble diets to 38 pet dogs, each with some type of anxiety-related aggression problem. 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, the reduction in aggression was most noticeable in dogs fed a low-protein diet that was also supplemented with tryptophan.
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Since such findings have come to light, tryptophan-enriched diets have been formulated and made available by pet food companies with the aim of reducing anxiety and related disorders in pets, indicating that they can be a useful adjunct in behavioural therapy for fractious animals.
In 2012, researchers form the Azabu University Graduate School of Veterinary Science in Japan published their findings in the Journal of Veterinary Behaviour. They found that after feeding dogs the tryptophan-enriched Royal Canin Canine CALM Diet for seven weeks, dogs coped better with stressful events such as visiting the veterinary clinic and having a nail trim, than dogs fed a regular kibble. Not only that, but urinary levels of the stress hormone cortisol were also lower in dogs fed the tryptophan-enriched diet. While the context of stress reduction is fairly focused in this study, the reduction in stress is actually much more comprehensive.
Similar stress-reducing benefits have also been found for cats that are fed tryptophan-rich diets. This month, Canadian researchers published their latest findings in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, regarding the behavioural benefits of 24 cats that were fed the Royal Canin Feline CALM Diet.Advertisement 4Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article content
While cat fearfulness toward strangers was not affected by what they ate, cats that were fed the tryptophan-enriched option coped better with being in unfamiliar, stressful locations.
Further evidence of the link between tryptophan and mood in dogs was published this week in the peer-reviewed journal Behavioral and Brain Functions, whereby metabolites of tryptophan were measured as being lower in dogs that displayed anxious traits and in dogs that displayed ADHD behaviours.
So, why would manipulating the tryptophan levels of a cat or dog’s dinner have an affect on their behaviour? Is there a mechanism that explains this relationship?
The role of tryptophan in the mammalian body is very well understood, including its essential function in the production of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin contributes to feelings of wellbeing and happiness, and is also involved in the regulation of moods, compulsive disorders, mating, appetite, predatory behaviour, memory, and learning. Broadly speaking, the more of it (we or) a cat or dog has, the better and less anxious they feel. Advertisement 5Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article content
For owners who feel that feeding their pets a tryptophan-rich diet is worth a try, what are the options? It is after all, low-hanging fruit when it comes to making a positive and significant dent in a pet’s mental health.
First off, it is unlikely that turkey will have a significant impact on a dog or cat’s anxiety, given that it is no more tryptophan-enriched than other meats. Rather, the easiest way to reap the benefits is to feed the Royal Canin CALM varieties that are available through veterinarians in Canada.
If a pet is sensitive to the chicken-based food, then tryptophan can also be added directly to their existing diets. The pet-friendly version of tryptophan (branded as NutriCalm) is only available on prescription from veterinarians, in part because too much can make a dog or cat very ill. But also, discussing a pet’s behaviour with a veterinarian first allows them to rule out any potential underlying medical problems, and to recommend more appropriate treatment options where appropriate.Article contentShare this article in your social networkTrending
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Food Myths: Does Turkey Make You Sleepy?
FAQ
How does turkey meat affect dogs?
Does turkey give dogs the runs?
Is turkey calming for dogs?
Can dogs be sensitive to turkey?
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.
Can a dog eat too much Turkey?
Turkey is an excellent source of the amino acid tryptophan. While too much tryptophan and turkey for humans may make us feel tired, large quantities of turkey for dogs can cause an increase in flatulence. Feed your dog too much turkey and expect some toots!
Is Turkey good for dogs?
It is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to support healthy skin and coat. Turkey contains about 20% protein on average, making it an excellent choice for dogs that need more protein in their diet.
Can dogs eat turkey breast?
Yes, dogs can have turkey breast. However, it should be cooked thoroughly and without any added seasoning or oils. Turkey is a lean protein that can provide essential nutrients to your pup’s diet in moderation. It’s important to remember that too much of anything can lead to an upset stomach for your dog, so feed them only small amounts at a time.