Feeding Behaviour: The Links Between Anxiety, Reactivity & Nutrition with Sam van Eggermond

About this episode

This episode explores the connections between dog behavior, nutrition, and the gut microbiome with guest Sam van Eggermond.

When behaviour begins in the body When a dog struggles with anxiety, impulsivity, or reactivity, the conversation almost always starts with training. But what if behaviour doesn’t only begin with what we see on the outside? What if part of the story begins inside the body - in the gut, the nervous system, and the nutrients that shape them both? In this episode, I’m joined by fellow canine nutrition consultant and behaviour professional Sam van Eggermond for a fascinating conversation exploring the emerging connections between nutrition, the gut microbiome, and behaviour in dogs. Sam’s journey into this work began in shelters and rescue environments, supporting dogs with complex behavioural challenges. Over time, she started noticing patterns. Many of the dogs struggling most with anxiety, impulsivity, or reactivity were also dealing with digestive issues, sensitivities, or diets that simply weren’t supporting their physiology. Those observations sparked a deeper investigation into nutrition and the gut microbiome - as well as a critical look at some of the research shaping behaviour advice today. In this conversation, Sam brings both curiosity and nuance to a rapidly evolving…

People in this episode

Host: Dr Alexia Mellor

Guest: Sam van Eggermond

Topics covered

• dog behavior
• nutrition
• anxiety
• reactivity
• gut microbiome

Keywords

• dog anxiety
• canine nutrition
• reactivity
• gut health
• behavioral challenges

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