Emerging research has been showing the connection between gut microflora and health. While the balance and kind of bacteria is different between people and dogs, recently a study indicated that supplementing with a particular strain of prebiotic may actually help dogs with behavior issues such as aggression, separation anxiety and do on.
Serotonin has been long correlated with behavior problems across species. But while serotonin can modify behavior most of serotonin is actually located in the gut. More recently Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 16-day daily supplementation has been shown to increase serotonin levels in mice.= with no other ill-health effects,
A study looked at a prebiotic made from fermented mustard greens, which is a traditional Hakka food product, once a day for 14 days every morning after a meal. No other supplementation, medication of behavior modification other than safety management was administered.
Is it important to keep in mind that this is a pilot study and that while it suggests Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PS128 could be a potential food supplement to help dogs, more studies are needed.
Read the study here