Food, Feelings, and Behavior: How Nutrition Impacts Your Pet's Mind

In this episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni Shelaske is joined by Michelle McGraw of Say It Once Dog Training and Emily Claire for a thoughtful conversation about the powerful connection between nutrition, behavior, and emotional regulation in pets. Together, they explore how daily choices around food, enrichment, and routine can significantly influence a pet's overall well-being.

The discussion breaks down how highly processed diets—particularly kibble-heavy feeding—can contribute to blood sugar swings, behavioral challenges, and constant hunger. Toni, Michelle, and Emily share approachable, budget-conscious ways pet parents can improve their pet's diet, including incorporating fresh foods like eggs, fruits, vegetables, and other safe additions to the bowl.

The episode also touches on training, anxiety, medication, and the importance of addressing foundational needs before turning to quick fixes. Emphasizing education, advocacy, and realistic expectations, the conversation highlights how meeting pets where they are—and making small, intentional changes—can lead to meaningful improvements in both behavior and quality of life.