About this Webinar

This webinar will dive into the fascinating connection between nutrition, behaviour, and cognitive function in dogs and cats. We’ll explore how protein, tryptophan, and certain protein hydrolysates can influence anxiety and aggression, shedding light on their potential role in behaviour modification. Next, we’ll uncover the impact of gut microbiota and the gut-brain axis on behaviour, revealing the intricate ways digestion and mental well-being are linked. Finally, we’ll examine the potential benefits of antioxidant molecules and medium-chain triglycerides in supporting cognitive function in ageing dogs, offering practical insights for enhancing their quality of life.

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Understand the effect of protein and tryptophan on animal behaviour

  2. Know how the gut microbiota may influence animal behaviour

  3. Know the potential benefits deriving from the utilization of antioxidants and medium-chain triglycerides in elderly dogs and cats

Meet your Instructor

Dr Giacomo Biagi

Graduated cum laude in Veterinary Medicine in Bologna in 1994, in 2000 he obtained the title of PhD. Since 2010 he has been Associate Professor at the Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences of the University of Bologna for which he was delegated to the Third Mission from 2018 to 2024. He is the owner of several courses, including those of "Feeding of companion animals" and "Breeding of companion animals" of the degree of Veterinary Medicine. Since 2015 he has been a member of the FEDIAF Scientific Advisory Board. From 2017 to 2021 he was President of the Italian Society of Food and Animal Nutrition - SIANA. Since November 2021 he has been Coordinator of the Course of Studies on Safety and Quality of Animal Production at the University of Bologna. He is the author or co-author of over 160 scientific publications.