We have been scouring the internet, and we read that there are actually plenty of dogs out there who are suffering from constant seizures. This is discomforting, as we understand that such episodes can actually be minimized with proper nutrition information, but most local vets are not properly trained to advise on what types of ingredients we should look out for, as some of them are triggers for seizures. We are on the lookout for the best food for dogs with epilepsy, as we know the owners of these dogs would have been at their wit’s end trying to help ease their dog’s suffering.
Understanding Epilepsy in Dogs
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects dogs, leading to recurrent seizures. These seizures can be distressing for both the pet and its owner. While medication is often prescribed to manage seizures, dietary adjustments can complement medical treatments and reduce the frequency and intensity of episodes.
Key Components of a Dog’s Epilepsy Diet
1. Balanced Nutrition
A well-balanced diet is the foundation of managing epilepsy in dogs. Ensure your pet receives the right mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Opt for high-quality commercial dog food or prepare homemade meals with guidance from your veterinarian.
2. Essential Fatty Acids
Incorporating essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, into your dog’s diet can have a positive impact. These fats have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce the frequency of seizures.
3. Limited Carbohydrates
Reducing the carbohydrate content in your dog’s diet may be beneficial, as some dogs with epilepsy are sensitive to high levels of carbohydrates. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the right balance for your pet.
4. Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Foods rich in antioxidants, like blueberries and spinach, can help protect your dog’s brain cells from oxidative stress, potentially reducing the severity of seizures.
5. Avoid Triggers
Certain foods can trigger seizures in dogs. Common triggers include chocolate, caffeine, and high-sugar items. It’s essential to be vigilant and keep these substances away from your furry companion.
Best Food For Dogs With Persistent Epilepsy Episodes
Before we can recommend the best food for dogs with epilepsy, let us look into the ingredients that can trigger those unpleasant episodes.
Ingredients that can trigger epilepsy or lower seizure threshold.
We have found some information regarding common ingredients that can trigger epilepsy or lower seizure threshold. Do note that not all dogs are the same. It is important to monitor your dog’s condition after consuming food.
- Synthetic chemicals.
- Preservatives
- Emulsifiers
- Highly processed foods
- High carbs, High Fats, Low protein content
- Kava-Kave
- Skullcap
- Evening primrose oil
- Borage Seed Oil
- Goldenseal
- Ginkgo
- Ginseng
- Wormwood
- Eucalyptus
- Fennel
- Hyssop
- Pennyroyal
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Tansy
What Type of Food then Should the Dog Take?
Do note that there are various causes of seizures, and many pet owners fail to realize that diet can actually be one of the triggers. Very importantly, if your dog is constantly having seizure episodes, then it is imperative that you put her on a low carb, low fat, and high protein diet. Do note that a proper diet can help in lowering the chances of seizure episodes.
One such commercially available dog food that fulfills the criteria is Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Chicken Meal Formula Dry Dog Food. It has no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Very importantly, it doesn’t have corn, wheat, soy or fillers.
This bag contains grain-free kibble and freeze-dried raw pieces. While not exactly new, this combination is grain-free and nutrient-dense, and the freeze-dried raw pieces aids in the digestive health of your dog. The good levels of healthy Omega fatty acids are essential for good skin and coat health. Probiotics present in the kibbles also helps in a healthy digestive system for your dog. The kibbles can be consumed by all breeds of dogs at various stages of their life.
As a testament to this, a bag of kibbles was bought by a friend of mine. It was bought for her Shetland sheepdog who has digestive problems. They did some research online and decided to buy this bag of kibbles. It has been 4 months, and the problem seems to be completely solved! Also, as this bag doesn’t contain fillers, the nutrients get absorbed by the dog more readily, so the poop does shrink in size too. Perfect if hate cleaning up your dog’s mess.
As for cost-effectiveness, though the bag can be a little pricey, the dogs are known to consume lesser of the kibbles as compared to other cheaper alternatives that might not have the same benefits that this bag has.
All in all, this grain free food is the best food for dogs with epilepsy.
| Ingredients |
|---|
| Chicken Meal, Chicken, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Chicken Eggs, Chickpeas, Peas, Tapioca, Tomato Pomace, Montmorillonite Clay, Freeze Dried Turkey, Natural Flavor, Freeze Dried Chicken (including Freeze Dried Ground Chicken Bone), Salmon Oil, Freeze Dried Turkey Liver, Pumpkinseeds, Potassium Chloride, Carrots, Apples, Salt, Cranberries, Vitamins (Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Sodium Selenite), Butternut Squash, Choline Chloride, Ground Flaxseed, Dried Kelp, Broccoli, Rosemary Extract, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Apple Cider Vinegar, Dried Chicory Root, Blueberries. |
Feeding information
| Dog's Weight | No. of cups (Active Adult Dogs) | No. of cups (Less Active Dogs or Overweight) | No. of cups (Puppies, Pregnant & Nursing Females) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 to 15 pounds | ½ to 1⅛ cups | ⅜ to ⅞ cup | 1⅛ to 1⅝ cups |
| 16 to 25 pounds | 1⅛ to 1⅝ cups | ⅞ to 1⅛ cups | 1⅝ to 2⅝ cups |
| 26 to 50 pounds | 1⅝ to 2⅝ cups | 1⅛ to 1⅞ cups | 2⅝ to 4¼ cups |
| 51 to 100 pounds | 2⅝ to 4⅛ cups | 1⅞ to 2⅞ cups | 4¼ to 6¾ cups |
Nutritional Analysis
| Nutrient | Composition |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 38 % minimum |
| Crude Fat (min) | 20.5 % minimum |
| Crude Fiber (max) | 4.5 % maximum |
| Moisture (max) | 8 % |
| Vitamin E (min) | 100 IU/kg minimum |
| Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) (min) | 85 mg/kg minimum |
| Omega 6 Fatty Acids (min) | 2.6 % minimum |
| Omega 3 Fatty Acids (min) | 0.3 % minimum |
What Should I Do If My Dog Is Having A Seizure
When your dog is having a seizure, it will not be in control of its movements. Hence, it is really up to us to help and assist the dog so that we can continue to keep the dog safe. Here are the 4 critical steps for you to follow if your dog is having a seizure.
- Keep the dog safe: During a seizure, a dog may lose control of its body and will most likely thrash around. This can be dangerous for the dog if it is in an area with sharp objects or other hazards. Hence, you should clear the area around the dog to prevent injury. It is important that you do not try to hold the dog down or put anything in its mouth. These actions can actually be harmful to the dog and can cause injury. It may also cause injury to yourself too.
- Time the seizure: Record the length of the seizure as this information can be helpful to the vet in determining the type of seizure and the appropriate course of treatment. Seizures typically last between a few seconds and a few minutes.
- Stay with the dog: Comfort and reassure the dog during the seizure by speaking in a calm and soothing voice. Stay with the dog until the seizure is over and it has fully recovered. After a seizure, the dog may be disoriented, confused, and tired, so give them some time to recover. If the dog decides to sleep, you should allow it to just rest as its brain is probably too tired from the seizure attack.
- Contact the vet: If the seizure lasts for more than a few minutes, or if the dog has multiple seizures in a row, contact the vet immediately. These are signs of a more severe seizure and can be a sign of an underlying health problem. Even if the seizure is short and the dog appears to recover quickly, it is still important to inform your vet about it. They may want to run some tests, or adjust the treatment plan if needed.
It is important to remember that seizures can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, injury, infection, and certain medical conditions. A vet can help determine the cause of a dog’s seizures and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include medication, diet changes, or other therapies. Note that dogs that have had a seizure attack before will most likely have another seizure attack again, so it is good for us to prepare beforehand!
