Best Dog Food For Seizures

Seizures can be defined as involuntary muscle movements or convulsions resulting from overstimulation of the nervous system and brain activity. Seizures are common with a majority having no known etiology or are genetic.

The most common cause of seizures in dogs is epilepsy commonly known as seizure disorders. Epilepsy occurs when a dog experiences two or more unprovoked seizures in a period of one year.

Management of seizures has a lot to do with the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) coupled with good nutrition. Getting the best dog food for seizures goes along way in controlling the frequency of seizures and managing the side effects that come with the use of AEDs.

Epilepsy can greatly reduce the quality of life of a dog. It can also be a source of worry and a financial burden to caregivers. The use of supplements and a good diet is ideal.

What Causes Seizures in dogs?

A seizure occurs as a result of abnormal activity in the brain leading to involuntary muscle movements. There many causes of seizures in dogs. Among these include:

Idiopathic or Genetic

These occur due as a result of abnormalities in the genetic makeup of dogs. They are easily passed from generation to generation.

1. Brain tumors: Brain cancers can alter brain activity resulting in seizures.
2. Head trauma: Brain injuries are also a common cause of seizures.
3. Brain infection: Inflammation of the brain meninges or infection in the brain can cause seizures.
4. High or low blood sugar: Severe or untreated hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia common in diabetics often leads to unconsciousness and shock. In extreme cases seizures result due to lack of glucose supply to the brain.
5. Stroke: Stroke often results from poor blood circulation in the body. The poor blood supply in the brain robs it of essential oxygen and glucose resulting in seizures.
6. Electrolyte problems: Electrolyte imbalances e.g. low calcium, sodium, and magnesium levels can manifest in the form of seizures.
7. Anemia: Lack of iron often leads to reduced hemoglobin levels in the blood which is responsible for transporting oxygen and glucose to all body tissues including the brain.
8. Toxins: Organophosphate poisoning among others often cause accumulation of water (edema) in the brain which can lead to seizures.
9. Kidney and liver disease: This often leads to the accumulation of toxins in the body resulting in seizures.

Seizures can be classified as:

1. Focal seizures: This usually starts from a particular part of the brain and named according to the part they happen.
2. Generalized seizures: These types of seizures start from both sides of the brain and often lead to muscle spasms, blackouts, or unconsciousness. Generalized seizures can further be classified as :
   1. Tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures: These are the most noticeable type of seizures. They manifest with the body stiffening, jerking, falling, drooling, and loss of control of urine or bowel movements. At times the dog might bite its own tongue. It usually lasts between 1 to 3 minutes. If it goes for longer it is usually termed as status epiliticus which can cause permanent brain damage.
   2. Clonic seizures: Causes muscle spasms affect the face, neck, and front limbs. It lasts for several minutes.
   3. Tonic seizures: These muscle spasms of the front and back limbs as well as the trunk. They often occur during sleep. They last up to 20 seconds.
   4. Atonic seizures: These occur when body muscles go limb causing one to fall forward which may cause a head injury. They last up to 15 seconds.
   5. Myoclonic seizures: These occur when the muscles suddenly jerk.
   6. Absence ( petit mal ) seizures: These usually manifest when a dog stares blankly into open space and the eyes may roll backward. They last a few seconds and often many pet owners may not notice them. They occur before clonic seizures.

Foods And Ingredients To Avoid

Research has revealed an association between nutrition and frequency of seizures. Certain ingredients or foods often aggravate the occurrence of seizures and should be avoided. 

Pet owners should always go through the ingredients when purchasing commercial dog food or better yet try to prepare their own meals or buy dog food specifically recommended by their veterinarian. Common foods to avoid include:

a. Gluten diets: Gluten is not only a common food allergen it is also a cause of may autoimmune diseases. Gluten diets have also been found to stimulate opioid receptors in the brain increasing the likelihood of a seizure occurring. Gluten is commonly found in commercial foods in the form of wheat, soy, oats, and rye.

b. Grains: This is also common in commercial dog food. Grains provide very little nutrition. They are also common allergens, lead to digestive problems and affect organs such as the liver. They also cause autoimmune diseases and can lead to insulin intolerance and diabetes.

Grains can also cause seizures. Thie high phytate content disrupts the body’s ability to absorb minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and sodium leading to serious electrolyte imbalances.

c. Carbohydrates: The most common source of carbohydrates in commercial dog foods is grains. Simple carbohydrates e.g. grains are the most harmful compared to complex carbohydrates. They are easily broken down and have a high glycemic index.

This often leads to a blood sugar crash which often leads to a hypoglycemic shock a common cause of seizures.

Natural Remedies for seizures in dogs

1. Dietary changes: As discussed above diet is a great contributor to the occurrence and frequency of seizures. Avoid gluten, simple carbohydrates, and grains. Some foods can also be toxic and cause seizures.

These include Bell peppers, chocolate, grapes, onions, etc. The red dye 40 commonly found in commercial dog foods have been shown to cause seizures.

2. Essential fatty acids: These include omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Essential fatty acids contain anti-inflammatory properties which help maintain the health of nervous tissue as well as helps in brain development.

They also help reduce the blood concentration of triglycerides which is a common side effect of the use of Phenobarbital, a common AED.

3. Homeopathic oils: These are administered when a dog is having a seizure. These natural oils are applied directly on the skin or gums of a seizing dog ending the seizure and pain in minutes. Such include belladonna, aconite, and choline.

4. Acupressure: This helps to ease animal pressure during a seizure by applying pressure on pressure points such as the base of a dog’s nose or by pressing above their upper lip.

5. Melatonin: This a naturally occurring hormone responsible for sleep. It is administered to prevent the occurrence of seizures at night.

6. Honey: Seizures resulting from low blood sugar can be prevented by giving 2 teaspoons of honey daily.

7. Ice packs: rubbing an ice park along the back of a dog can help stop seizures caused by hyperthermia.

Common dog foods, supplements, and treats suitable for dogs suffering from seizures include the following:

Best Dog Food For Seizures