best dog food for canine epilepsy

Nutrition breakthrough to help manage dogs with epilepsy

Published: 17 Feb 2017 | Last Updated: 10 Aug 2023 11:22:43

Research from the RVC canine epilepsy clinic leads to the development of the first and only diet to help nutritionally manage dogs with idiopathic epilepsy as an adjunct to veterinary therapy. The diet, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NC NeuroCare, will be available to those with a veterinary prescription in the USA starting in March.

Research¹from RVC canine epilepsy clinic, in partnership with Nestl Purina, provided the basis for the development of the first and only diet to help nutritionally manage dogs with idiopathic epilepsy as an adjunct to veterinary therapy.

The diet Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NC NeuroCare will be presented to veterinarians at The North American Veterinary Community annual conference in Orlando, Florida.

Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological condition diagnosed in dogs and humans². The most common treatment for canine epilepsy is anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). Past studies have also found that in approximately a third of dogs, current drug treatments failed to reduce, by at least 50%, the number of seizures they experience ^3-5. The RVC epilepsy clinic is continuously working on new management options to improve seizure control further, quality of life of dogs with epilepsy and to give back control to owners.

Professor Holger Volk, Head of the Department of Clinical Science and Services of the RVC and specialist in Neurology and Neurosurgery, said: Canine epilepsy is a complex condition and can be very distressing for the dog and their owner, which I know from personal experience having had a dog with fits. Drug treatments can be successful in reducing seizures, but it is important to note that consistent remission can be difficult to attain and we need to find new strategies to broaden our management toolkit".

One of the most exciting new areas of research in canine epilepsy is on the effects of diet. Holger added: Breeders and dog owners have often told me that they feel that the food that they give to their dogs does influence the control of their seizures.

These anecdotal observations kindled the idea of looking closer at the effect of diet on dogs with epilepsy. Holger emphasised the importance of giving a consistent diet, which can be extremely difficult in a real world situation, because one of the effects of epilepsy drugs is to stimulate appetite and so these dogs will always be looking for food. Giving leftovers from human meals can further add to the challenge of looking after a pet with epilepsy because ingredients, such as high salt levels in many human foods, can interfere with how dogs process some of the AEDs. It is not just the amount of food that matters, the individual nutrients are also important.

The team at the RVC demonstrated this in a study that showed a diet rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) can help control seizures¹. The study was a six-month randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded crossover study conducted in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy that were also being administered AEDs. It demonstrated for the first time that a test diet with MCT oil can have positive effects on reduction of seizure frequency when fed as an adjunct to veterinary therapy (71% of dogs showed a reduction in seizure frequency, 48% of dogs showed a 50% or greater reduction in seizure frequency and 14% of dogs achieved complete seizure freedom).

Our new formula was inspired by this study conducted in dogs with epilepsy at the Royal Veterinary College, and in partnership with Purina. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NC NeuroCare is the first and only diet to help nutritionally manage dogs with epilepsy as an adjunct to veterinary therapy, says Jason Gagn, DVM, Dipl. ACVN and Director, Veterinary Technical Marketing at Purina, NeuroCare is enhanced with MCT oil, plus a unique blend of nutrients, including arginine, EPA + DHA, antioxidants and B vitamins to help support a dogs cognitive health. Holger added, We hope this new diet makes a difference and brings new hope to owners of dogs with epilepsy. It will not be the magic wand for all patients with epilepsy. It will need to be given under the guidance of a veterinarian and should be given as an adjunct to veterinary therapy.

1Law TH, Davies ES, Pan Y, et al. A randomised trial of a medium-chain TAG diet as treatment for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Br J Nutr. 2015;114:1438-47. 2Chandler K. Canine epilepsy: What can we learn from human seizure disorders? Vet J. 2006;172:207217.3Podell M, Fenner W. Bromide Therapy in Refractory Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy. J Vet Intern Med. 1993;7:318-327.4Trepanier L, Schwark W, Van Schoick A, et al. Therapeutic Serum Drug Concentrations in Epileptic Dogs Treated with Potassium Bromide Alone or in Combination with Other Anticonvulsants: 122 cases (1992-1996). J Am Vet Med Assoc.1998;213:1449-1453.5Schwartz-Porsche D, Loscher W, Frey H. Therapeutic Efficacy of Phenobarbital and Primidone in Canine Epilepsy: A Comparison. J Vet Pharmacol Ther. 1985;8:113-119.

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Notes to Editors

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is the UK's largest and longest established independent veterinary school and is a constituent College of the University of London. The RVC offers undergraduate, postgraduate and CPD programmes in veterinary medicine, veterinary nursing and biological sciences, being ranked in the top 10 universities nationally for biosciences degrees. It is currently the only veterinary school in the world to hold full accreditation from AVMA, EAEVE, RCVS and AVBC.

A research-led institution, in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2014) the RVC maintained its position as the top HEFCE funded veterinary focused research institution.

The RVCalso provides animal owners and the veterinary profession with access to expert veterinary care and advice through its teaching hospitals; the Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital in central London, the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals (Europe's largest small animal referral centre), the Equine Referral Hospital, and the Farm Animal Clinical Centre located at the Hertfordshire campus.

RVC Press Release 17February 2017

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Nutritional Management of Idiopathic Epilepsy in Dogs

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9 Best Dog Foods for Seizures 2023 (Premium & Budget)

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Last Updated on April 27, 2023

Unfortunately, seizures in dogs are extremely common.

These uncontrolled disturbances of the brain, which can lead to shaking, a loss of muscle control, and unconsciousness, can be particularly frightening for pet owners to experience.

While some seizures in dogs are genetic, others are caused by certain diseases.

The good news is that some preventative foods can be incorporated into your dogs diet that can help manage and curb seizures.

If your pet suffers from seizures, keep reading to discover some of the best foods for your dog.

Quick Top Picks: Best Dog Food For Pups With Seizures

1. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Canine Formula

Our rating: 4.8Top Ingredients: Corn Starch, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein Isolate, Partially Hydrogenated Canola Oil Preserved with TBHQType: Dry dog foodProducer: PurinaDaily Feeding Cost: $2 per dayCaloric Content: 3,782 kcal/kg, 322 kcal/cupBest for: Puppies and adult dogs

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Canine Formula focuses on hydrolyzed protein.

This protein has already been broken down into its amino acids, making it easier for your dog to digest.

For a cost of $2 a day, you also get hypoallergenic food which is unlikely to cause any adverse reactions in your pet.

Advantages:

• This food comes from the well respected Purina brand which has over eighty years of experience creating quality pet nutrition
• The formula contains plenty of antioxidants that help combat cancer-causing free radicals
• This is a vegetarian formula that is designed not to include any common canine allergens

Disadvantages:

• Some pet owners, and their dogs, did not seem to like the smell of this food

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Check out the best dog food recipes from this brand. Read our comprehensive Purina Pro Plan Review.

2. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Selected Protein Adult PR Loaf Dog Food

Our rating: 4.8Top Ingredients: Water Sufficient For Processing, Rabbit, Potato, Dried PotatoType: Wet dog foodProducer: Royal CaninDaily Feeding Cost: $3.44 per dayCaloric Content: 1,080 kcal/kg, 416 kcal/13.5-oz canBest for: All adult dogs

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Selected Protein Adult PR Loaf offers high-quality nutrition for your pet formulated by veterinarians.

This formula is specifically designed for dogs with allergies while still providing all the nutrients your dog needs to live a healthy life.

For a price of $3.44 a day, your dog will get a diet rich in protein and carbs.

Advantages:

• The recipe features rabbit as the primary protein source to assist your pet with tissue growth and maintenance
• This food is packed with all the nutrients your dog needs including high levels of Vitamin B1 and B2 and Vitamin C
• This food contains plenty of antioxidant-rich ingredients to boost your pups immune system

Disadvantages:

• Some pet owners found the supply of this pet food to be a bit unreliable

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Check out the best dog food recipes from this brand. Read our comprehensive Royal Canin Dog Food Review.

3. Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Duck

Our rating: 4.4Top Ingredients: Duck, Chicken Meal, PeasType: Grain-free dry dog foodProducer: InstinctDaily Feeding Cost: $1.72 per dayCaloric Content: 4,337 kcal/kg, 497 kcal/cupBest for: Small adult dogs

Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Duck is a minimally processed, protein-rich dry dog food available for $1.72 per day.

This all-natural dog food offers pet owners a grain-free option with cage-free freeze-dried raw duck as the first ingredient and primary protein source.

Advantages:

• This food contains no corn, wheat, soy, by-products, or artificial colors or preservatives that could cause allergic reactions in dogs
• This food is rich in calcium and phosphorus to support your dogs bones and teeth
• This antioxidant-rich food is also packed with omega acids and probiotics to support your pets gut health and immune system

Disadvantages:

• This food, unfortunately, caused one dog to develop severe swelling

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Check out the best dog food recipes from this brand. Read our comprehensive Instinct Raw Dog Food Review.

4. Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Turkey, Brown Rice & Venison Recipe

Our rating: 4.4Top Ingredients: Turkey, Chicken Meal, Brown RiceType: Dry dog foodProducer: Rachael RayDaily Feeding Cost: $0.98 per dayCaloric Content: 3,136 kcal/kg, 269 kcal/cupBest for: All adult dogs

Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Turkey, Brown Rice & Venison Recipe offers your pet high-quality nutrition at $0.98 per day with the main ingredient being lean, US farm-raised turkey.

Venison is also included to supply your pet with iron and to strengthen muscles.

Rich in fiber, this food also features several wholesome carbohydrate sources such as brown rice and peas.

Advantages:

• This food has a low-fat content making it a healthy choice for dogs that suffer from seizures
• The recipe is packed full of antioxidants, Vitamin C, and Potassium to boost your pets whole-body health
• The formula contains L-carnitine which helps support your dogs metabolism to maintain a healthy weight

Disadvantages:

• Some picky pups simply did not like this food

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Check out the best dog food recipes from this brand. Read our comprehensive Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Food Review.

5. Zesty Paws Omega Bites Skin & Coat Dog Supplement

Our rating: 4.1Top Ingredients: Pollock Oil (Alaskomega), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Vitamin E (D-Alpha Tocopherol)Type: Chewy supplementProducer: Zesty PawsDaily Feeding Cost: $0.30 per pieceBest for: All adult dogs

Zesty Paws Omega Bites Skin & Coat Dog Supplement is a great-tasting soft chew that is designed to supplement your dogs diet.

For $0.30 per piece, this supplement is packed full of beneficial ingredients for your pet such as cod liver oil, zinc, and coconut glycerin.

Advantages:

• This supplement contains high levels of omega-three fatty acids from Alaskan fish oil, including EPA and DPA, which boost the immune system and support brain and eye development
• The formula contains Biotin, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E which help to repair cells, lubricate the joints, and support the heart

Disadvantages:

• For a few dogs, these supplements caused an itchy skin

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Check out the best dog food recipes from this brand. Read our comprehensive Zesty Paws Supplement Review.

6. Hills Prescription Diet Liver Care Adult Dry Dog Food

Our rating: 4.4Top Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Chicken, Chicken FatType: Prescription dry dog foodProducer: HillsDaily Feeding Cost: $2.44 per dayCaloric Content: 438 kcal/cupBest for: Dogs with liver disease

Hills Prescription Diet Liver Care Adult Dry Dog Food is designed to care for the liver, one of the leading causes of seizures in dogs.

This food, which is available at $2.44 per day, is specifically designed for pups with liver problems.

This recipe aims to boost liver function while improving the conversion of nutrients.

Advantages:

• Designed to regenerate muscles and tissues without stressing the liver, the formula contains moderate levels of high-quality protein
• This recipe is added with S+OXSHIELD to tackle nutrient deficiencies

Disadvantages:

• This is a prescription diet that can only be bought with authorization from a vet

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Check out the best dog food recipes from this brand. Read our comprehensive Hills Prescription Diet Dog Food Review.

7. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food

Our rating: 4.5Top Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, PotatoesType: Grain-free dry dog foodProducer: WellnessDaily Feeding Cost: $1.19 per dayCaloric content: 3,436 kcal/kg or 430 kcal/cupBest for: All adult dogs

Wellness Simple LID is a limited ingredient dry dog food made from superior-quality ingredients.

Available at a cost of $1.19 a day, this formula is handpicked for dogs with food allergies and negative reactions to food, such as neurological conditions and seizures.

The fewer ingredients mean less risk of any adverse reaction.

Advantages:

• The recipe features a single protein source and highly digestible carbohydrates. It is free from any wheat, corn, soy, gluten, or artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
• This food is made in the USA
• The food is fortified with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics, and taurine to support your pets full-body health

Disadvantages:

• Some dogs simply refused to eat this food

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Check out the best dog food recipes from this brand. Read our comprehensive Wellness Simple LID Review.

8. Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Recipe

Our rating: 4.5Top Ingredients: Salmon, Chicken Meal, Sweet PotatoType: Grain-free Dry Dog FoodProducer: Rachael RayDaily Feeding Cost: $0.80 per dayCaloric content: 3,475 kcal/kg, 355 kcal/cupBest for: All adult dogs

Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Recipe is a grain-free dry dog food that focuses on salmon and sweet potatoes.

For a cost of $0.80 a day, your dog is guaranteed a formula that provides them with all the nutrients they need to maintain a healthy body.

Advantages:

• With salmon as the main ingredient, this dog food is packed full of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to boost your dogs immune system and help prevent seizures
• Chicken and chicken fat act as a supplementary protein and source of fat to keep your dog strong
• The tasty flavor of this dog food is designed to appeal to even the pickiest of eaters

Disadvantages:

• Some pet owners said the kibble size was too large for their small dog

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Check out the best dog food recipes from this brand. Read our comprehensive Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Review.

9. Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken

Our rating: 4.4Top Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), ChickpeasType: Dry Dog FoodProducer: InstinctDaily Feeding Cost: $3.15 per dayCaloric content: 4,290 kcal/kg, 469 kcal/cupBest for: Small adult dogs

Instinct Raw Boost is a protein-rich formula designed to support the immune system and organs of small breed dogs.

The nutrient-dense formula is packed full of minimally processed ingredients to supply your pet with the maximum nutrient value.

It is available for a cost of $3.15 a day and is packed with essential nutrients and high-quality ingredients.

Advantages:

• Freeze-dried meat is incorporated with the kibble to supply a protein boost and provide delicious flavor to your pet
• Cage-free chicken features as the main ingredient, providing the ideal blend of protein, fat, and calories to your canine
• This food is formulated with probiotics for digestive health and omega fatty acids to support the immune system

Disadvantages:

• Some dogs simply refused to eat this diet

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Check out the best dog food recipes from this brand. Read our comprehensive Instinct Raw Boost Review.

What are the Effects of Seizures on Dogs?

Seizures in dogs often happen at times of changing brain activity, such as during feeding or excitement, or as your pet is falling asleep or waking up.

What physically causes them is an overload of electrical impulses and activity in the dogs brain.

The technical name for the condition that causes seizures in dogs, is idiopathic epilepsy. This is a genetically inherited condition and the most common cause of seizures found in dogs.

Other causes include brain tumors, kidney failure, brain trauma, liver disease, or toxins.

In some cases, however, certain foods you could be giving your dog can be contributing towards causing these seizures.

What are the symptoms of a dog having a seizure?

Affected dogs can be seen completely normal between seizures, and they can happen randomly throughout the day, although as was mentioned they are usually between waking and sleeping.

Despite how dramatic and violent a dogs seizure may look, seizures are not painful, although the dog may feel confusion and perhaps panic during or after the event.

Symptoms of a seizure can drastically differ but here are some of the common signs to look for:

• Discomfort: Before a seizure occurs, your dog can show signs of discomfort, such as whining, barking, whimpering, or hiding away.
• Salivating, drooling, or restlessness: These symptoms can occur before, during, and after a seizure and last for up to a few hours.
• Running around in circles or collapsing to the ground: These are symptoms that occur while your dog is having a seizure
• Shivering, twitching, stiff muscles, and biting the jaw: Many dogs shake, and their jaw clenches while they are seizing. Never put your hands in a dogs mouth, they will not swallow their tongue and you can get badly bitten during a seizure.
• Unresponsive: Your dog may not respond to calls or look at you while experiencing a seizure. In some cases, they are completely unconscious.

What certain foods can trigger seizures in dogs?

In most cases, seizures in dogs are caused by an inherited genetic condition such as idiopathic epilepsy.

However, in certain instances, particular foods and nutrients can be toxic, and specifically neurotoxic to dogs and cause seizures that are not epilepsy-related.

Usually, these cases are to be treated as poisoning, and you should rush your pooch to the vet in the event of a seizure out of the blue.

Foods that can cause such seizures are the following:

• Chocolate: It is commonly known that chocolate is bad for dogs, but its so bad that even in relatively small amounts it can cause issues like seizures.
• Caffeine: Chocolate, along with caffeine, belongs to a group of nutrients known as Methylxanthines, which are terrible for dogs.
• Xylitol: The sweetener used in some yogurts and peanut butter can also be fatal for canines
• Salt: Excessive salt poisoning from seawater, play dough, or table salt consumption can cause seizures. This can even happen from excessively high salt intake from processed dog foods.

What foods can help prevent seizures in dogs?

When choosing the best option for foods that can prevent seizures in dogs, there are some important factors to take into account.

A good clean source of natural fats and protein can seriously benefit your pet, for both regenerating nervous tissue and brain and bodily function.

Aside from protein and natural fats, you should look for foods that are high in some key nutrients.

Firstly, your dogs food should have high levels of antioxidants. These prevent cell-damaging free radicals and promote brain health.

Next, your dogs food should be rich in omega-3 fatty acids and triglycerides (MCT oil). These support cognitive and liver function.

Lastly, look for high levels of L-carnitine and L-arginine, as these can support liver function, which is great for dogs who have seizures due to a liver condition.

How long does it take for a dog to recover from a seizure?

As was mentioned, seizures are caused by bursts of electrical activity in the dogs brain and can vary in length.

Generally, these seizures can last anywhere between under a minute to several minutes in length.

After your dog is back to normal, be very gentle and affectionate as they can sometimes be a little shaken up.

Sometimes this unfortunate, yet common, neurological problem in dogs is something they cant permanently recover from.

So, What is the Best Food to Help My Dog Get Rid of His Seizures?

Seizures are a serious illness that needs to be treated with care. While the food you give your dog may not totally prevent seizures, certain diets can help to control this condition.

The nutrition you give your dog will also help to support his whole-body health and improve his quality of life. So always opt for the best that you can afford.

Pick food that contains the essentials like proteins and fatty acids as well as nutrients that cater to your dogs specific needs.

The nine dog food options listed above are great choices for epileptic pets or dogs that suffer from seizures.

Does your dog experience seizures. How to manage them and do you find he is better on specific pet food?

We would love to learn from your first-hand experiences. Please do feel free to share them with us in the comments below.

Further reading: Other best food for dog diseases and medical conditions

Janine is an experienced content writer and travel journalist based in Cape, Town, South Africa.

Raised by a bundle of botanists, researchers, and biologists, she is passionate about things related to the animal kingdom, including, our furry friends. However, as a terrible allergy sufferer, she is limited in her pet selection and so has grown up surrounded by curly-haired Poodles.