As a pet owner, managing a dog’s health condition such as seizures can be challenging and emotionally taxing. In this context, we will explore some of the best dry dog food for seizures and foods to avoid.
What are dog seizures?
Seizures can be characterized as uncontrollable muscular movements or spasms that stem from excessive stimulation of the brain and nervous system. Seizures are relatively common, with most of them either having no identifiable cause or being genetically inherited.
Epilepsy also referred to as seizure disorders, is the most frequent cause of seizures in dogs. A dog is said to have epilepsy when it experiences two or more unprovoked seizures within a year.
Managing seizures primarily involves the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) alongside a balanced diet. Choosing the best dog food for seizures can play a significant role in regulating seizure frequency and managing the side effects associated with the use of AEDs.
Epilepsy can considerably diminish a dog’s quality of life. It can also be a cause for concern and a financial strain for the caregivers. Implementing dietary supplements and maintaining a healthy diet is a beneficial approach.
Best dry dog food for seizures
Ollie Fresh Chicken Dog Food
- Our top selection for the best dry dog food for seizures is Ollie’s Fresh Chicken Dog Food. This company, offering subscription services, works closely with pet health professionals to create fresh meals tailored to your dog’s dietary requirements. This is particularly crucial for neurological conditions.
- This recipe is low in carbohydrates and devoid of harmful byproducts, packed with protein, and slow-cooked to retain maximum flavor and nutrition. It includes antioxidant vitamins E and C to enhance your pet’s immune system and also contains high-quality ingredients promoting cognitive health. The first five ingredients are chicken, carrots, peas, rice, and chicken liver. Your vet should help determine the serving sizes for optimal results.
- In conclusion, this is one of the best dry dog food for seizures, it is an excellent choice for a furry friend suffering from seizures. The price is comparable to prescription food, and even fussy eaters adore the taste. The absence of harmful byproducts supports your dog’s brain health!
Pros
- Immune system support with antioxidant vitamins E and C
- Low in carbohydrates and free of toxic byproducts
- Fresh food made with high-quality ingredients
- High in protein
- Easy to thaw and serve
Cons
Slightly expensive
The best dry dog food for seizures like Blue Buffalo Wet Dog Food
Although not specifically formulated for dogs with seizures, this food contains a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to benefit neurological health. They also bolster the immune system, leading to healthier skin and thus a lusher, shinier coat. This recipe is free of fillers, which means it contains no corn, wheat, dairy, or eggs.
Users report their dogs loving it and exhibiting signs of good health. A minor complaint about this product involves the packaging: if a can arrive bulging, avoid opening it, as it could result in a messy explosion of dog food in your kitchen, and possibly on you! Despite this occasional inconvenience, we still consider it the best value dog food for canines with seizures.
Pros
- Rich in Omega 3 fatty acids
- Digestible carbohydrates sourced from potatoes
Cons
Avoid opening a bulging can, as it could explode
Ketona Chicken Dry Dog Food
- This is a high-end option and is still relatively unknown. Ketona was conceived by Daniel Schulof, author of “Dogs, Dog Food, and Dogma.” The objective of this food is to effectively put your dog on a ketogenic diet, as this raw food aims to benefit your dog’s overall health.
- This best dry dog food for seizures is often recommended by owners of pets suffering from severe illnesses, and the feedback is generally positive. From cancer to chronic stomach problems, this food appears to enhance the life quality of the pets consuming it.
- The product is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, containing 46% more protein and 85% fewer carbohydrates than leading brands. It’s a grain-free product without fillers, made from natural ingredients with added vitamins and minerals.
- As for its effects on dogs with seizures, the results are less clear. However, several owners who have switched their diabetic dogs to this diet have reported positive outcomes. Diabetes can sometimes trigger seizures.
Another best dry dog food for seizures
There are several best dry dog food for seizures available that could potentially support a dog experiencing seizures. When selecting food for a dog with seizures, it’s essential to consider their overall health, any other medical conditions they might have, and their specific dietary needs. However, as of my last update in September 2021, there wasn’t a dog food specifically marketed or designed to prevent or treat seizures. Here are a few general recommendations for the best dry dog food for seizures:
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Grain-Free Dog Food: This food is packed with high-quality protein, fruits, and vegetables.
- Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato & Fish Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food: This food is suitable for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities which can sometimes be a trigger for seizures.
- The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food: This food contains high-quality ingredients and is dehydrated, requiring the addition of water before serving.
- Canidae Grain-Free Pure Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food: This grain-free formula is made with simple, high-quality, natural ingredients and contains probiotics for digestive health.
Remember that dietary changes should be done gradually to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach. Additionally, if your dog is experiencing seizures, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. Dietary changes or the addition of supplements should always be discussed with your veterinarian first.
Foods and components to avoid
Studies on Dog Food Ingredients have demonstrated a link between dietary intake and the frequency of seizures. Some foods or ingredients tend to exacerbate seizures and should be avoided. Pet owners need to scrutinize the ingredients when buying commercial dog food or, preferably, prepare their meals or purchase dog food specifically endorsed by their veterinarian. Typically, it is recommended to avoid the following foods:
- Gluten-rich diets: Gluten is not only a prevalent food allergen but it’s also associated with many autoimmune diseases. Diets high in gluten have been found to activate opioid receptors in the brain, increasing the likelihood of a seizure. Gluten is commonly found in commercial foods in the form of wheat, soy, oats, and rye.
- Grains: Another common ingredient in commercial dog food, grains, provide minimal nutrition. They’ve known allergens that can lead to digestive issues and impact organs like the liver. They’re also known to cause autoimmune diseases and can lead to insulin resistance and diabetes.
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