what is the best dry dog food for seizures

5 Best Dog Foods For Seizures (2024)

How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Seizures

Dogs may experience seizures for a number of different reasons; some of them recurring and others simply a reaction to an outside circumstance.

Among the most commonly seen conditions which can trigger seizures in dogs are as follows:

• Exposure to toxins
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Blood sugar abnormalities
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Anemia
• Brain cancer or encephalitis
• Stroke
• Head trauma
• Allergies
• Infections
• Epilepsy

Though seizures typically arent painful for dogs, they do leave them feeling disoriented and sometimes in a state of panic.

When a seizure occurs, dogs can cause harm to themselves by their erratic body motions which can cause them to get tangled up in things in their surroundings or hurt by objects that fall on them.

Treatment for seizures is possible; however, it hinges on a veterinarians ability to determine the root cause to establish a correct diagnosis.

Unfortunately, treatment will only help alleviate symptoms and to put in place measures to reduce the frequency of episodes. A cure is not possible.

Among the most commonly seen activities during a seizure are:

• Jerking of limbs
• Collapsing
• Stiffening of body posture
• Loss of consciousness
• Twitching
• Drooling
• Grinding of teeth or chomping
• Foaming at the mouth
• Tongue chewing
• Paddling of legs
• Rapid movement of the body
• Spontaneous urination or defecation

Seizures are sometimes prefaced by a blank stare in the dogs eyes. Once the seizure has ceased, many dogs have difficulty with their balance, and walking can be challenging.

When dogs undergo seizures, it is very important for the owner to remain calm and to stand back from the dog until the convulsions have stopped.

Trying to comfort the dog or intervene in the process can make matters worse.

Though diet alone cannot completely address the symptoms associated with seizures, high-quality nutrition coupled with veterinary treatment can provide valuable help.

A poor diet can also be a contributing factor in a dog developing certain medical conditions that are marked by seizures, making it extremely important to prioritize feeding dogs premium quality food to support optimal health.

As with most dogs, diet can be highly specific to the dog in question. What is key in the best foods for dogs with seizures is that the food is well-balanced, complete, and comprised of exceptional quality ingredients.

Though there are no specific supplements that aid with the prevention of seizures, there are many such as essential fatty acids, prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin that are an excellent foundation for overall good health, making them a wise choice for dogs that suffer from seizures.

Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Dogs with Seizures

Determining the correct amount of the best food for seizures to feed a dog can be a challenging task.

As a basic guideline, it is always an excellent idea to consult the suggested serving sizes printed on the dogs food. This can be measured against the dogs weight, age, and activity level to provide a starting point.

The dogs weight and appetite can help owners determine if the amount of food needs to be increased or decreased until the proper portion size is settled.

Free feeding should be strongly discouraged as it can easily lead to body weight gain.

Adult dogs should be fed a diet that consists of a minimum of 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat. Puppies need slightly higher amounts of both 22 percent protein and 8 percent fat with slightly more in both categories also desirable.

Dietary Requirements for Dogs with Seizures

When selecting the best dog food for seizures, it is important to choose a diet that provides vital support for the dogs internal organs.

There are several important criteria that can help owners to make this most important decision.

Since artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives can be common allergens and are of low quality, it is critical that owners of dogs with seizures should look for food that contains as many natural ingredients as possible.

As a general rule of thumb, it is best to focus on food that has an ingredients list comprised of items that are easily recognizable high-quality foods, vitamins, or supplements.

Healthy fats are an important component of any diet but even more so when it comes to the nutrition of dogs with seizures.

Fats derived from animal sources such as chicken fat or oily fish are best as they are high in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.

Meat should be the first ingredient in any premium quality food for dogs. Whole meats are the preferred protein option, but meat meals are also an excellent choice.

By-product and plant-based proteins such as soy, corn, and wheat should be avoided as they do not provide the ideal nutritional profile that dogs with seizures truly need to sustain excellent health.

Carbohydrates play an important role in all well-balanced diets. These can be from whole grains, fruits, or vegetables. The main priority of any carbohydrate is its ease of digestibility and its antioxidant value.

Supplements can also provide valuable help in sustaining good canine health. The best ones to consider in food for dogs with seizures are prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.

Though a high-quality diet can play an important role in helping dogs with seizures enjoy good health, it alone is not sufficient to prevent them from occurring.

The best course of action is veterinary treatment and supervision coupled with an excellent quality diet.

In some cases, diets that are very high in protein or diets that are available by prescription only may be necessary. Coconut oil may also be beneficial for some dogs with seizures.

In more severe cases, a ketogenic diet that is high in fat and low in carbohydrates may be recommended. This type of diet mimics the effects of fasting and can help reduce seizures in some dogs.

No matter what course of action is taken, it is important to always consult a veterinarian before making any major dietary changes for your pet.

They can provide the best advice based on your pets individual needs. Prescription diets should always be given under the guidance of a veterinarian.

For families thinking their dogs may benefit from these types of foods, it is best to consult with a veterinarian for proper guidance.

Raw diets or fish meal formulas are also becoming popular options for normal brain function in dogs with seizures.

Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Seizures

Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in dog food for seizures:

• Whole meat or meat meal proteins heading up the ingredients list
• Prepared without the addition of chemicals, flavorings, fillers, or mystery ingredients
• Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
• Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food

Contains healthy amounts of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids to support coat and skin health

The top choice of BreedAdvisor.com for dogs suffering from seizures is Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe, available from Chewy.

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.