This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Continue with Part 2: Anti-Inflammatory Supplements.
Can Diet or Supplements Prevent Seizures?
I do not believe that any diet or supplement can prevent or completely stop seizures. However, I do believe some diets and supplements may help reduce their frequency.
The AKC Canine Health Foundation recently released an announcement stating that medium-chain triglycerides could help slow seizure activity. A similar claim was made about helping dementia in senior dogs, but that never really panned out, and I doubt it will for seizures. These claims came from human research, but in dogs, plant oils may increase inflammation. Fish oil, which is animal-based, may have the ability to help. It has been found to help with canine dementia, and I would love to see more research done in this area.
Dogs and Dietary Fats
Dogs can react to fats and foods quite differently than humans. Humans are omnivores and can function well on both animal proteins and carbohydrates. Their digestive tracts are designed to use nutrients from both types of food. Humans can break down plant fibers and digest them in their small intestines, which are much longer and more complex than those of carnivores.
Carnivores keep food in their stomachs for the bulk of digestion. They are not built to break down plant fiber. They have a short intestinal tract that does not have that ability, but they can break down animal proteins, bone, cartilage and more in their stomachs. Their strong digestive juices are far more powerful than those of humans. While the digestive systems are similar, they are designed to do very different things and require different nutrients for good health.
Raw and Natural Nutrition for Dogs, Revised: The Definitive Guide to Homemade Meals!
Lew Olson's newly revised book is filled with an abundance of new topics and information. Whether you are new to home feeding or a seasoned raw feeder, have a senior dog or a new puppy, a pregnant mom or a toy breed, this book presents all the information you need to make the best nutritional decisions for your dog.Why Certain Nutrients May Support Brain Health
The brain is one of the most metabolically active organs in the body. It requires a constant supply of nutrients to support healthy nerve cells, maintain cell membranes and produce neurotransmitters that allow nerve cells to communicate with one another.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA from marine fish oil, are major structural components of brain cell membranes. They help maintain membrane flexibility, support normal nerve signaling and have anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit the nervous system. Fish oil is not a treatment for epilepsy, but it may help support overall brain health.
B-Complex Vitamins
B-complex vitamins, particularly vitamins B6, B12 and folate, play essential roles in nerve function and energy metabolism within the brain. Deficiencies can interfere with normal neurological function, which is one reason I recommend providing a balanced B-complex supplement rather than supplementing only one B vitamin.
Antioxidants and Magnesium
Antioxidants, including vitamins E and C, help protect nerve cells from oxidative stress. Every cell in the body produces free radicals during normal metabolism, and the brain is especially susceptible to oxidative damage because of its high oxygen use. A fresh-food diet rich in natural nutrients may provide additional antioxidant support compared with heavily processed diets.
Although magnesium is important for normal nerve and muscle function, there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend magnesium supplementation specifically for canine epilepsy unless a deficiency has been identified.
None of these nutrients should be viewed as a cure for epilepsy. Together, however, they may help support normal brain function and overall neurological health as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
CBD Oil
There is one plant oil that may help dogs, but research is still being done – and at least it is getting done. That is CBD oil. Not every CBD oil will help; potency and purity are important. Colorado State University has conducted research on CBD and canine seizure frequency. Read more about the Colorado State University CBD clinical trial.
Diet Options
Diet may also be of some help. I recommend a home-cooked diet or, better yet, a raw diet. Carbohydrates are sugars, and they can alter sugar levels in the bloodstream. That may trigger seizure activity.
A home-cooked diet containing about 75% animal protein and fat and 25% non-starchy carbohydrates may help slow seizure activity. Non-starchy options include zucchini squash, dark leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower and green beans. Another option is a raw diet with no carbohydrates, consisting of muscle meat, organ meat and bone.
Add fish oil to either diet at approximately one capsule per 20 to 30 pounds of body weight, along with a B-complex liquid containing B12.
Diagnosing and Treating Seizures
The cause of seizures in dogs can be difficult to diagnose. Occasionally, seizures are caused by brain tumors, liver problems, other illnesses or a head injury. It is important to have your dog examined by a veterinarian and to have blood work and any other recommended tests performed.
Some medications can help control seizures, but it is important to understand their side effects. Some can cause pancreatitis, in which case a low-fat diet may be recommended. Seizures are often genetic and may be part of a neurological disorder. Do your research and discuss reliable articles and research findings with your veterinarian.
Rottweiler DNA Research
The American Rottweiler Club is asking Rottweiler owners to request test kits and submit DNA samples. This research may help identify causes, carriers or affected dogs. Learn more about donating canine DNA to ProjectSAV.
Continue to Part 2: Anti-Inflammatory Supplements.
