Epilepsy - What wet food is best for cats and dogs?

Dr Sarah-Jane Molier BSc BVM&S MRCVS

If your dog or cat has recently been diagnosed with epilepsy, you will likely be feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Seeing your pet seizuring can leave you feeling scared and powerless. Alongside any medication your vet has prescribed, you are probably wondering if there is anything you can do at home to help. Let’s take a look at which food is best for cats and dogs with epilepsy. 

What is epilepsy?

A seizure, or fit, happens when there is uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain. Your pet will lose awareness or consciousness, and have uncontrollable body movements such as spasms, twitching, shaking and / or tremors. 

Epilepsy in dogs and cats means recurring epileptic seizures, which have a neurological origin (as opposed to seizures caused by something outside of the nervous system, such as low blood sugar). 

What causes epilepsy in pets?

There are many possible causes of seizures in pets, including:

• Idiopathic Epilepsy (no known cause)
• Low blood sugar
• Liver disease, such as a liver shunt (abnormal blood circulation in the liver)
• Toxins (such as chocolate or antifreeze)
• Head injury
• Inflammatory disease of the brain
• Brain tumours
• Heat stroke

The term ‘epilepsy’ describes repeated seizures which have a neurological origin (‘epileptic seizures’).

‘Idiopathic epilepsy’ occurs when there are repeated epileptic seizures, with no identifiable cause. The brain structure appears normal on MRI scans, but there is abnormal brain function, leading to seizures.

Idiopathic epilepsy is an inherited condition in dogs, with certain breeds being more predisposed, such as Labradors and Golden Retrievers. Seizures are less common in cats, and are usually caused by a disease or problem within the brain itself.

What are the symptoms of epilepsy in cats and dogs?

You may notice that your pet becomes a little agitated or confused just before a fit. They may appear dazed, glazed over, or stare into the distance. This is known as the ‘pre-ictal’ phase.

‘Generalised’ seizures are the most common type of seizure seen in dogs and cats. The signs of a generalised seizure include:

●      Loss of consciousness

●      Stiffening of the body

●      Involuntary, repetitive movements (classically seen as ‘paddling’)

●      Salivation (drooling)

●      Urination and / or defaecation

‘Partial’ or ‘focal’ seizures are less common. They can cause muscle spasms or tremors, twitching in a certain area of the body, a vacant expression, or abnormal sensations.

Pets are largely unaware of a seizure taking place, and rest assured that they are not painful for your pet. They may, however, experience a ‘post-ictal’ phase after the seizure, while they are recovering. Signs can include:

●      Confusion

●      Ataxia (a wobbly gait)

●      Thirst 

Stay calm, quiet and allow your pet to rest until they have recovered. It’s important to mention that sometimes pets may become aggressive during or after a seizure, so it’s important that you keep yourself and your family safe too.

How is epilepsy diagnosed?

Idiopathic epilepsy is diagnosed by ruling out other causes of seizures. This can involve 

-        Asking questions about your pet and their lifestyle

-        Examining your pet

-        Urine tests

-        Blood tests

-        Imaging of the brain, such as an MRI scan

-        CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) sampling.

Your vet will determine which tests would be necessary for your pet. 

How is epilepsy treated in cats and dogs?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for idiopathic epilepsy. However, the condition can usually be managed with medication such as phenobarbital, levetiracetam, or potassium bromide. Sometimes a combination of drugs is needed. The aim of the medication is to reduce the number and the severity of seizures; they won’t stop your pet from seizuring altogether. 

For other types of seizures, the treatment will depend on the cause.

Dietary management of seizures is a growing area of interest, so let’s take a look at the best diet for pets with epilepsy.

What should I feed my dog with epilepsy?

The Royal Veterinary College carried out a six-month randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded crossover study on dogs with idiopathic epilepsy that were on medication to control their seizures. This research showed that a diet rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) can help to control seizures, alongside medication. 71% of dogs showed a reduction in frequency of seizures. In 48% of dogs, their seizures were reduced by 50% or greater. 14% actually stopped seizuring. This research has led to the first specially formulated, prescription diet to help nutritionally manage dogs with epilepsy, alongside their medication. 

This diet is classed as ‘ketogenic’ (low carbohydrate, high fat), which means that during digestion a molecule called a ketone is produced, which acts as an alternative energy supply to cells (including in the brain). Currently, only MCT-enriched diets are supported with a satisfactory level of scientific evidence. However, there are other possible dietary benefits being explored. 

There is growing evidence in both humans and pets that the microbiota-gut-brain axis plays an important role in many disease conditions, including idiopathic epilepsy. The microbiota-gut-brain axis is greatly influenced by nutrition. Dietary fibre and protein appear to have the most influence on the gut microbiome, so increased good quality protein and fibre may be beneficial to the gut, and therefore the gut-brain axis. 

Multiple studies have shown that the microbiome adapts to diet, so long-term change of diet is needed to prevent the microbiome reverting its pre-diet change state. While diet does change the microbiome of healthy dogs, changes associated with disease appear to be more significant. While further research is needed to quantify optimum protein and fibre levels it seems sensible, given the current research available, that a good quality fibre and high protein diet could be beneficial.

There may also be a place for dietary sourced anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective factors. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) are present in high levels in the brain. One study demonstrated that long term treatment with omega-3 promoted neuroprotection in rats with epilepsy. Some studies on patients with chronic epilepsy have shown that omega-3 supplementation caused a transient reduction in seizure frequency, while others have shown no difference. Therefore, more studies are needed here.

Diet can also influence the efficacy of anti-epileptic medication. For example, a high salt diet increases bromide excretion from the body. Therefore a high salt diet would reduce the efficacy of Potassium Bromide medication. It follows that feeding a consistent diet (including treats) will avoid fluctuations in efficacy of medication.

What should I feed my cat with epilepsy?

There are currently no prescription diets for feline epilepsy. Because epilepsy in cats usually has an underlying cause, the best diet will depend on the underlying cause. If your cat’s seizures are due to a disease elsewhere in the body, such as liver disease or kidney disease, proper nutrition can help reduce the effects of the disease on the brain. Your vet will be able to advise you on the best diet for your cat’s underlying condition.

Seizures are common in thiamine-deficient cats (often accompanied by other neurologic signs). Thiamine (vitamin B1) is an essential component of a number of metabolic pathways, and cats are particularly dependent on dietary thiamine. Thiamine deficiency can occur in cats eating diets preserved with sulphur dioxide, commercial diets that have been inadequately supplemented, diets where thiamine is degraded by heating, and in diets containing thiaminase. Feeding a good quality, nutritionally complete diet will prevent diet-induced thiamine deficiency.

Key Points

There is a prescription diet on the market to nutritionally manage dogs with epilepsy, alongside their medication. The diet is enhanced with MCT oil, plus a unique blend of nutrients to help support a dog’s cognitive health (including arginine, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and B vitamins). Good quality, high protein and fibre diets and polyunsaturated fatty acids may be beneficial for dogs with epilepsy.

No scientifically-backed diets are available for cats with epilepsy. However, diet can still play an important role in cats, tailoring the diet for the underlying cause.

The most important points? Diet can not replace medication, all of the dietary recommendations are to be used alongside any medication your vet has prescribed. If your pet has any medical condition, you should always check with your vet before changing their diet. This is because a change in diet can affect the dose of medication your pet needs, and to check if the diet is suitable for your pet’s unique needs. Any dietary change should always be made slowly, to avoid upsetting the guts!

View the Zealandia Cat Food Nutrition Profile (PDF)

View the Zealandia Dog Food Nutrition Profile (PDF)