dog diets

Question
QUESTION: I have 6 mixed breed house dogs.  2 of the dogs have seizure disorders.  One seizure dog, named Cody, a 12 yr. old spaniel mix, started having 'mini' seizures about 4 years ago.  They are very rare happening maybe once or twice a year.  The other seizure dog named Boo is a 4 yr. old lab mix and started first with a 'mini' seizure about 1 yr. ago.  Then, in October of 2009, Boo had a 'cluster seizure' episode.  As a result of this, my vet started him on phenobarbital (1 1/2 gr twice a day).   All of my dogs were fed 'Kibbles and Bits' dry dog food for years and years.  Just recently, I started thinking that maybe the 'Kibbles and Bits' diet might have something to do with seizures problems in 2 of my 6 dogs.  Because of this, I changed their diet to 'Purina Healthy Life Nutrition'.  I think Cody just had another 'mini' seizure several weeks ago even with the new diet.  Cody is not on any medication for his seizures.  Could you please give me feelings about this situation.  It seems very strange to me that one-third of my dogs are having seizure problems. Have you ever heard of other instances where a 'Kibble and Bits' diet was thought to be connected with seizures?

I would kindly appreciate any feedback you could offer.  Thank you!

Ron Meigs

ANSWER: The diet you have your dogs on now ABSOLUTELY can be the source of your difficulties. And Kibbles and Bits is one of the least nutritious, grain filled foods there is. Please stop feeding your dogs this very poor food.

It is becoming increasingly clear to many owners of seizing dogs and some vets that diet plays a vital role in the management and control of canine epilepsy. Correcting nutritional deficiencies can help reduce or control seizures in epileptic dogs, and in some cases, may eliminate seizures in dogs completely.
Improving the dog's diet in an effort to correct nutritional deficiencies can be achieved through a number of avenues.

(1) Changing from a supermarket commercial diet, to a superior grade commercial diet with premium ingredients, including superior sources of protein and free from artificial preservatives and additives ( including chemical preservatives BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin and propylene glycol which is sometimes added to keep "chewy " foods moist) artificial colors and flavors and sweeteners ( added to make poor quality dog food more appealing to dogs).

(2) Feeding a home cooked diet including added vitamins/minerals/nutritional supplements.

(3) Feeding a raw diet commonly known as "BARF" an acronym for "Biologically Appropriate Raw Food" or "Bones And Raw Food" including added vitamins/minerals/nutritional supplements.All of the above-mentioned diet improvements can benefit your dog's overall health. Any improvement is sure to benefit your dog and his health.
Consider joining an online list that addresses canine nutrition, such as K9Nutrition or other diet lists.  PLEASE do not consider changing your dog's diet without first understanding what a canine's diet should and should not include. For dogs on anti-epilepsy drugs (AEDs) diet changes MUST be discussed with your vet. Diet, drugs, canine metabolism and the potential interactions must all be understood before changing anything in your epi-dog's regimen.


There are a number of specific nutritional deficiencies in both humans and canines that are known to cause or aggravate seizures, including vitamin deficiencies, mineral deficiencies and amino acid deficiencies. While commercial dog foods are promoted as being nutritional and well-balanced, the fact is, that the process of producing these foods actually destroys the vitamins,minerals and amino acids in the food that are essential to good health.

So consider home-cooking and educating yourself about canine nutrition as this will more than likely solve your problems. I can say with just about 100% certainty that Kibbles and Bits is NOT THE FOOD TO BE FEEDING ANY DOG, LET ALONE A DOG WITH SEIZURES. There is much material out there on the topic of nutrition and seizures so PLEASE start to check these out and in the meantime get your dogs off the 'twinkie' diet you have them on. Your dogs should probably be on an allergen free diet. Check with your vet on this..foods such as Royal Canin and others are allergen free, grain free and have a single protein source which  means it is easy to digest. Also amino acids play a huge role in seizure disorders and diet so ask you vet about this. If all else fails contact a nutritionist who WILL get you on the right path. I have someone who can help you SPECIFICALLY WITH DIET IF YOU LIKE...let me know. Susan

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you kindly for your response.  And, 'yes', I would appreciate having someone specifically help me with diets for my dogs.  Any additional information would be appreciated.

Answer
Hello Ron,
Please feel free to email me at DazzlinDaawg@aol.com--this would be more direct, of course. In the meantime, the gal whom I credit with helping save my Yorkie's digestive life is the one I will refer  you to. She does NOT CHARGE because she ADORES ANIMALS and her diet advice is priceless. She will go to ANY LENGTH TO HELP YOU WITH YOUR DOGS and I have already spoken to her about you and your seizure situation. So, if you would email her direct, mention my name and that we have communicated already (she knows this but she is sooooo busy running her own supplement company that she can't be expected to remember everything) she will begin to lead you toward a really great diet for your dogs. OK? You have my email address, here's hers and he name is Donia (rhymes with Sonia).

DoniaSea@aol.com

Write to her, tell her your situation, what I have said etc and go from there. She does not charge and you will feel very lucky to have met her by the time she begins to help you. I never looked back after meeting her. Please let me know how it goes.

Susan Behlmar
DazzlinDaawg@aol.com