Is a Vegetarian Diet Best?

• Veterinarians and others involved in pet health care do not agree on the optimal diet for epileptic animals. One of the biggest areas of disagreement is whether the pet should follow a vegetarian diet or be allowed meat. Diane Stein says in "The Natural Remedy Book for Dogs & Cats" that dogs do better on a strictly vegetarian diet, although she notes that cats cannot live as vegetarians and should be fed homemade chicken and rice. Others, such as Dr. W. J. Dodds of the Canine Guardian Angels, think epileptic dogs' diets should include some meat. Both present case studies of animals who improved on their diets. Even Stein, however, advocates slowly switching a dog from a diet of chicken or lamb and vegetables to a totally vegetarian one.
  
  

What to Avoid

• There is more agreement about what to avoid. Most sources recommend avoiding wheat, dairy, soy and corn. Beef and tuna have also been mentioned as detrimental to a pet with an immune system compromised by epilepsy. The preservatives BHA, BHT and especially ethoxyquin have been linked to triggering seizures. Since hypoglycemia is a common cause of epilepsy, sugar and corn syrup should be restricted as much as possible to avoid blood sugar spikes. Owners of pets with seizure disorders need to carefully read the ingredients list of any prepared pet food they buy.
  
  

A Simple Recipe

• You can make this hypoallergenic dish for your pet in a crock pot, and refrigerate leftovers for up to three days or freeze them.
  
  4 frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  1 cup sliced zucchini
  1 cup sliced carrots
  1 cup string beans, cut up
  1/2 cup white potato, cut in chunks
  1/2 cup sweet potato, cut in chunks
  
  Combine ingredients, leaving chicken frozen, in the crock pot with 4 cups of water. Set on Low and cook eight hours. When done, skim fat off the top and mash all together.
  
  

Supplements

• Because some food groups have been banned for them, epileptic pets need a daily vitamin-mineral supplement. For small dogs, an infant's liquid multi-vitamin is recommended. Several veterinarians favor giving taurine, a component of protein available at health food stores, to epileptic pets. Extra B vitamins may help prevent seizures, but be sure the tablets are yeast-free.
  
  

Other Suggestions

• Give the pet filtered or bottled water to keep impurities out of its body. Feeding several small meals throughout the day is recommended, especially for hypoglycemic pets. To the extent possible, try to ward off the most common causes of seizures, such as fatigue, overexcitement or anxiety, bright or flashing lights, or loud noises.