Foods That Cause Seizures in Dogs

When caring for a dog with epilepsy, understanding the connection between diet and seizure activity can make a meaningful difference. While epilepsy is a complex neurological condition influenced by genetics, environment and individual vulnerabilities, certain foods may act as triggers for some dogs. Recognising foods that cause seizures in dogs , or worsen existing patterns, helps owners make calmer, more informed decisions about their dog’s daily nutrition.

Although food alone does not cause epilepsy, the wrong ingredients can create inflammation, digestive stress, chemical imbalances, or neurological irritation that may influence seizure thresholds. This article breaks down the key concepts so you can understand why certain foods may be problematic and where to focus your attention.

If you’re also exploring broader seizure triggers, you may find our guide on dog seizure triggers helpful.

How Food Can Influence Seizures in Dogs

Nutrition affects many systems in the body that interact with neurological stability, including the immune system, gut health, metabolism and inflammation. Dogs with epilepsy may be more sensitive to dietary changes, ingredients or chemical additives than the average dog.

While research is ongoing, there are several ways in which food may contribute to increased seizure activity in susceptible dogs.

1. Allergic Reactions and Sensitivities

Some dogs experience allergic responses or intolerances to certain foods. These reactions can trigger inflammation throughout the body, including the brain. For sensitive dogs, this inflammatory response may make seizures more likely.

Common culprits include:

• Certain protein sources

• Dairy

• Specific grains

• Artificial additives
  

Because every dog is different, identifying potential allergens can help create a more stable foundation. Our article on what not to feed a dog that has seizures offers further insight into ingredients worth avoiding.

2. Metabolic Imbalances

Food influences blood sugar, electrolytes, nutrient absorption and energy availability. Imbalances in any of these areas may affect the brain’s electrical activity.

Examples include:

• Uneven blood sugar levels

• Nutrient deficiencies

• Electrolyte disturbances

• Excessive processed carbohydrates
  

Sudden spikes and crashes in blood sugar, in particular, can affect some dogs with epilepsy. To understand this connection more clearly, you may find the link between blood sugar fluctuations and epilepsy a useful resource.

3. Inflammatory or Neurologically Irritating Ingredients

Certain ingredients may contribute to inflammation or overstimulation of the nervous system. These effects can vary from dog to dog, but they’re worth being aware of, particularly if you notice patterns with your own dog’s seizures.

Problematic Diets and Ingredients for Dogs With Seizures

While no single food triggers seizures in all dogs, several ingredients and dietary categories have been linked to increased seizure activity in sensitive or epileptic dogs. Understanding these helps owners make more confident choices.

1. Artificial Additives

Artificial preservatives, colourings and flavour enhancers can contribute to inflammation or neurological irritation in some dogs. Sensitive dogs may react more strongly to these ingredients, making cleaner, more natural diets a safer option.

If you're interested in understanding how chemical additives affect seizure-prone dogs, our post on toxins in dog food and epilepsy provides helpful context.

2. Gluten and Wheat Sensitivities

While not all dogs are sensitive to gluten or wheat, some do react with inflammation, digestive issues or neurological symptoms. In susceptible dogs, reducing or avoiding gluten has been associated with improved stability.

This doesn’t mean all dogs with epilepsy require a gluten-free diet — but it can be relevant for some individuals, especially those with gut issues.

If your dog struggles with digestion, you may find how to identify gut issues in epileptic dogs useful.

3. Chemical Sweeteners (Especially Xylitol)

Xylitol is one of the most dangerous substances a dog can ingest. It causes sudden drops in blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) and can rapidly induce seizures, liver failure and even death. It is found in:

• Sugar-free chewing gum

• Some peanut butters

• Sugar-free baked goods

• Some oral care products
  

Always check labels carefully, even small amounts of xylitol can be life-threatening.

4. Stimulants: Chocolate, Caffeine and Theobromine

Chocolate contains both caffeine and theobromine, compounds that are toxic to dogs. They overstimulate the nervous system and can cause tremors, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms and other severe symptoms.

While most owners know chocolate is unsafe, it’s important to remember that:

• Dark chocolate is the most dangerous

• Cocoa powder is highly concentrated

• Some supplements, protein bars or baked goods contain hidden chocolate derivatives
  

Beneficial Foods for Dogs With Epilepsy

While avoiding certain foods is helpful, supporting dogs with epilepsy also involves choosing nourishing, stable ingredients that promote resilience and healthy brain function. Below are high-level examples of foods that may benefit some dogs.

For a deeper dive into how nutrition supports epilepsy, you may enjoy the best diet for dogs with epilepsy.

1. High-Quality Protein Sources

Protein plays a vital role in energy balance, muscle health, hormone regulation and immune function. Clean, minimally processed protein sources tend to be easier on digestion and provide essential amino acids needed for neurological health.

Useful high-level examples include:

• Lean meats

• Fish

• Eggs
  

2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s support brain health, reduce inflammation and may positively influence seizure thresholds. They are commonly found in:

• Salmon and sardines

• Flaxseed

• Chia seeds
  

If you'd like to learn more about Omega-3s and neurological function, read why salmon oil is good for dogs.

3. Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress, a factor linked to inflammation and neurological imbalance. Including antioxidant-rich foods may support long-term brain health.

Helpful examples include:

• Blueberries

• Leafy greens

• Other colourful vegetables
  

These foods are not a treatment, but they can support overall resilience in dogs with seizures.

4. Vitamin B6-Rich Foods

Vitamin B6 plays a role in brain development and neurotransmitter function. While most complete diets include this vitamin naturally, foods such as poultry, fish and sweet potatoes contain it as well.

5. MCT Oil

MCT oil (Medium Chain Triglycerides) is gaining attention for its potential role in supporting neurological health. Unlike traditional fats, MCTs provide a rapid energy source for the brain.

To learn more about MCTs and their potential in seizure support, read choosing the best MCT oil for your epileptic dog.

If your dog experiences any digestive changes with MCT oil, our article why MCT oil may upset your dog’s tummy explains the common reasons.

6. CBD Oil

CBD oil is an area of growing interest in both veterinary and medical fields, with research suggesting potential benefits for some epilepsy cases. While it is not suitable for every dog, early studies show promise.

To learn more about its potential effects, visit: CBD oil for dogs with seizures

Conclusion: Foods That Cause Seizures in Dogs

Navigating foods that cause seizures in dogs is an important part of managing canine epilepsy. While not all dogs will respond the same way, understanding potential triggers, such as artificial additives, stimulants, chemical sweeteners or allergenic ingredients, helps owners make informed choices.

Supporting dogs with epilepsy also involves choosing high-quality proteins, healthy fats, antioxidants and other nourishing ingredients that promote long-term wellbeing. With awareness, observation and a focus on clean, stable nutrition, pet owners can better support dogs living with epilepsy.

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References

• Berk, Benjamin A., et al. "A multicenter randomized controlled trial of medium‐chain triglyceride dietary supplementation on epilepsy in dogs." Journal of veterinary internal medicine 34.3 (2020): 1248-1259.

• Law, Tsz Hong, et al. "A randomised trial of a medium-chain TAG diet as treatment for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy." British Journal of Nutrition 114.9 (2015): 1438-1447.

• Patterson, Edward E. "Canine epilepsy: an underutilized model." ILAR journal 55.1 (2014): 182-186.

• Potschka, Heidrun, et al. "International veterinary epilepsy task force consensus proposal: outcome of therapeutic interventions in canine and feline epilepsy." BMC Veterinary Research 11 (2015): 1-13.

• Löscher, Wolfgang. "Dogs as a natural animal model of epilepsy." Frontiers in veterinary science 9 (2022): 928009.