Is prescription dog food better for dogs

5 Best Dog Foods For Seizures (2024)

How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Seizures

Dogs may experience seizures for a number of different reasons; some of them recurring and others simply a reaction to an outside circumstance.

Among the most commonly seen conditions which can trigger seizures in dogs are as follows:

• Exposure to toxins
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Blood sugar abnormalities
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Anemia
• Brain cancer or encephalitis
• Stroke
• Head trauma
• Allergies
• Infections
• Epilepsy

Though seizures typically arent painful for dogs, they do leave them feeling disoriented and sometimes in a state of panic.

When a seizure occurs, dogs can cause harm to themselves by their erratic body motions which can cause them to get tangled up in things in their surroundings or hurt by objects that fall on them.

Treatment for seizures is possible; however, it hinges on a veterinarians ability to determine the root cause to establish a correct diagnosis.

Unfortunately, treatment will only help alleviate symptoms and to put in place measures to reduce the frequency of episodes. A cure is not possible.

Among the most commonly seen activities during a seizure are:

• Jerking of limbs
• Collapsing
• Stiffening of body posture
• Loss of consciousness
• Twitching
• Drooling
• Grinding of teeth or chomping
• Foaming at the mouth
• Tongue chewing
• Paddling of legs
• Rapid movement of the body
• Spontaneous urination or defecation

Seizures are sometimes prefaced by a blank stare in the dogs eyes. Once the seizure has ceased, many dogs have difficulty with their balance, and walking can be challenging.

When dogs undergo seizures, it is very important for the owner to remain calm and to stand back from the dog until the convulsions have stopped.

Trying to comfort the dog or intervene in the process can make matters worse.

Though diet alone cannot completely address the symptoms associated with seizures, high-quality nutrition coupled with veterinary treatment can provide valuable help.

A poor diet can also be a contributing factor in a dog developing certain medical conditions that are marked by seizures, making it extremely important to prioritize feeding dogs premium quality food to support optimal health.

As with most dogs, diet can be highly specific to the dog in question. What is key in the best foods for dogs with seizures is that the food is well-balanced, complete, and comprised of exceptional quality ingredients.

Though there are no specific supplements that aid with the prevention of seizures, there are many such as essential fatty acids, prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin that are an excellent foundation for overall good health, making them a wise choice for dogs that suffer from seizures.

Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Dogs with Seizures

Determining the correct amount of the best food for seizures to feed a dog can be a challenging task.

As a basic guideline, it is always an excellent idea to consult the suggested serving sizes printed on the dogs food. This can be measured against the dogs weight, age, and activity level to provide a starting point.

The dogs weight and appetite can help owners determine if the amount of food needs to be increased or decreased until the proper portion size is settled.

Free feeding should be strongly discouraged as it can easily lead to body weight gain.

Adult dogs should be fed a diet that consists of a minimum of 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat. Puppies need slightly higher amounts of both 22 percent protein and 8 percent fat with slightly more in both categories also desirable.

Dietary Requirements for Dogs with Seizures

When selecting the best dog food for seizures, it is important to choose a diet that provides vital support for the dogs internal organs.

There are several important criteria that can help owners to make this most important decision.

Since artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives can be common allergens and are of low quality, it is critical that owners of dogs with seizures should look for food that contains as many natural ingredients as possible.

As a general rule of thumb, it is best to focus on food that has an ingredients list comprised of items that are easily recognizable high-quality foods, vitamins, or supplements.

Healthy fats are an important component of any diet but even more so when it comes to the nutrition of dogs with seizures.

Fats derived from animal sources such as chicken fat or oily fish are best as they are high in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.

Meat should be the first ingredient in any premium quality food for dogs. Whole meats are the preferred protein option, but meat meals are also an excellent choice.

By-product and plant-based proteins such as soy, corn, and wheat should be avoided as they do not provide the ideal nutritional profile that dogs with seizures truly need to sustain excellent health.

Carbohydrates play an important role in all well-balanced diets. These can be from whole grains, fruits, or vegetables. The main priority of any carbohydrate is its ease of digestibility and its antioxidant value.

Supplements can also provide valuable help in sustaining good canine health. The best ones to consider in food for dogs with seizures are prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.

Though a high-quality diet can play an important role in helping dogs with seizures enjoy good health, it alone is not sufficient to prevent them from occurring.

The best course of action is veterinary treatment and supervision coupled with an excellent quality diet.

In some cases, diets that are very high in protein or diets that are available by prescription only may be necessary. Coconut oil may also be beneficial for some dogs with seizures.

In more severe cases, a ketogenic diet that is high in fat and low in carbohydrates may be recommended. This type of diet mimics the effects of fasting and can help reduce seizures in some dogs.

No matter what course of action is taken, it is important to always consult a veterinarian before making any major dietary changes for your pet.

They can provide the best advice based on your pets individual needs. Prescription diets should always be given under the guidance of a veterinarian.

For families thinking their dogs may benefit from these types of foods, it is best to consult with a veterinarian for proper guidance.

Raw diets or fish meal formulas are also becoming popular options for normal brain function in dogs with seizures.

Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Seizures

Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in dog food for seizures:

• Whole meat or meat meal proteins heading up the ingredients list
• Prepared without the addition of chemicals, flavorings, fillers, or mystery ingredients
• Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
• Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food

Contains healthy amounts of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids to support coat and skin health

The top choice of BreedAdvisor.com for dogs suffering from seizures is Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe, available from Chewy.

5 Best Non Prescription Dog Foods For Urinary Health (2024)

How to Choose the Best Non Prescription Dog Food for Urinary Health

When a dogs normal urinary habits are markedly different, it is an indication that a visit to the veterinarian is in order. A change in urination can be indicative of a number of different issues, some of which are merely uncomfortable for the dog while others can have life altering impacts.

Among the most common problems associated with a change in urinary health are:

• Urinary tract infections
• Kidney infections
• Bladder stones
• Kidney stones
• Incontinence
• Kidney failure

Sometimes a change in an established urinary pattern is observed because the dog is advancing in age. Elderly dogs experience a weakening of their ability to contain their urine when the urge strikes to use the bathroom, meaning accidents can become a more frequent occurrence.

Some of the most common signs which indicate a dog may be struggling with an issue affecting their urinary health include:

• An increase in the frequent need for urination
• Difficulty or pain when passing urine
• An increase in drinking habits
• Frequent genital cleaning
• Bloody urine
• Restless behavior
• Poor energy levels
• Loss of interest in play
• Urine that is opaque or that has an unpleasant smell
• Incontinence
• Urination in out of the ordinary places
• Pain in the lower back

If a dog displays any of these symptoms, it is imperative that the dog be taken to a veterinarian for a wellness exam and further testing. Most typically, diagnosing the underlying cause creating the issue with urinary health is not terribly difficult for a qualified professional to do. A urinalysis is one of the tools veterinarians often use to help get to the root cause of the problem.

Some urinary issues can be resolved simply through the use of antibiotics. Others are more serious in nature and require a different approach. But regardless of what is causing the issue, a change in diet can reap great benefits for dogs suffering from poor urinary health.

Both bladder and kidney stones are often the product of impaired urinary function. These are very painful, and if exceptionally large, they may require surgery for removal since passing them organically is not possible.

Bladder stones are often the result of diets that are too acidic in nature. To help prevent their development, many canine nutritionists recommend feeding a diet that is more alkaline with low to moderate protein amounts and added moisture to dilute the acid in the urine which can lead to stones.

Both bladder and kidney stones are sometimes diagnosed when a dog presents with a urinary tract infection or kidney infection and a regular round of antibiotics does not alleviate all of the problems a dog is experiencing.

It is also recommended that dogs with compromised urinary function consume more water to help keep the kidneys flushing toxins from the body. However, feeding canned food is another way that owners can get additional fluids into their dogs to help with restoring the body to an alkaline state.

There are also several different natural foods which can assist with achieving and maintaining urinary health. One of the superfoods to look for in the best dog foods for urinary health is cranberries, a natural diuretic that provides excellent support for the kidneys.

Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Non Prescription Urinary Health Dog Food

Establishing how much of the best dog food for urinary health to feed a canine can be a challenging task. Experts recommend using the suggested serving sizes listed on the bag as a starting point. These values can be adjusted until the correct portion is found.

The dogs weight and appetite will both serve as a helps in how much food should be in each meal portion. Since free feeding can easily lead to weight gain, this is strongly discouraged.

Adult dogs require a high quality diet that contains a minimum of 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat while puppies do best on a food comprised of 22 percent protein and 8 percent fat.

Dietary Requirements for Dog Foods for Urinary Health

As a basic rule of thumb, any diet suited to the needs of dogs with poor urinary health should be comprised of high quality ingredients from natural sources as much as possible. Limited ingredient diets are often an excellent choice for dogs with compromised urinary function as they are easy on the body and digestive system.

Whole foods are the preferred ingredients for the best dog foods for urinary health. This includes proteins which should be derived from an easily digestible meat or meat meal. By-products should be avoided; however, if a dogs urinary health is extremely poor, a veterinarian may advise the use of a prescription diet based on plant-based proteins until the problem has been resolved.

Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives contribute no nutritional value to a diet. In addition to this, they are common allergens for many dogs. Foods containing these items should be avoided.

Healthy fats are critical in a food to ensure optimal health and wellness in dogs. These are best obtained from animal origins and can include such items as chicken fat, salmon, mackerel, herring, anchovies, or sardines. These powerhouse oils provide dogs with the omega 3 and 6 fatty acids they need to fuel their metabolism and encourage healthy skin and coat.

Since many carbohydrates that are difficult to digest can lead to inflammation in the body, low starch and high fiber ingredients are the preferred choice. These can come from whole grains, fruits, or vegetables though an emphasis should be placed on fruits that are not highly acidic as this can contribute to poor urinary health.

The moisture content found in a food plays a vital role in keeping urine output alkaline to support proper health. Many veterinarians recommend canned food over dry for dogs with recurring issues with stones or infections as the added moisture in these foods is a great help in reducing the amount of acid found in concentrated urine.

Probiotics help to promote excellent digestion. Foods that contain these items can be a great help in ensuring a healthy body. Though not linked to urinary health itself, glucosamine and chondroitin are powerhouse supplements that keep joints and hips in good condition.

Things to Look for in the Best Non Prescription Dog Food for Urinary Health

Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in a dog food for urinary health:

• Whole meat or meat meal proteins heading up the ingredients list (in non-veterinary diets)
• Prepared without the addition of chemicals, flavorings, fillers, or mystery ingredients
• Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
• Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
• Contains healthy amounts of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to support coat and skin health
• Rich in moisture content to dilute additional acid in urine