Epilepsy in Dogs: Nutritional Advice for Neurological Sensitivity

Table of Contents:

• Nutrients for normal nerve and muscle function
• Scientific Background: Glutamate in the Nervous System
• Dog Food for Epilepsy: Consciously Chosen Composition

Epileptic seizures are among the most common neurological disorders in dogs. The causes of epilepsy in dogs are diverse, ranging from genetic predisposition to metabolic or nervous system disorders. In addition to veterinary care, daily nutrition can also be adjusted to meet the specific needs of dogs with neurological sensitivity.

Seizures in dogs manifest very differently depending on their severity: from short muscle twitching to longer-lasting movement disorders. The goal of nutrition is to provide the body with all the necessary nutrients for the normal function of nerves and muscles.

Nutrients for normal nerve and muscle function

The nervous system requires a variety of micronutrients to maintain its regular functions. These include:

• Magnesium: contributes to normal muscle and nerve function.
• Potassium: supports the normal function of the nervous system and helps maintain normal blood pressure.
• Calcium: contributes to normal signal transmission between nerve cells.
• Vitamin B6: contributes to the normal function of the nervous system and normal energy metabolism.
• Taurine: plays a role in cell metabolism and naturally occurs in many animal tissues.

These nutrients are specifically taken into account in the formulation of our dog food for neurological sensitivity to ensure a needs-based nutrient supply for the nervous system.

Scientific Background: Glutamate in the Nervous System

In dogs with neurological sensitivity, an imbalance between various neurotransmitters in the nervous system can occur. Studies show that in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy, sometimes elevated concentrations of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate have been measured (cf. Wessmann et al., J Vet Intern Med, 2014). Too much glutamate can affect the excitability of nerve cells.

Certain feed ingredients such as highly processed proteins, yeast extracts, or glutamate-containing additives contain free glutamate, which can be problematic for sensitive dogs. Therefore, in cases of corresponding sensitivity, a diet that avoids these additives and instead relies on highly digestible, minimally processed protein sources is recommended.

Dog Food for Epilepsy: Consciously Chosen Composition

BugBell dog food for sensitive dogs was developed to support a particularly well-tolerated nutrient supply for neurological sensitivity. The composition is characterized by:

• Monoprotein source (insect protein) with high digestibility.
• No synthetic flavor enhancers and yeast extract.
• Targeted supplementation of nutritionally relevant nutrients (magnesium, calcium, potassium, vitamin B6, taurine).
• Gentle processing of raw materials to minimize free glutamate content.

Important: This product is not a dietary or medicinal feed and does not replace veterinary diagnostics or therapy. It is a complementary feed or complete feed with a specially formulated composition for sensitive dogs.

If you have Questions about our products, we are happy to advise you.