Help! What Do I Feed My Dog Who Has Seizures? (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Hi Dr. Paola,
GusGus is our 5 1/2 lb Pomeranian baby. He is 14 years old. Since he was a baby, he has had seizures, about two a month. Otherwise he is pretty healthy. Now older, his back right leg shivers when he stands, but he does walk well. We have fed him Racheal Raes small kibble dog food for some time, but recently were informed her pet food company was bought and they no longer provide good meat in the process. What is the best dry dog food, small size kibbles for our GusGus. I am so concerned about what sources the protein/meat is used in dry dog food. We are desperate to find a healthy food for him as we love him so very much. Thank you” – Jeanette
Quick Info about GusGus
Hi Jeanette,
I completely understand your concern about finding the best food for GusGus, especially with his history of seizures and now some tremors in his leg. Nutrition plays a vital role in overall health, and as dogs age, their dietary needs become even more specific.
When selecting dog food, it’s essential to focus on ingredient quality. Look for a product with clearly named animal proteins as the first ingredient (such as real chicken, turkey, or fish) rather than generic “meat meal” or by-products. Avoid foods with ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy, especially if they are listed within the first 5 ingredients on the label, and avoid artificial preservatives and colorings.
If you’d like to dive deeper into label reading, there are plenty of educational resources available that explain what to look for in dog food. Dogster has thousands of reviews from other pet parents, which can help provide insight into ingredient sourcing and quality.
It’s 2025, so you can even find formulas that focus on joint and brain health, which often contain omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and antioxidants that could be beneficial. I prefer fresh, whole-food-based diets over traditional kibble, as they often contain higher-quality proteins, fewer carbohydrates, and more bioavailable nutrients. If you’re open to it, incorporating lightly cooked fresh food or high-quality freeze-dried options as toppers can also provide additional nutrients and improve digestibility. Whatever you do, make sure you run it past GusGus’s vet to ensure it’s a good option for him.
Some last tips would be to take your time transitioning GusGus gradually to his new food; ideally, do it over 7–10 days to help give his digestive system time to adjust and prevent digestive upset. Keeping a close eye on his energy levels and seizure frequency will also guide you in making the best choice for him. He is lucky to have such a loving family looking out for his well-being!
Best of luck,
Dr. Paola