Post #2 What goes in...

We all know that what we put in our bodies matters. We know that just because something tastes good doesn’t mean it’s good for us, and we know that some of the stuff that tastes the worst is exactly what our bodies’ need. The same holds true for dogs, especially our epi-dogs.

Many people consider Baron’s diet needs to be a little high maintenance. There is a running list of trigger foods attached to the refrigerator door, its right next to the list of emergency vet numbers, my emergency contact info, as well as a list of what to do in the event of a seizure.  Some think I’m being a little paranoid, I say I’m just prepared for the inevitable. There is always the chance of a seizure happening at any time and I need to know that my husband and the dog sitters all know exactly what to do when it is needed.

Anyway, back to the diet plan…Did you know there are certain foods that protect the brain? Others that hinder brain function? With epilepsy sufferers- whether they be dog or human, we are always trying to build brain strength, stability and nutrition. Now, I can’t give Baron a book of brain teasers to build up his neuro- strength but, I can feed him brain friendly foods.

I have found most dog foods are really nutritionally lacking (There are a few good ones) but, none are as good as real food. So I make all of Baron’s food for him, and because I’m not feeding three dogs different food the others guys get brain healthy food as well. Now, I know, you’re thinking this lady is nuts if she thinks I have time to make dog food. Well, it really is pretty easy.  At the beginning of every week I make a big bowl of food and just scoop out what is needed for each meal, the rest goes back in the fridge. Easy right? But, now you’re asking what are the good foods and how do I prepare them?

 The main ingredient is protein, during a seizure the body burns a ton of calories and uses up all of its energy so it’s important to ensure that there are always extra protein stores available in the body. Good sources of protein include fish (salmon and tilapia are great options). As well as containing lots of protein, fish is also rich in Omega- 3 fatty acids. These acids help coat the myelin sheath of neurotransmitters.  Another great option is black beans; they are protein rich and will also help stabilize glucose levels which can drop to critical lows during a seizure.

Carbohydrates are extremely important to an epileptic diet. As I have mentioned seizures use up lots of energy and calories so we need to ensure there is always energy to spare. The best source of carbs comes from potatoes (with the peel on- it’s a great source of iron), rice (mix white and brown) and pasta.  Dogs in general will do really well on a diet that contains equal parts carbs to protein, unlike people who need less carbs.

If you just boil your protein and carbs, everything gets cooked with the least amount of nutrient loss. I try to avoid the “raw diet” for Baron because it can cause some gastrointestinal stress and stress of any kind can be a seizure trigger.

Lastly add lots of fruits and vegetables. Some of Baron’s favorites include blueberries, apples, carrots, green beans and peas.  I like to buy them frozen and then I just mix them in uncooked. His least favorites include spinach, broccoli and squash. Those I usually run through the blender and mix them in- he knows they are there but aren’t as noticeable then.

All of this just gets mixed together for one big pot of brain healthy dog food.