Introduction
Canine epilepsy affects a significant number of dogs, and for about one-third of them, seizures persist despite appropriate anti-seizure medications. These ongoing seizures, along with medication side effects and behavioral changes, can negatively impact quality of life.
Recent research funded by the AKC Canine Health Foundation is exploring dietary approaches to help manage epilepsy (CHF Grant 02252: Investigating a Ketogenic Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) Supplement for the Treatment of Drug-Resistant Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy and Its Behavioral Comorbidities). A clinical trial has shown that supplementing with medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil may reduce seizure frequency and improve overall wellbeing in dogs with drug-resistant epilepsy. MCT oil is a component of the ketogenic diet, which is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet shown to reduce seizures in children with epilepsy—and now being studied for similar effects in dogs.
Key Points
- One-third of epileptic dogs continue to have seizures despite medication.
- MCT oil, a component of the ketogenic diet, was tested in a rigorous clinical trial.
- Dogs taking MCT oil had fewer seizures and seizure days per month.
- Some dogs became seizure-free or had a 50%+ reduction in seizures.
- Owners reported improved quality of life and fewer medication side effects.
Challenge Background
Canine epilepsy affects thousands of dogs and their families. While anti-seizure medications help many dogs, about 33% still experience seizures, often accompanied by anxiety and cognitive decline. These side effects can be difficult to manage and reduce the dog’s and the owner’s quality of life.
Researchers have been searching for alternative treatments that are safe, effective, and easy to implement. Inspired by success in children with epilepsy, the ketogenic diet emerged as a promising avenue for dogs.
The Breakthrough
Researchers at the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, conducted a six-month, multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover trial to test the effects of MCT oil on dogs with idiopathic epilepsy.
Dogs continued their regular diets and were given either MCT oil or a placebo for 90 days, then switched. Seizure data was collected via standardized diaries, focusing only on grand mal seizures.
Results:
- 28 dogs completed the trial
- MCT oil was well-tolerated
- Statistically significant reduction in seizure frequency and seizure days
- 2 dogs became seizure-free, 3 had ≥50% reduction, and 12 had overall improvement
- Owners noted better quality of life and fewer side effects from medications
This study supports MCT oil as a complementary treatment for canine epilepsy.
Impact & Next Steps
This research opens the door to diet-based interventions for epilepsy in dogs. MCT oil could become part of a broader treatment plan, especially for dogs not responding well to medications.
Future studies will focus on larger sample sizes and longer durations to confirm these findings. Veterinarians may soon have more tools to personalize epilepsy care, improving outcomes and quality of life for dogs and their families.
Owners should consult their veterinarian before making any dietary changes, as supplements can affect how medications are absorbed.
References:
- Law T.H., Davies E.S., Pan Y., et al. A randomised trial of a medium‐chain TAG diet as treatment for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Br J Nutr. 2015; 114: 1438‐ 1447. https://doi.org/10.1017/S000711451500313X
- Berk, B. A., Law, T. H., Packer, R. M. A., Wessmann, A., Bathen‐Nöthen, A., Jokinen, T. S., Knebel, A., Tipold, A., Pelligand, L., Meads, Z., & Volk, H. A. (2020). A multicenter randomized controlled trial of effect of medium-chain triglyceride dietary supplementation on epilepsy in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 1–2. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15756
