Scientific Report: Epilepsy in Dogs and Their Microbiome

Managing Epilepsy Through Diet: The Gut-Brain Connection

Effective epilepsy management often reduces inflammation, enhances immunity, and supports neurological health. The gut microbiome plays a pivotal role in all three areas. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of dietary interventions, such as the ketogenic (keto) diet, to improve seizure control. This approach has been particularly effective in humans, especially children, whose physiological responses mirror those of dogs.

The Ketogenic Diet and Neurological Health

A ketogenic diet (low in carbohydrates (5–10%), moderate in protein (10–20%), and high in fat (70–85%) has shown promise in managing epilepsy. While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, it is believed to work by:

• Preventing neuronal overexcitation through changes in brain pH.

• Promoting the conversion of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, into GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

• Modulating the gut microbiome, encouraging the growth of beneficial strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

Interestingly, while the keto diet may reduce overall microbial diversity, this could indicate a more stable and balanced gut microbiome, potentially aiding in seizure management.

Recent human studies also point to the role of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a compound produced by gut bacteria when processing protein-rich foods like fish and meat. TMAO has been shown to upregulate Annexin A1, a protein vital for neuroprotection and inflammation control, and has been linked to reduced seizure frequency.

Key Microbiome Insights in Epilepsy

Research into the gut microbiome of individuals with epilepsy (primarily humans) has revealed:

• Diet influences microbiome composition. Protein- and fat-rich diets increase the number of Bacteroides, while carbohydrate-heavy diets favour Prevotella.

• People with frequent seizures often have lower levels of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

• Higher levels of Blautia and Prevotella have been observed in people with epilepsy, though their exact roles remain under investigation.

• A keto diet reduces harmful bacteria like Proteobacteria and Cronobacter while increasing beneficial strains such as Prevotella and Bifidobacterium.

Relevance for Dogs

Canine physiology closely resembles that of humans, making findings from human epilepsy research applicable to dogs. At BIOME9, data from our GutDiscovery® test shows that the microbiomes of dogs with well-managed epilepsy (through diet or medication) closely resemble those of healthy dogs, emphasising the importance of effective management strategies.

Modulating the Microbiome to Support Dogs with Epilepsy

Key Bacterial Genera

• Lactobacillus: In the canine microbiome, Lactobacillus helps reduce toxins from pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli and promotes gut stability. For dogs with epilepsy, these probiotics also play a role in converting glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter) into GABA (an inhibitory neurotransmitter), which is critical for preventing neuronal overexcitation. If absent, Lactobacillus can be supplemented with products or fermented foods like kefir or yoghurt.

• Bacteroides: This genus thrives on protein- and fat-rich diets and is essential for breaking down these nutrients. Increasing Bacteroides populations can benefit dogs with epilepsy, especially when following ketogenic diets that are high in protein and fat.

• Prevotella: Prevotella is linked to carbohydrate digestion and tends to dominate in dogs with carbohydrate-rich diets. Although its role in epilepsy is still being studied, Prevotella populations can provide additional support in maintaining gut health and balance when introduced appropriately.

• Blautia: Accounting for 20–40% of the canine microbiome, Blautia is a dominant genus that helps reduce inflammation by producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly acetate. For epileptic dogs, maintaining strong Blautia populations is important for overall gut health and reducing systemic inflammation, which can exacerbate neurological conditions.

• Bifidobacterium: Dogs with epilepsy often have reduced levels of Bifidobacterium, similar to findings in humans with frequent seizures. This genus supports gut health by improving resilience and promoting anti-inflammatory effects. A ketogenic diet has increased Bifidobacterium populations while reducing harmful bacteria like Proteobacteria and Cronobacter, making it an important target for dietary interventions.

What Our Data Reveals

From March 2024 to January 2025, the BIOME9 GutDiscovery® test analysed a total of 1,246 samples, including 23 from dogs diagnosed with epilepsy and 97 from healthy dogs (as confirmed by local veterinarians, with no reported illnesses, intolerances, or symptoms). This comparison provides valuable insights into the gut health differences between healthy and epileptic dogs.

Invisible Health® and Resilience Scores

Our data shows that healthy dogs scored an average of +13 on the InvisibleHealth® metric, compared to lower scores for epileptic dogs. While this result aligns with expectations (as dogs with epilepsy often experience additional health issues affecting their gut), it highlights room for improvement in gut health. However, the resilience scores, critical for maintaining a stable gut ecosystem, were similar between the two groups (+0.4 for healthy dogs). This stability is essential for effectively managing the microbiomes of epileptic dogs.

Figure 1. Comparison of the average Invisible Health® (left) and Resilience (right) scores for epileptic and healthy dogs in the BIOME9 database.

Community and Dysbiosis Markers

Healthy dogs had an average of 46 more species in their gut microbiome than epileptic dogs. Interestingly, this isn’t necessarily a disadvantage for epileptic dogs, as they benefit from a simpler microbiome, optimised for digesting proteins, fat and carbohydrates, rather than relying on fibre-digesting bacteria.

Healthy dogs also demonstrated a slightly more balanced microbiome (+4.5 on the phyla balance score). Although not a dramatic difference, this balance is critical for improving gut stability in epileptic dogs.

Healthy dogs scored +1.7 higher on the Shannon Index (which ranges from 1 to 4) regarding diversity. This result reflects the higher species richness in their microbiomes, as diversity is calculated by combining richness and balance. While greater diversity is typically linked to better health outcomes, epileptic dogs may not benefit from excessively diverse microbiomes.

Figure 2. Comparison of Species Richness (left), Phyla Balance (middle), and Diversity (right) scores for epileptic and healthy dogs in the BIOME9 database.

Functional Insights

Using BIOME9’s AI-powered algorithms, we evaluated how well the gut microbiomes of healthy and epileptic dogs support critical digestive and physiological functions. Healthy dogs consistently scored higher in functions relevant to epilepsy management. This provides a valuable benchmark for improving gut health in epileptic dogs through targeted interventions.

Figure 3. Digestive Function (left) and Physiological Function (right) scores comparing healthy and epileptic dogs.

Key Genera in Epilepsy Management

Beyond the overall microbiome community, specific bacterial genera play a crucial role in supporting epileptic dogs. The graph below highlights the relative abundance of key bacteria that influence epilepsy outcomes. For example, healthy dogs had higher levels of probiotic bacteria like Lactobacillus. By testing and analysing the microbiome, we can identify and target these gaps through dietary modifications and tailored supplement plans.

Figure 4. Average relative abundance of three vital bacterial genera linked to epilepsy in the gut microbiomes of healthy and epileptic dogs.

Supplement Recommendations for Epileptic Dogs

GMB02: Bifidobacterium Support
GMB02 is formulated to introduce Bifidobacterium strains, vital in supporting gut stability and overall digestive health. These strains can be particularly beneficial for dogs with epilepsy, helping to build a resilient and balanced gut microbiome.

GMB03: Lactobacillus Support
GMB03 contains multiple Lactobacillus strains, which are known for their probiotic benefits. These strains promote gut resilience and support the broader gut ecosystem. They are instrumental in managing the unique needs of epileptic dogs.

Commitment to Epileptic Dogs
In collaboration with Dogileptic, we’ve refined our ingredients to support epileptic dogs better. Because some dogs may be sensitive to rosemary, we’ve avoided using it in most formulations to ensure suitability for this group.

Starting Supplements Before Your GutDiscovery® Test
If you’d like to begin supporting your dog’s gut health before completing a GutDiscovery® test and receiving a personalised plan, our BiomeBites® supplement bundles are a great starting point:

• The 'Regular Gut' Set: Designed for general gut health maintenance.

• The 7-Strain 'Good Gut' Probiotic: A targeted probiotic blend that introduces key beneficial bacteria.

Managing Pathogens

Low levels of asymptomatic pathogenic bacteria are typically present in a dog’s gut microbiome. This is usually not a concern in healthy dogs due to their high microbiome richness and resilience, as shown in the graph below, with an average of 595 pathogens detected. However, in epileptic dogs, the average number of pathogens is three times higher.

This underscores the importance of a resilient and balanced gut microbiome to keep pathogens in check. For epileptic dogs, introducing probiotics such as Lactobacillus can help remove harmful bacteria and reinforce gut stability. It’s also crucial to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use whenever possible, as antibiotics can disrupt the microbiome and, in some cases, may even increase the risk of seizures. Addressing pathogen levels early can help prevent gut infections and reduce the reliance on antibiotics.

Figure 5. Average number of pathogens identified in epileptic and healthy dog microbiomes.

Our GutDiscovery® reports provide detailed information on key pathogens such as Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella enterica, Clostridium difficile, Clostridium perfringens, and Helicobacter pylori. To learn more about these pathogens and their impact, check out our blog post Pathogens and Your Dog’s Gut Health.

Through careful microbiome modulation, we can help eliminate harmful pathogens naturally while also fortifying your dog’s gut against future invasions, ensuring long-term health and resilience.

Testimonial and Expert Support

At BIOME9, our personalised supplement plans and GutDiscovery® tests have empowered pet parents to optimise their dogs’ gut health and tackle complex conditions like epilepsy with greater confidence. By leveraging our data-driven insights and expert support, we help create tailored interventions that make a real difference in dogs’ lives.

Here’s what some of our clients have shared:

"I managed to speak to Bushra & it was very useful & helpful. She said his results were good for an epileptic dog & his diversity score should be under 2. She explained why a more diverse microbiome is not good for epilepsy. It’s all very interesting. The fact that he has no pathogens is excellent; she said she doesn’t see that often. She said I should work to improve his resilience score & is sending me a revised plan for him.”

“Benson has not had a seizure since starting on Biome9 supplements. His last grand mal seizure was 25th April. He was originally suffering from horrific grand mal seizures every 30 days since Sept 2023, which sadly caused sudden and permanent sight loss in January. We're now 176 days seizure-free with no medication and we recently celebrated his 15th birthday in August. A slight miracle! We will never truly know exactly what's helped Benson with this awful condition, but the only change I can think of is the Biome9 supplements.”

Ready to Start Your Gut Health Journey?

Whether you want to optimise your dog’s gut health or manage specific health concerns like epilepsy, BIOME9 is here to support you every step.

With GutDiscovery®, you’ll receive a detailed microbiome report, expert insights and a tailored supplement plan to help your dog thrive. As part of the service, you’ll also have the opportunity to consult with our microbiologists to explore deeper insights and discuss personalised interventions for your pet.

Let’s work together to improve your dog’s health and happiness. Order your GutDiscovery® test today and take the first step towards unlocking the potential of your dog’s microbiome.