If you’re managing a dog with epilepsy, you’ve likely come across a range of dietary advice—some of it helpful, and some of it confusing. One concern that’s often raised is the idea that meat, particularly high-protein meat, might contain too much glutamate and could potentially trigger seizures. But is this really the case? Should you be worried about the glutamate content in the meat you feed your dog, especially if they’re following a ketogenic diet?
In this blog post, we’ll debunk common misconceptions about glutamate and meat, explain the difference between free and bound glutamate, and explore why fresh, whole meats are actually a key part of a healthy diet for dogs with epilepsy.
What is Glutamate?
Glutamate is a neurotransmitter, which means it helps brain cells communicate. It’s essential for normal brain function because it acts as the brain’s “on switch”, exciting brain cells so they can send signals to one another. However, when there’s too much glutamate in the brain, it can lead to overstimulation, which may increase the risk of seizures in dogs with epilepsy.
Because glutamate is found in many protein-rich foods, including meat, some dog owners worry that feeding their dog high-glutamate meats could increase seizure risk. But this concern is largely misplaced, as we’ll explain below.
Misconception: Certain Meats are High in Glutamate and Should Be Avoided
A common misconception is that certain types of animals produce meat that is high in glutamate and should be avoided in dogs with epilepsy. While it’s true that glutamate is present in many meats, it’s important to understand that not all glutamate is the same, and the real concern lies with processed meats rather than the meat itself.
Free Glutamate vs. Bound Glutamate: What’s the Difference?
Free glutamate: This type of glutamate is not attached to proteins and is found in processed foods, as well as additives like monosodium glutamate (MSG). Free glutamate is absorbed rapidly by the body, which can lead to sudden increases in brain glutamate levels. This is why free glutamate is sometimes linked to triggering seizures in sensitive individuals.
Bound glutamate: In contrast, bound glutamate is naturally part of the proteins found in whole foods like fresh meat, fish, and eggs. Bound glutamate is digested much more slowly, meaning it doesn’t cause a spike in glutamate levels. This form of glutamate is safe and essential for normal brain function.
The takeaway here is that whole, unprocessed meats contain bound glutamate, which does not pose the same risks as free glutamate found in processed foods. So, while meat contains glutamate, it’s not the kind you need to worry about—unless it’s processed.
How Processed Meats Can Be a Problem
The real concern arises when meat is processed. Highly processed meats, such as sausages, deli meats, hot dogs, and cured meats, often contain added flavour enhancers like MSG, which is a source of free glutamate. Because free glutamate is absorbed quickly, it can increase brain glutamate levels more rapidly, potentially triggering seizures.
If you’re concerned about glutamate, it’s not the meat itself that’s the issue—it’s how the meat is processed. By focusing on fresh, unprocessed meats, you can avoid the risks associated with free glutamate while still providing your dog with the proteins and fats they need.
Glutamate Levels in Different Meats: Don’t Worry About It
Many dog owners worry about the glutamate levels in specific types of meat—like beef, chicken, or turkey—but here’s the good news: the differences in glutamate levels between meats are negligible and not something you need to be concerned about. In fact, most concerns about high-glutamate meats come from confusion surrounding processed meats, not the meats themselves.
Let’s break down some common meat types to show why these concerns are misplaced:
Beef: Beef contains moderate levels of bound glutamate, and as long as it’s fresh and unprocessed, it’s an excellent protein source for dogs. The small amount of bound glutamate in beef doesn’t raise brain glutamate levels rapidly and is safe for dogs with epilepsy.
Chicken: Chicken is lower in glutamate than red meats, making it a great option for lean protein. As long as it’s served fresh and unprocessed, chicken is perfectly fine for dogs with epilepsy.
Pork: Pork contains moderate amounts of glutamate, but the main concern comes from processed pork products like bacon, ham, and sausages, which are often loaded with MSG. Stick with fresh cuts of pork to avoid free glutamate.
Turkey: Turkey is often seen as a lean protein choice, but some people mistakenly think it’s high in glutamate. This misconception likely comes from the fact that turkey is often found in processed forms, such as deli meats, which do contain added MSG. However, whole, unprocessed turkey is low in glutamate and is perfectly safe for dogs.
The key point here is that the glutamate content across different types of unprocessed meat is negligible. There’s no need to worry about whether one type of meat is higher in glutamate than another—the difference isn’t significant enough to affect your dog’s seizure risk.
Low-Glutamate Diets and Epilepsy: What Does the Research Say?
It’s also worth mentioning that low-glutamate diets aren’t necessarily the solution to managing seizures. In fact, studies such as the Investigation of the Low Glutamate Diet as an Adjunct Treatment for Pediatric Epilepsy found that while there were some behavioural benefits, the low-glutamate diet didn’t have a significant impact on seizure frequency. This further supports the idea that focusing on reducing glutamate intake from whole foods like meat may not be as important as avoiding processed sources of free glutamate.
Why Meat and the Ketogenic Diet Work Together
For dogs on a ketogenic diet, which emphasises high fat and moderate protein, meat is an essential part of the diet. Far from being a concern, fresh meat is actually beneficial because the ketogenic diet itself helps balance glutamate levels in the brain by encouraging the conversion of glutamate into GABA—a calming neurotransmitter that reduces brain excitability and lowers the likelihood of seizures.
In short, meat and the ketogenic diet are a perfect match when it comes to managing epilepsy. Not only does meat provide the necessary proteins and fats for ketosis, but the diet also helps regulate glutamate levels naturally.
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Focus on Quality: Whole, Unprocessed Meats
The bottom line is that fresh, whole meats are safe and beneficial for dogs with epilepsy. The real risk lies in processed meats, which often contain free glutamate in the form of MSG or other additives. Here’s how you can make sure you’re choosing the right meats for your dog:
Choose fresh, unprocessed meats: Opt for whole cuts of beef or dog food brands that prioritise real high quality meat ingredients. Remember that it doesn't matter what type of animal it comes from as long as it is real, high quality meat. These contain bound glutamate, which is released slowly and safely.
Avoid processed meat products: Steer clear of sausages, deli meats, canned meats, preserved meats, and meats with added MSG or flavour enhancers.
Go for grass-fed or organic meats: These meats tend to have fewer additives and offer higher-quality nutrition for your dog.
In Summary: High-Glutamate Meats Really a Problem for Dogs with Seizures?
The idea that meat is high in glutamate and should be avoided for dogs with epilepsy is a misconception. While meat does contain bound glutamate, this form is released slowly and doesn’t cause the rapid increases in brain glutamate levels that free glutamate (found in processed foods) does. Instead of worrying about the type of meat you feed your dog, the focus should be on choosing whole, unprocessed meats that fit well within a healthy, balanced diet—especially for dogs following a ketogenic diet.
Meat is not only a safe option but also a crucial part of managing epilepsy, providing the proteins and fats your dog needs while helping regulate glutamate levels naturally.
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