I used to feed my dogs kibble, but when my senior girl Lily started slowing down, I began adding homemade crockpot toppers to her meals — things like ground turkey, sweet potatoes and veggies. It was my first step into the world of whole food feeding, even though I didn’t know it at the time. Lily was diagnosed with inoperable cancer in July of 2019, and I lost her less than two weeks later. Losing her broke me. But it also changed me. She taught me to ask more questions, trust my gut, and always advocate for my dogs. I promised her — and Forrest — that I would never stop learning and doing better.
So, when Forrest was diagnosed with late-onset idiopathic epilepsy in August 2024 at age 7, I dove deep. I followed my vet’s advice and fed him Purina NeuroCare for a while, adding homemade toppers. But after months with no seizure improvement, I knew we needed a better path — one that was fresher, more supportive, and built on real ingredients.
I now feed Forrest a home-prepared diet using Dr. Harvey’s Paradigm, a keto premix where I just add the protein. Right now, that means cooking and shredding about three whole chickens aweek. He’s adjusted well, and honestly, it smells amazing — even to me! I’m planning to rotate in their Raw Vibrance blend soon for added nutrients. Feeding a home-cooked diet is a labor of love. It’s not always easy, but it gives me peace of mind. I’m still working with a veterinary nutritionist to get things fully balanced, and I’ll always be adjusting based on what works best for Forrest.
Glutamate, dairy, and rosemary are seizure triggers, so we avoid those completely —even in treats. His new favorite frozen bedtime treat is a puree of his food, chicken broth, sardines, and blueberries in a Toppl. He loves it!
I’m not in any way affiliated with Dr. Harvey’s — just a dog mom who’s been really impressed by their quality and service. But if they’re looking for affiliates, I think it’s safe to say Forrest would be interested! 😉
If you’re on a similar journey, I’d love to hear what you’re feeding your epi dog, too. This journey is all about learning.
From our lavender world of grace — we’re holding onto hope and walking by faith. 💜
The Epi Dog Mom Blog 
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