This prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled cross-over dietary trial was conducted with 21 dogs, who were tested throughout a total period of 6 months. The study was designed to evaluate the relationship between antiepileptic properties and ketogenic diets. As such, it compared a ketogenic medium-chain TAG (triglycerides) diet, referred to as MCTD, with a standardized placebo diet to identify if MCTDs can be used for anticonvulsant treatment in dogs. During the first three months, the dogs were fed either the MCTD or the placebo diet, and then switched for the remaining 3 months. The results demonstrated the efficacy in seizure frequency reduction in dogs with a MCTD diet and conclude that it can be used as a therapeutic option.

From the 21 dogs who completed the study, 12 had a reduction in seizure frequency with the MCTD (as measured in seizures/day), 3 accomplished seizure freedom and the remaining 6 dogs did not respond to the diet. While other serum concentration levels did not vary, the study identified a significant increase in blood β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. the evidence of the efficacy of the MCTD used as a therapeutic option for the treatment of epilepsy has been demonstrated in this study.