Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM
MCT oil is a popular supplement in humans due to its purported benefits, but it also has promising effects on canine health. In this article, we will talk about the evidence-based health benefits of MCT oil for dogs.
First, let us learn what MCTs mean and how they function in your dog’s body.
What Are MCTs?
Fats come in different forms and the most common of them are triglycerides. They are a major source of energy for dogs.
Triglycerides can either be short-chain, medium-chain, or long-chain fatty acids. Long-chain is made up of 13 to 21 carbon atoms, while short-chain contains less than 6 carbon atoms. On the other hand, medium-chain fatty acids are composed of 6 to 12 carbon atoms.
The longer the chain, the more difficult it is for a dog’s body to metabolize. Since medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) have a shorter chain of carbon atoms, they are rapidly absorbed and digested by canines.
MCTs can be categorized into four types according to their fatty acid chain length.
| MCT Type | Total Number of Carbon Atoms |
|---|---|
| Caproic Acid | C6 |
| Caprylic Acid | C8 |
| Capric Acid | C10 |
| Lauric Acid | C12 |
High-quality medium-chain triglyceride MCT oil for dogs generally contains caprylic and capric acid or either of the two. Some products contain lauric acid but in small amounts, since it is less digestible.
Caproic acid is not commonly used in MCT oil due to its off-putting scent and smell.
3 Top Health Benefits of MCT Oil for Dogs
There is a good number of scientific evidence that MCT oil has a positive impact on the health of canines, such as:
1. Reducing Seizure Frequency
MCT oil has anticonvulsant properties, which are beneficial for epileptic dogs.
A randomized and double-blinded crossover trial was conducted in 2020 to observe the effect of MCT dietary supplementation on dogs with idiopathic epilepsy.
Researchers note that a few dogs responded well to the supplementation. 2 dogs became seizure-free, and 3 dogs had more than a 50% reduction in seizure frequency.
In a 2020 non-blinded, prospective clinical trial, a diet containing 6.5% MCT oil was fed to dogs with idiopathic epilepsy without cluster seizures for 84 days.
According to the results, 14 out of 16 dogs showed a 33% reduction in seizure frequency and seizure days. 8 out of 16 experienced a 50% reduction in seizures.
Read: 6 Relaxing Essential Oils for Dogs and Their Owners
2. Improving Brain Health
Intake of MCT oil is found to enhance the cognitive abilities of dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). It is a condition commonly seen in ageing dogs.
It is believed that MCT oil helps docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) cross the blood-brain barrier, which promotes better cognitive health.
In 2018, A double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical study was carried out to examine the efficacy of a therapeutic diet containing MCT and a brain protection blend on canines with signs of CDS.
Dogs fed a 6.5% MCT diet had improved in all 6 categories of CDS signs, namely disorientation, altered social interactions, sleep/wake disturbances, house soiling, anxiety and activity.
On the other hand, a 9% MCT diet only had a positive impact on dogs that accepted the diet.
3. Hindering the Progression of Heart Disease
Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most commonly diagnosed cardiac disorder in canines. A 2020 research mentions that MCT oil can slow down the development of MMVD.
A 2022 article highlights that MCTs are one of the key nutrients that promote normal heart function and combat abnormal cardiovascular changes in dogs.
Medium-chain fatty acids and ketones produced by MCTs serve as an alternative energy source for the heart. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory properties of MCTs have a promising ability to combat free radical production.
Recommended MCT Oil Dosage for Dogs
MCT oil has several health benefits for dogs, but it must be taken in moderation. This supplement is high in fats and calories, and if consumed in large amounts, it can host a handful of health issues like:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach upset
- Unprecedented weight gain
- Obesity
- Pancreatitis
When introducing MCT oil to your dog, start with a small dose, preferably ¼ teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight daily. It lowers the risk of causing gastrointestinal distress.
Once his tummy has acclimated to MCT oil, the dosage can be gradually increased. Here is a dosage guideline according to a canine’s body weight.
| Weight | Dosage Per Day |
|---|---|
| 10 to 20 pounds | ½ to 1 teaspoon |
| 30 to 50 pounds | 1 to 2 teaspoons |
| 60 to 100 pounds | 2 to 4 teaspoons |
How to Choose High-Quality MCT Oil for Dogs
Here are a few tips to find a safe and effective premium-quality MCT oil for your beloved canine companion:
1. Check the Source
Coconut oil for dogs is the richest source of MCTs, followed by palm kernel oil. However, harvesting oil from coconut and palm kernels involves deforestation, loss of wildlife diversity, and unethical treatment of workers.
We recommend choosing a product that is RSPO-certified. This ensures that the product comes from producers that follow sustainability practices.
2. Mind the MCT Concentration
The packaging of the product should state the MCT percentage. Ideally, it must contain a minimum of 90%.
Do not forget to check the type of MCT oil used. Caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10) need to mostly make up the product.
Watch out for brands that include less bioavailable MCTs like lauric acid (C12) in large amounts in their formulation. It decreases the efficacy of the supplement.
3. Avoid Unnecessary Additives
Added ingredients such as fillers and flavorings can hinder the MCTs’ effectiveness in boosting your dog’s health. So pick a 100% pure MCT oil to get the best out of the product.
4. The Container Matters
Exposure to sunlight oxidizes the MCT oil, causing quicker degradation of its nutrients. For this reason, its container must come in the form of a dark glass bottle to protect it from harmful UV rays.
5. Look for a Third Party-Tested Product
Pet supplements are currently unregulated in the US. Look for a company that puts in the effort of getting their product tested and approved by third parties.
Check the MCT oil packaging for a seal from the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), ConsumerLab.com, NSF International, or USP. The presence of the seal means that the product is free from harmful contaminants and its ingredients list and nutritional label are accurate.
If you remain undecided about which product to choose, seek guidance from a vet. They will provide you with a list of only veterinarian-recommended MCT oil for pets.
How to Store MCT Oil for Dogs Properly
MCT oil does not need refrigeration to keep it fresh. It simply needs to be placed in a cooked, dry place.
After every use, make sure to tightly cap the container. Leaving it loose exposes the MCT oil to oxygen, which leads to premature spoilage.
FAQs About MCT Oil for Dogs
1. Can Dogs Digest MCT Oil?
Dogs can digest MCT oil easily since it contains a shorter carbon atom chain length, which increases its bioavailability.
Two medium-chain fatty acids in MCT oil known to be effectively absorbed by the canine body are caprylic acid and capric acid.
2. What Are the Side Effects of MCT Oil for Dogs?
Some of the most common side effects of MCT oil for dogs are diarrhea and GI distress. It often results from excessive intake of the supplement.
Always adhere to the dosage guidelines to keep your dog from experiencing these adverse effects.
3. Can MCT Oil Cause Pancreatitis in Dogs?
MCT oil can cause pancreatitis in dogs when consumed in large quantities due to its high-fat content. Thus, be sure not to go beyond the recommended dosage. Your dog can acquire the supplement’s health benefits just by taking it in small doses.
4. Is MCT Oil the Same as Coconut Oil?
MCT oil is not the same as coconut oil. The former is completely made up of medium-chain fatty acids, while the latter only contains approximately 50% to 60% of MCT and houses other fats such as long-chain triglycerides.
Although coconut oil is a good source of MCTS, it provides lower concentrations compared to pure and unadulterated MCT oil.
Much like MCT oil, coconut oil provides several health benefits to dogs, such as enhancing skin health, boosting energy, and fighting off harmful pathogens.
Conclusion
Scientific evidence shows that MCT oil for dogs has a good influence on canine health. It delays the advancement of cardiac disease, reduces seizures, and promotes better cognitive health.
When supplementing your dog’s diet with MCT oil, avoid large doses to prevent incising unwanted side effects like diarrhea and weight gain. A small intake of high-quality MCT oil is all he needs to acquire the aforementioned health benefits.
