MCT Oil

When it comes to dietary fats, not all are created equal when it comes to your dog’s health.

One particular type of fat, known as medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), has garnered attention for its potential health benefits. So what is MCT oil made of? 

Derived from sources like coconut oil, palm oil, and certain dairy products, MCTs are a specific type of fatty acid with unique properties. 

Let's delve into the world of MCT oil, exploring its health benefits and highlighting why it is a safer alternative to coconut oil for dogs.

What Is MCT Oil

First, let’s get clear on what MCT oil is:

• MCTs, or medium chain triglycerides, are saturated fats with a distinctive molecular structure. 
• Unlike long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), which have more than 12 carbon atoms, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) with fewer than 6 carbon atoms, MCTs fall in the middle, ranging from 6 to 12 carbon atoms.

So … why does this matter for your or your dog?

• Due to this shorter chain length, MCTs are more readily broken down and absorbed by the body, providing a readily available source of energy.
• The unique structure of MCTs also allows them to be quickly converted into ketones, which can the body and brain can use as an alternative fuel source.

Bottom line? MCT oil is more than a “healthy fat” –  it’s a convenient and efficient energy source for your dog. 

MCT Oil Benefits For Dogs

Those energetic benefits are pretty impressive ... but research on MCT oil has revealed even more potential health benefits for dogs. So, what is MCT oil used for?

Here are some of the notable advantages:

1. Cognitive Support: Studies suggest that MCT oil may benefit the brain, helping to slow cognitive disorders, improve memory, and enhance learning abilities in dogs.
2. Epilepsy Management: MCT oil has shown promise in reducing seizures in dogs with epilepsy, providing an alternative to conventional treatments.
3. Weight Management: Incorporating MCT oil into a dog's diet may help with weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness and boosting metabolic function.
4. Gut Health Support: The antimicrobial properties of MCT oil can contribute to improved bacterial balance in the gut, supporting overall digestive health in your dog.
5. Anti-inflammatory Effects: MCT oil delivers antioxidant effects, which may help manage inflammatory responses in the body, supporting overall wellness.
6. Cardiovascular Health: MCT oil has shown important benefits in slowing the development of mitral valve disease and heart failure in dogs.

MCT Vs Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has gained popularity due to its MCT content, but it's important to understand the distinction between the two:

• While coconut oil does contain MCTs, it typically contains only about 15% MCTs, with a significant percentage of lauric acid
• Lauric acid, despite technically falling into the MCT category with 12 carbon atoms, behaves more like an LCT in the body. LCTs are more likely to be stored as fat …  and it may lead to gut inflammation

Recent research has highlighted potential concerns with lauric acid, suggesting that it can increase inflammation, contribute to leaky gut, and elevate the risk of diseases like obesity, diabetes, allergies and autoimmunity. 

So, to get the benefits of coconut oil without these risks, opting for pure MCT oil is a much better choice.

Side Effects Of MCT Oil For Dogs

While MCT oil is generally safe for dogs, it's important to be aware of a few potential risks and considerations:

1. Gastrointestinal Upset: Introducing MCT oil abruptly or feeding excessive amounts may cause digestive issues like diarrhea or loose stools. It's best to start with small doses and monitor your dog's response.
2. High Caloric Content: MCT oil is calorie-dense, so excessive intake can contribute to weight gain. When you add MCT oil, consider your dog's overall caloric needs and adjust his diet accordingly.
3. Individual Sensitivities: Dogs can have individual sensitivities or allergies to specific oils or fats. Watch your dog for any adverse reactions and discontinue use if necessary.
4. Underlying Health Conditions: Dogs with certain health conditions, such as pancreatitis or liver disease, may require less fat in their diets. Ask your holistic vet if MCT oil is suitable for your dog's specific health needs.

How Much MCT Oil Should Dogs Have?

Buy organic MCT oil and make sure it doesn’t contain lauric acid. Some oils labeled as MCT oil still contain lauric acid. 

The appropriate dosage of MCT oil for dogs can vary based on factors like your dog’s size, age, and overall health condition. 

As a general rule of thumb, for every cup of food you feed your dog, you can give him about 1 tsp of MCT oil, directly added to the food. Or, by weight, give 1 tsp per 20 lbs of body weight. Start with less at first, and then gradually increase to this amount, watching your dog for any ill effects.