9 Reasons to Consider MCT Oil for Your Dog

If you want the potential benefits of medium-chain fatty acids, few things are better than MCT oil. We break down the science behind this powerful natural oil to help you determine if your dog could benefit from it.

Key Takeaways

MCT oil is made up of medium-chain triglycerides, or MCTs.
The body can break down MCTs more easily than other fatty acids.
That makes MCT oil a great energy source.
Research suggests MCTs can provide several potential health benefits for dogs.
MCT oil is a popular carrier oil for CBD, because it can help make CBD more bioavailable.

Adding MCT Oil to Your Dog's Diet

Sean Zyer, founder of Earth Buddy, says:

"MCT oil has many potential health benefits for dogs. It can help support heart, liver, brain, and digestive tract health. And it can make CBD more effective, too."

In recent years, MCT oil has become a popular human supplement. It's thought to provide many potential health benefits. People add it to their diet and blend it with CBD to make CBD oil.

But what about dogs?

Well, MCT oil may also benefit dogs. Research suggests that MCT oil can provide a number of potential health benefits for dogs, from enhancing brain function to supporting liver health and beyond.

Beyond all this, MCT oil is also prized for its ability to make CBD more bioavailable. That makes it one of the very best carrier oils in pet CBD products.

To understand the many potential benefits of MCT oil, we need to break down what exactly it is.

Introducing MCT Oil

MCT stands for medium-chain triglyceride. Collectively, these are called MCTs. They're fatty acids found in certain natural oils, including coconut oil and palm kernel oil.

Fatty acids, including MCTs, generally contain a chain of carbon atoms. In medium-chain fatty acids, this chain usually contains between seven and 12 carbon atoms.

Short-chain fatty acids have six or fewer carbon atoms in their chain. Long-chain fatty acids have many more carbon atoms in their chain. Some have more than 30.1

The unique structure of MCTs is the secret of many of their potential health benefits. It allows the body to break them down faster.

Caprylic Acid & Capric Acid C10

There are several kinds of MCTs. High-quality MCT oil usually contains a mixture. But it's often particularly rich in caprylic and capric acids.

Caprylic acid is believed to have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.2 Capric acid, also called decanoic acid, is also believed to have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.3

Coconut Oil

Both capric and caprylic acid are naturally found in both MCT oil and coconut oil. Both oils are extracted from coconuts. But they have important differences.

Coconut oil contains a mix of different fatty acids. It's rich in medium-chain triglycerides, but also contains long-chain triglycerides, unsaturated fats, and other compounds.

On the other hand, MCT oil is made up of only MCTs and nothing else. In general, MCT oil is mostly caprylic acid.4

9 Potential Benefits of MCT Oil for Dogs

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#1. Cognitive Function

Brain health is extremely important, especially as dogs age. Research suggests that MCT oil can support and potentially even enhance brain function.

That might be due to the fact that MCTs are broken down into compounds called ketones. These ketones can act as an alternative energy source for neurons in the brain, supporting normal neurological function.5

One study added MCT oil to the diet of a group of senior dogs. After eight months, the dogs given MCT oil performed "significantly better" in cognitive tests compared to a control group.6

Another study similarly tracked cognition in aging dogs before and after adding MCT oil to the dogs' food. After a few months, the researchers tested the dogs' cognitive abilities. The dogs showed improvements in working memory and problem-solving, and owners said their pups were more trainable.7

#2. Energy

The ketones from MCTs can act as an energy source for both neurons and other cells throughout a dog's body. That makes MCT oil a good potential source of energy.

As we mentioned, the body is able to break down MCTs much faster and easier than longer-chain fatty acids. MCTs are quickly broken down into ketones, which can be used as fuel.

Experts therefore generally agree that MCT oil can provide a healthy energy burst.

#3. Liver Health

When MCTs are absorbed, they head straight to the liver. That's where they're broken down into ketones. It's what makes them such a quick energy source.

Unlike many compounds, digesting MCTs doesn't require bile. That can make them a little easier on the liver.

Research also suggests that MCTs can more directly support liver health. For example, one 2024 study found that MCT supplementation supported the metabolic functioning of the liver. An earlier study suggested that MCTs may have hepatoprotective, or liver-protecting, properties.8

#4. Digestive System

The fact that MCTs are so easily absorbed and digested may also make them easier on the digestive system, too.

Research suggests MCTs can support digestive tract health. Multiple studies, including one from 2022, have found that MCTs can support a normal inflammatory response in the intestines.9

#5. Skin and Coat

MCT oil is thought to support skin and coat health in two ways.

First, MCT oil contains capric and caprylic acid. Both of these acids are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. They may therefore help support a normal inflammatory response, which is important for skin and coat health.10

For example, one study found that MCT oil helped maintain a normal cytokine cascade.11

Second, MCT oil is also thought to have anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. As a lighter oil, it can penetrate through thick fur.12

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#6. Immune System

MCT oil's potential for supporting a normal inflammatory response is also thought to help support normal immune function, too.

As we mentioned, MCT oil may help maintain a normal cytokine cascade; cytokines are released by immune cells and are involved in the immune response.

One study found that certain MCTs can enhance the immune response.13

#7. Heart Health

MCTs can also act as an alternate energy source for the heart. Research suggests they can support cardiovascular health.

For example, studies with human and rodent models have found that ketones can support cardiovascular function. Other studies have noted the ability of MCTs to support a normal inflammatory response.14

#8. Weight Management

Believe it or not, surveys suggest that a majority of dogs are overweight. They also suggest that the number of overweight dogs is increasing.15

It's important to help your dog maintain a healthy weight. Research suggests that MCTs can help with this in several ways.

For example, some studies in humans have found that MCT oil enhances fat burn.16 MCT oil may support feelings of satiation, or fullness, which is important for avoiding overeating; one study found that MCT consumption reduced "subsequent intake" of energy in the form of food.17

#9. CBD Enhancement

One of the most powerful potential benefits of MCT oil is its ability to enhance the effects of CBD. Multiple studies have found that MCT can enhance the bioavailability, digestability, and deliverability of CBD.18

That's particularly important because CBD offers many potential benefits that align with those of MCT oil. Together they may be more potent than either alone. That's why MCT oil is generally considered one of the best carrier oils when creating CBD oil.

For example, one of the most well-known potential benefits of CBD is its ability to promote relaxation. Research shows that CBD can help dogs maintain a normal and relaxed disposition.19

"CBD does many actions that are very fascinating," explains veterinarian Dr. Casara Andre. "It's really important in keeping the body's own endocannabinoids around. The molecules that I'm making right now, that your dog's making, that are essential for them balancing their lives — they can literally be used up.… The CBD molecule is really powerful at preventing or slowing down the destruction of these endocannabinoids.… That's a really lovely way to support what the body's already trying to do."

Where to Get MCT Oil Supplements for Your Dog

Earth Buddy uses organic MCT oil in several products.

Our CBD Oil for Dogs blends organic, full-spectrum hemp extract with organic MCT oil from coconuts. You can give this CBD oil to your dog straight from the dropper, mix it into their food, or use it to make homemade treats.

You could also grab some professionally made treats. Our calming chews blend CBD with MCT oil and other ingredients like lentils and tocopherols, which are a source of vitamin E. They come in two delicious flavors, Duck & Apple and Beef & Pumpkin.

MCT oil is also central to our hemp hearts, which come in three blends: Blueberry, Pumpkin, and Extra Strength.

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Conclusion

MCT oil has a number of potential health benefits for dogs. Unlike coconut and palm oil, MCT oil is made up entirely of medium-chain triglycerides. It's a great energy source that can support brain, liver, and heart health, and more.

Plus, MCT oil helps make CBD more bioavailable and effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should I Give My Dog MCT Oil?

If your MCT oil is part of a supplement, follow the recommended dosage provided by that supplement. For MCT oil itself, the general guideline is to add one-quarter teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight to food. Make sure to check with your vet if you're unsure.

Can I Give My Dog Regular MCT Oil?

Yes. Start with small amounts to make sure your dog can adjust. Check with your vet if you're unsure.

What Is the Best MCT Oil for Dogs?

Experts generally recommend looking for MCT oil derived from coconut oil or palm oil.

Earth Buddy is an environmentally conscious and family-owned company dedicated to providing natural solutions for pets. From our CBD oils to our colostrum supplements, our products are designed to promote calmness and encourage relaxation for our furry friends. To learn more and stay connected, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and Pinterest.

9 Reasons to Consider MCT Oil for Your Dog

Key Takeaways

Adding MCT Oil to Your Dog's Diet