When managing canine epilepsy, incorporating MCT (Medium-Chain Triglyceride) oils into your dog's diet can provide potential benefits. MCT oils are a rich source of healthy fats supporting brain health and providing a readily available energy source. This informative blog post we will explore the research supporting MCT Oil as an effective intervention and what to look for when selecting the right product for your dog.
What is MCT Oil?
MCT is short for Medium Chain Triglycerides. As the name suggests, MCTs are medium-length triglycerides, which are a type of fat. MCT oil is extracted from food sources of MCTs, the most prevalent source being coconut oil.
What makes MCTs unique is that they are shorter than longer-chain fatty acids found in many foods like fish, meat, eggs, milk and some plants like microalgae. Our bodies, and our dogs’, find MCT's easier to absorb and convert into energy.
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Research on MCT Oil for Dogs
Your vet may have told you about MCT Oil and the promise its holds. A recent study monitoring twenty-two dogs with idiopathic epilepsy showed that adding the oil as a daily food supplement decreases seizure frequency.
What Did the Researchers Actually Find?
As a result of feeding the diet for 84 days, the mean seizure day rate significantly declined by 42%.
9.5% of dogs became seizure-free.
42.9% of dogs had ≥50% reduction in seizure days.
Overall, 16 of 21 dogs (76.2%) experienced fewer seizure days with the test diet.
Another study on epileptic dogs who had suffered complications affecting their memory and ability to learn saw improvement in
Memory
Problem-solving abilities and,
Trainability
So How do MCT’s Help Reduce Seizure Frequency?
MCT’s are commonly associated with putting the body into ketosis. Ketosis happens when the body burns fat instead of carbohydrates for energy, producing ketones that the brain can use as a source of energy.
According to the initial study, “Although the exact mechanism of action of MCTs is not fully known, proposed mechanisms include provision of an alternative energy supply to the brain (energy metabolism is insufficient in epileptic dogs), global changes in lipid metabolism and effects on cerebral neurotransmitters."
The researchers also pointed out that, "the mechanism of action of the traditional ketogenic diets, as well as diets containing MCTs, goes beyond ketone production. Medium chain fatty acids are efficient in crossing the blood-brain barrier, unlike long chain fatty acids, and can be directly oxidized in the brain."
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What Should You Look For in an MCT Oil Product?
Not all products are created equal when it comes to MCT Oil. You want to give your pup the best chance of recovery, so look for the following when choosing which product you give your dog.
High MCT Content Select a product that has a minimum of 90% medium-chain triglycerides.
Oil high in Caprylic Acid (C:8) These acids are the most easily digestible and provide the best effects.
Sustainably Sourced As MCT comes from coconuts and palm oil, look for sustainable options that don’t contribute to deforestation.
Choose MCT Oil over MCT Powder Some powders contain carrier starches and unnecessary carbohydrate fillers.
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