What Is Mct Coconut Oil
MCT stands for medium-chain triglyceride, which refers to the length of the chains of fats. Some fats are shorter chain fats and others are longer chain fats. Longer chain fats are what we are most familiar with . These fats require a host of pancreatic enzymes to break them down properly. MCT oil is different.
Each MCT is made up of 6 to 12 carbon atoms. It is important to receive MCTs in your diet as your body utilizes them differently to long-chain fatty acids. After leaving your gut, MCTs head to the liver, where your body can use them for energy or turn them into ketones. In other words, your body uses the calories from MCTs immediately, instead of storing them as fat. It is useful for your body to have ketones, as the brain can transform them into energy later, rather than needing to rely on glucose or sugar. MCT oil requires almost no work on the part of the pancreas. This is beneficial for people or pets with pancreatic issues.
Finally, MCT supplements usually use coconut as the source for their oil. This is because more than 50 percent of all the fat in the fruit comes from MCTs. Other sources of MCTs include dairy products and palm kernels, but they have a much lower percentage of MCTs than coconuts.
Epilepsy Study Examines The Effects Of Test Diet With Mct Oil On Seizures
Neurologic researchers at the Royal Veterinary College , in partnership with Purina, recently investigated the potential role of diet in the nutritional management of dogs whose seizures were not being well controlled with AEDs. While achieving complete remission was not considered realistic for many patients, the goal was to reduce seizure frequency in epileptic dogs on chronic AED therapy.
A total of 21 dogs with idiopathic epilepsy that had experienced at least 3 seizures in the 3 months prior to enrollment completed a 6-month, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded crossover study at the RVC. The study demonstrated for the first time that a test diet with MCT oil can have positive effects on reduction of seizure frequency when fed as an adjunct to veterinary therapy.18 Dogs in the 2 groups were fed either a test diet containing MCT oil or a placebo diet for a period of 3 monthsthen switched to the other diet. In the study, the following results were noted:
71% of dogs showed a reduction in seizure frequency
48% of dogs showed a 50% or greater reduction in seizure frequency
14% of dogs achieved complete seizure freedom
Dietary Therapy: A New Approach To Managing Dogs With Epilepsy
Traditional ketogenic diets, which are designed to force the body to burn fat instead of carbohydrate and put the body into a state of ketosis, have been used for decades in children whose seizures are not controlled with medication.10 The rationale is that brain glucose metabolism, which allows for production of adenosine triphosphate as well as substrates for the generation of neurotransmitters,11 is disrupted in epileptic patients, creating a need for alternative sources of brain energy.1116
While high-fat, low-carbohydrate diets utilizing long-chain triglycerides have been used and studied in children, this type of diet has yet to be shown to significantly improve seizure control in dogs.17 In addition, such diets also are unsatisfactory from a nutrient and palatability standpoint for dogs requiring lifelong therapy. Fortunately, dogs can metabolize medium-chain triglycerides to produce ketones,18 and experts believe that dietary MCTs may also have direct antiseizure effects via blocking the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors in the brain.19 Diets supplemented with MCT oil for dogs can also be formulated with lower amounts of fat and higher proportions of protein and carbohydrates than traditional ketogenic dietsan important factor when a diet needs to be fed for the remainder of a dogs life.
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The Effect Of Age On Circulating Fatty Acid And Carnitine Metabolite Concentrations
At baseline, the ratio for geriatric to mature adults dogs of PUFA to SFA ratios was significantly decreased because the ratio of PUFA to SFA in mature dogs was greater than for geriatric dogs. This was most likely because the concentrations of SFA were greater in geriatric dogs . No other significant differences were noted at baseline for relative ratios of serum concentrations of FA in geriatric vs. mature dogs. There was no age by diet interaction hence FA concentrations for mature or geriatric dogs consuming the three test foods were combined across time. At the end of the study, the increases associated with supplemented food were much greater than the increases associated with younger age. None-the-less, increasing age was significantly associated with decreasing serum EPA , DHA , and sum of the FA concentrations .
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Should I Give My Dog Natural Sources Of Mct Oil
Natural sources include palm oil, coconut oil, and yogurt. However, the percentage of actual MCT in these oils is usually meager . What will likely happen in the pet food industry in the future is that they will add palm oil or coconut oil to the food to be able to claim MCT oil on the label.
MCT oil is a concentrated form of octanoic and decanoic acids. These usually come from palm oil or coconut oil. However, coconut oil is only about 6% MCTs, and palm oil is only about 12%.
Dog food with purified MCT oil will probably be rare since this is much more expensive than just adding vegetable oil.
The problem with this is that the amount of MCTs in these ingredients is too little to be effective. Moreover, ingredients such as coconut oil are actively bad for dogs.
Dogs And Ethics Statement
The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, Hills Pet Nutrition, Inc., Topeka, KS, USA . All dogs were immunized against canine distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, bordetella, and rabies, and none had chronic systemic disease on the basis of results of physical examination, complete blood count determination, serum biochemical analyses, urinalysis, and fecal examination for parasites. Dogs were housed in pairs in indoor runs or in spacious rooms with natural light that varied with seasonal changes. All dogs were exercised daily, and were provided with regular opportunities for socialization and environmental enrichment. Dogs experienced behavioral enrichment through interactions with each other, by daily interaction and play time with caretakers, and by daily opportunities to run and exercise outside with access to toys.
To evaluate the influence of age, age categories were defined as 7 years and under , or older than 7 years . This resulted in reasonably balanced groups at the end of the study with 18 animals in the mature adult group FA content n=8 food with increased and FA food that was enriched in MCT n=5) and 20 animals in the geriatric adult group FA content n=4 food with increased and FA food that was enriched in MCT n=8).
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Health Benefits And Common Uses Of Mcts
Advocates of MCT oils for dogs say that supplementing Fidoâs diet can bring health benefits including:
Weight controlStudies suggest the way a pupâs body metabolizes MCTs results in a higher energy expenditure that can help reduce weight gain and fat deposits.
Treating wounds MCTs belong to a class of antimicrobial lipids and can be a useful aid in the treatment and healing of wounds. A study of the effects of coconut oil as a wound treatment in laboratory rats demonstrated accelerated healing. The topical application may be useful to reduce inflammation and boost the bodyâs production of new skin.
Promotes healthy skin and coat The MCTs in coconut oil help to hydrate the skin and can help prevent damage to hair. Many recommend this supplement to foster a soft shiny coat and to treat dry skin. Rubbing a small amount of coconut oil on your furbaby can help add moisture to the skin and ease itching. It will also refresh the coat and help to protect the hair follicles.Improves brain function MCTs in coconut oil provide the brain with the extra energy source of ketones. Studies show that supplementation improves cognitive function in dogs as they age.
Natural Toothpaste Coconut oil and other sources of MCTs have demonstrated antimicrobial properties. You can use this product to clean your special palâs teeth.
Bad Breath Whether you use coconut oil to brush your poochâs teeth, or you add a little to his food, this supplement helps to freshen his breath.
Is Mct Oil Okay For Dogs
Yes, a certain amount of MCT oil is good for dogs, particularly older dogs, or dogs with issues such as:
- Canine cognitive decline
- And heart conditions.
Too much MCT oil can cause diarrhea, however. It also tends to lower the palatability of food, making dogs less likely to eat it. So keeping MCTs to a safe dosage is vital.
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Mct Oil For Dogs With Seizures
A dog seizure is a traumatic event for the dog and the owner. There are different types of attacks, including Focal, Psychomotor, Idiopathic Epilepsy, and Grand Mal seizures in dogs. The Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College conducted a study in which twenty-eight dogs suffering from seizures were given MCT oil. There were improvements in seizure control during the study. The study also stated a reduction in monthly reported seizures and the number of days an episode occurred. Currently, studies are showing dogs who suffer from seizures may benefit from additional MCTs in their diet.
List Of Foods That Contain Medium
Saturated fat has gotten a bad rap over the years. Turns out, a type of saturated fat known as medium-chain triglycerides has a number of health benefits. Foods with medium-chain triglycerides, such as coconut oil may help you lose weight, provide instant energy for your brain and more.
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Diet Helps Nutritionally Manage Dogs With Epilepsy As An Adjunct To Veterinary Therapy
The results of this study inspired Purina to develop the Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets NC NeuroCare diet, which is formulated with MCT oil to help nutritionally manage dogs with epilepsy that are also being administered AEDs. The diet is enhanced with a unique blend of nutrientseicosapentaenoic acid , docosahexaenoic acid , arginine, antioxidants, and B vitamins, as well as MCT oilto promote cognitive health and help nutritionally manage dogs with cognitive dysfunction syndrome.
Study Design And Recruitment
Cognitive abilities were assessed as part of a 6-month prospective, randomized, double-blinded, controlled, multicenter dietary crossover trial comparing an MCT-DS to a standardized control oil DS for the management of canine epilepsy. The clinical trial study design protocol has previously been reported in detail and the study results for seizure control showed an overall significant reduction in the MCT-DS phase of the study , . Briefly, dogs diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy
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Bonus: Best Treats And Supplements For Seizures
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Zesty Paws Core Elements 8-in-1 Chicken Flavored Chews Multivitamin for Dogs takes first place in our list of recommended supplements and treats because of what it offers.
As the label states, this tasty chews recipe features eight health benefits for your wet-nosed pets namely hip and joint function support, heart health, skin health, gut function, the immune system, antioxidant activity, liver health, and performance for adult and even senior dogs of all breeds and sizes.
Each bite is bounteous with fantastic nutrients to fight various illnesses like heart, kidney, and liver disease. Among these vital components are glucosamine, chondroitin, probiotics , and enzymes for gut health.
Part of the list of ingredients for this supplement are coconut glycerin, flaxseed meal, palm fruit oil, powdered cellulose , pumpkin, and sunflower lecithin.
This supplement got a magnificent 4.8-stars rating from over two thousand respondents in online reviews.
Brain Health For Aging Dogs
MCT OIl for dogs is a good choice for senior canines
In studies where MCT oil varied between 5.5% and 13% of dry matter, MCT oil significantly improves senior dogs’ learning ability and memory. There are several key reasons that MCT oil may be a game-changer for aging dogs.
2. The way that MCT oil arrives in the liver is vital. Unlike omega fatty acids, MCT does need a complicated digestion process to reach and cross the gut wall. It diffuses straight into the blood, arrives in the liver, and converts into ketones. When ketones move back into the bloodstream, they become an easy energy source for the brain. In fact, neurons use ketones between 7 to 9 times faster than glucose from carbohydrate sources. The brain prefers to use ketones over glucose.
This is extremely important for senior dogs, as they gradually lose the ability to use glucose in their brains. This is one of the reasons that they begin to suffer from cognitive decline.
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Pet Botanics Bacon Flavored Treats
You can never really repay your furry friends enough for the love and joy they bring to your life. But you can reward them with an absolutely delightful and healthy treat in Pet Botanics Bacon Flavored Treats.
Made with an outstanding array of natural ingredients led by pork liver, pea flour, potatoes, dried whole eggs, glycerin, and flaxseed, this savory treat is bursting with flavor and nutrition that will surely make your pooch wanting for more.
The formula also includes other admirable ingredients like bacon, sweet potatoes, natural smoke flavor, chicken fat coconut oil, salmon oil, dried cultured skim milk, cane molasses, cranberries, blueberries, carrots, and tomatoes.
Especially noteworthy is the coconut oil in this supplement, which as discussed lengthily in this review, is a crucial component in fighting seizures.
Pethonesty Cranbladder Health Chicken Flavored Soft Chews
Heres another yummy food supplement with multiple health benefits for your pooch Pet Honestys CranBladder Health Chicken Flavored Soft Chews Urinary Supplement for Dogs.
The recipe for these healthy bites is unbelievably incredible, which is why many pet parents love this brand as much as their pups do.
Its ingredient list includes nutritious components such as oat flour, palm fruit oil, brown rice syrup, sweet potato, carrot, pumpkin, flaxseed, sunflower lecithin, and coconut glycerin.
These chicken-flavored soft chews are meant to support the immune system, normalize bladder muscle function, keep a healthy urinary tract, and balance urine pH to potentially get rid of crystal formations that can lead to UTIs.
It supports kidney health, which is also crucial in the battle against seizures in dogs. With nearly 600 respondents in one online review, this dog supplement received a laudable 4.7-stars rating.
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Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Neurocare
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Brewers Rice, Ground Yellow Corn
We picked Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Neurocare as the vet prescribed best dog food for seizures because it was created precisely for the purpose of addressing canine seizures.
Research from the Royal Veterinary College of the University of London canine epilepsy clinic, in tandem with Nestle Purina, was used to develop the first and only diet to help nutritionally manage dogs with idiopathic epilepsy as an adjunct to veterinary therapy, according to RVCs website.
Whats special about this prescription diet is the inclusion of medium-chain triglyceride vegetable oil, antioxidants, vitamin E, and omega fatty acids with EPA and DHA, which are all found to be highly important components in preventing dog seizures.
RVCs studies revealed that specific dog food with MCT oil can help reduce seizure frequency as 71% of the canine test subjects showed lesser seizure frequency.
What Are Medium
According to a January 2014 article in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics , medium-chain triglycerides are saturated fats made with anywhere from six to 12 carbons.
When compared to long-chain fatty acids, medium-chain fatty acids demonstrate substantial metabolic differences. For instance, they do not require binding to proteins to move through the body and are a preferred source of energy. The following are MCTs:
Caproic Acid : Also known as hexanoic acid, this saturated fatty acid contains six carbon molecules. PubChem data shows it is used to make perfumes and may irritate the skin and eyes.
Caprylic Acid : Also known as octanoic acid, PubChem data shows this saturated fatty acid is naturally occurring in the milk of some mammals. It is also a minor part of coconut oil and palm kernel oil.
Capric Acid : Also known as decanoic acid, PubChem data shows this saturated fatty acid can also be found in mammal milk, coconut oil and palm kernel oil. It works as an antibacterial agent and an anti-inflammatory agent.
Lauric Acid : Also known as dodecanoic acid, PubChem states it is the main fatty acid found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil.
A June 2016 study published in the Journal of Lipid Research shows that MCTs enter your cells easily without being broken down. This allows them to be used as an immediate source of energy, while also reducing the likelihood they will be stored as excess fat.
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