MCT Oil Used To Support Seizures In Dogs
Can Coconut Oil help your dog with Seizures?
Well, its constituent MCT seems to contribute to the reduction of seizures.
Benefits of MCT Oil In Dogs
MCT oil (Medium Chain Triglycerides) is a type of oil that is comprised of medium chain fatty acids which are metabolized differently than long chain fatty acids. MCT oil is easily absorbed by the body and rapidly converted into ketones and helping to increase ketone levels. The ketones produced from MCT oil can provide energy for the brain and body and may also have various health benefits, such as improved cognitive function, increased weight loss, and better blood sugar control.
Ketones have been shown to have a positive effect on seizures in some dogs.
Note the simple increase of Ketones does NOT put a body into ketosis that may be achieve with a Ketogenic Diet. Though Keto diets may also be helpful to reducing seizure activity in dogs.
High MCT Diets
In a new study, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/epi.16972 it has been shown that dogs with idiopathic epileptic seizures experience a 72% reduction in seizure frequency when fed a diet high in Multi-chain Triglycerides (MCT). Around 10% of the dogs became completely seizure-free.
Wow!
Another study shares how this may work : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7255680/
MCTs are thought to reduce seizure frequency as they provide an alternative energy supply to the brain.
"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 point 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."
Feeding fresh is always your best option. Your pet is meant to eat fresh protein, fats, and very low carbohydrates.
What’s the Difference Between MCT Oil and Coconut Oil
MCT Oil and Coconut Oil are NOT the same product. Coconut Oil has an MCT content of about 54%. You can purchase MCT Oil as a stand-alone product and this is what is recommended here.
General Dosing for MCT Oil for Dogs
Start by giving 1/4 teaspoon daily to small dogs or 1 tablespoon (15 mL) daily to larger dogs and gradually increase the amount. If your dog tolerates it well after 2 weeks, incrementally increase the dose to 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds (5 mL per 4.5 kg) of body weight.
For dogs in this seizure category, amounts may vary for the individual. You may need to test tolerance levels and achieve the level that benefits your dog relative to other nutritional content without overdoing the calories.
Consult with your holistic vet as needed.