Medium-chain triglycerides (C6-C12 fatty acids, primarily caprylic and capric acid) that are rapidly absorbed, transported directly to liver via portal vein (bypassing lymphatic system), and converted to ketone bodies. Ketones provide alternative brain fuel and have anticonvulsant properties.
At a glance
Class
Nutritional Supplement / Anticonvulsant Adjunct
Storage
Store at room temperature; does not require refrigeration
Dosing
Used as dietary adjunct for refractory epilepsy (ketogenic effect), intestinal l
Route
PO (mixed into food)
Frequency
Divided with meals
Used for intestinal lymphangiectasia and as energy supplement for hepatic lipido
Frequency
Divided with meals
Safety
Seizure frequency (epilepsy use)Stool consistencyBody weightSerum beta-hydroxybutyrate (ketosis level)
Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is MCT Oil (Medium Chain Triglycerides)?
MCT Oil (Medium Chain Triglycerides) is a nutritional supplement / anticonvulsant adjunct used in pets. Medium-chain triglycerides (C6-C12 fatty acids, primarily caprylic and capric acid) that are rapidly absorbed, transported directly to liver via portal vein (bypassing lymphatic system), and converted to ketone bodies. Ketones provide alternative brain fuel and have anticonvulsant properties.
›What is MCT Oil (Medium Chain Triglycerides) used for in pets?
MCT Oil (Medium Chain Triglycerides) is used in veterinary medicine for: Used as dietary adjunct for refractory epilepsy (ketogenic effect), intestinal l; Used for intestinal lymphangiectasia and as energy supplement for hepatic lipido.
›What is the MCT Oil (Medium Chain Triglycerides) dose for dogs?
For dogs, MCT Oil (Medium Chain Triglycerides) is typically dosed as follows — Used as dietary adjunct for refractory epilepsy (ketogenic effect), intestinal l: 1–2 mL/kg PO (mixed into food) Divided with meals. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the MCT Oil (Medium Chain Triglycerides) dose for cats?
For cats, MCT Oil (Medium Chain Triglycerides) is typically dosed as follows — Used for intestinal lymphangiectasia and as energy supplement for hepatic lipido: 1 mL/kg PO Divided with meals. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does MCT Oil (Medium Chain Triglycerides) need a prescription?
MCT Oil (Medium Chain Triglycerides) is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
References
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →