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MCT Oil (Medium Chain Triglycerides)

Nutritional Supplement / Anticonvulsant Adjunct
Last reviewed 22 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

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
Schedule
OTC
Storage
Store at room temperature; does not require refrigeration

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used as dietary adjunct for refractory epilepsy (ketogenic effect), intestinal l
Dose
1–2 mL/kg
Route
PO (mixed into food)
Frequency
Divided with meals
🐈

Cat

Used for intestinal lymphangiectasia and as energy supplement for hepatic lipido
Dose
1 mL/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
Divided with meals
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 →

Formulations

💊

Other — 2

Strength
Strength

Storage

Store at room temperature; does not require refrigeration

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Seizure frequency (epilepsy use)Stool consistencyBody weightSerum beta-hydroxybutyrate (ketosis level)
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 →

Interactions

No documented interactions.

Brands

Other markets

MCT Oil
Neobee

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.
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 →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database
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