If your pet suffers from seizures, you’ll know how scary and unpredictable they can be. Watching your furry friend go through one can leave you feeling helpless, and finding the right treatment isn’t always easy. While anticonvulsant medications are the go-to solution, they don’t always work 100%. That’s why many pet parents look for complementary options like MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil, a supplement that may provide additional support.
MCT oil is often talked about in the world of ketogenic diets, but it may also help manage seizures by providing the brain with a different kind of fuel. If you’ve heard about MCT oil but aren’t sure how to use it for your pet, this guide is for you. Keep reading to learn how it works, how to introduce it safely, and what to watch out for along the way.
How MCT Oil Helps with Seizures
MCT oil isn’t just another health trend – it's backed by science. In fact, MCT oil has been used for seizure management since the 1970s as part of the ketogenic diet, which was originally developed in the 1920s to treat drug-resistant epilepsy.
The key lies in how it’s processed in the body and how it affects brain function. Here's a quick overview of the basics:
The Ketogenic Connection
MCT oil plays an important role in the ketogenic diet, which focuses on high fat and low carbohydrates. When consumed, MCTs quickly turn into ketones, an alternative energy source for the brain. Why does this matter? Because ketones have been shown to help stabilize brain activity and may reduce seizure frequency in some animals.
If you’ve ever heard of the ketogenic diet being used for seizures in children, it’s the same idea here. The brain usually runs on glucose, but when ketones take over as the primary fuel source, it may help reduce seizure activity. MCT oil also supports cognitive function in aging pets, making it a useful supplement beyond seizure control.
Synergy with Anticonvulsant Medications
MCT oil doesn’t replace anticonvulsant medications, but it may enhance their effectiveness. Ketones have neuroprotective properties, meaning they help protect brain cells from damage and stress – both of which can contribute to seizures.
Some studies suggest that adding MCT oil to a pet’s diet may increase the effectiveness of anticonvulsant drugs by improving brain function and energy metabolism. So, while MCT oil isn’t a cure-all, it could be a helpful addition to your pet’s seizure management plan.
Considerations Before Using MCT Oil for Seizures
Before you start adding MCT oil to your pet’s diet, here are some important things to consider:
- Consult your veterinarian. Before making any dietary changes, always check with your vet. Some pets have conditions that make it difficult to process extra fat, and your vet can help determine if MCT oil is a good fit.
- Start with small doses. MCT oil is processed quickly in the body, which is great for energy but not so great for digestion if you introduce too much at once. Starting small helps avoid issues like stomach upset or loose stools.
- Monitor for side effects. Every pet is different. While some might handle MCT oil just fine, others may experience diarrhea, nausea, or changes in appetite. Keep an eye on their behavior and adjust as needed.
- Balance fat-soluble vitamins. MCT oil can impact how your pet absorbs vitamins like A, D, E, and K. If you’re increasing fat intake, make sure your pet is still getting all the nutrients they need.
Step-by-Step Guide to Introducing MCT Oil
Adding MCT oil to your pet’s diet isn’t complicated, but it does require a slow and steady approach. Here’s how to do it right:
Step 1: Choose a High-Quality MCT Oil, preferably with Lauric Acid (C12)
Not all MCT oils are created equal. Look for a pure, pet-safe product like CocoTherapy TriPlex™ MCT-3 Oil, which is especially formulated with Lauric Acid.
Studies have shown that Lauric Acid (C12) may enhance brain ketone availability, helping improve neurological function. It also increases ketone production more than Caprylic Acid (C8) and & Capric Acid (C10), suggesting a longer-lasting brain energy source. Prolonged ketones cross the blood-brain barrier and provide a stable energy supply for neurons, potentially benefiting seizure-prone dogs.
TriPlex MCT-3 Oil is specifically formulated with Lauric Acid (C12), where research shows is highly beneficial for brain health:
- Converted into ketones by the liver at a slower rate than Caprylic (C8) & Capric (C10) acids, and increases blood ketones to therapeutic levels, and remains elevated in a full 8 hours, prolonging sustained energy.
- Travels directly to the brain, where it is also converted to ketones, boosting brain ketone levels.
- Helps reduce the formation of amyloid plaques (linked to Alzheimer’s disease).
- Enters the bloodstream to defend the brain against infection while also providing energy.
In short, C8 & C10 provide a rapid energy source, useful for immediate metabolic needs, while C12 generates longer-lasting ketones, extending brain energy availability and reducing seizure frequency.
TriPlex MCT-3 Oil contains a combination of C8, C10, and C12, which offers both immediate and sustained energy, making it superior to pure C8/C10 formulas for seizure management.
In addition, TriPlex MCT-3 Oil is made without added flavors, preservatives, or artificial ingredients. Some human-grade MCT oils contain additives that aren’t safe for pets, so always read the label.
Step 2: Determine the Right Dosage
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon per pound (450g) of body weight is ideal for small pets like hamsters and guinea pigs. For cats and dogs, we recommend 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds (4.5kg) of body weight. But remember, it's best to start with smaller doses to give your pet's body time to adjust.
Step 3: Mix It Into Food
Most pets won’t even notice MCT oil in their meals, but if yours is a picky eater, try mixing it into wet food or a small treat. The key is making sure they get it with food to help with digestion.
Step 4: Adjust Gradually
If your pet does well with a small dose, you can increase it slightly after a few days. A slow approach helps avoid digestive upset. If you notice loose stools or any discomfort, reduce the amount and try increasing it again more slowly.
Step 5: Monitor and Adjust
Keep track of any changes in your pet’s seizure activity, energy levels, and digestion. If you see improvements, great! If not, talk to your vet about adjusting the dose or trying a different approach.
Scientific Studies Supporting MCT Oil for Seizures
There’s growing research on the role of MCT oil in seizure management. Studies show that ketones like β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and acetoacetate help stabilize brain function and may reduce seizure activity in both humans and animals. Research has also found that ketones can improve mitochondrial function, making brain cells more resistant to stress and damage.
A 2015 study explored how ketones impact seizure thresholds and found that they raise the brain’s resistance to seizures, making them less likely to occur. This effect has been observed in animal models of epilepsy, supporting the idea that MCT oil could be beneficial in seizure management.
Another study focused on acetone, a byproduct of ketosis, and found that it has direct anticonvulsant effects. This means that when the body enters a state of ketosis – like when consuming MCT oil – it may produce substances that naturally help reduce seizures.
These findings highlight the potential of MCT oil as part of a holistic approach to seizure management. While more research is needed, the existing studies suggest that incorporating MCT oil into a pet’s diet could provide real benefits, particularly for animals that haven’t fully responded to medication.
Is MCT Oil the Right Choice for Your Pet?
MCT oil isn’t a miracle cure, but it can be a helpful addition to your pet’s seizure management plan. It’s easy to use, has research-backed benefits, and may help reduce seizure frequency – especially in pets that haven’t responded well to medication alone.
That said, every pet is different. Some will respond well, while others may not see much change. The best approach? Experiment thoughtfully while keeping your vet in the loop. If it helps, fantastic! And even if it doesn’t reduce seizures, your pet will still enjoy the brain boost and extra energy that MCT oil provides.
Want to give your pet the best MCT oil available? Try CocoTherapy TriPlex™ MCT-3 Oil and see the difference it can make! It’s easy to use, has research-backed benefits, and may help reduce seizure frequency in cats and dogs.