Fats and oils

Coconut oil

B

Good

Description

Medium-chain triglyceride oil.

Benefits

Quick energy, antibacterial properties

Risks

High in saturated fats

Why this ingredient is used

Coconut oil is a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) fat that entered pet food around 2015 riding the human health trend. MCTs are metabolised differently from long-chain fats: they go directly to the liver for energy without needing bile for digestion, which makes them useful for dogs with pancreatitis or fat malabsorption. Some emerging research suggests MCTs may support cognitive function in senior dogs by providing ketone bodies as an alternative brain fuel. The main limitation: coconut oil contains zero omega-3, so it must be paired with fish oil or flaxseed oil for a balanced fat profile.

Species adaptability

Good for

  • Dogs

Products containing this ingredient

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