Fats and oils
Coconut oil
B
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