MCT Oil for Dogs: 14 Best Coconut Oil Supplements For Your Pup

Dr. Libby Guise

You’ve probably been hearing about the benefits of Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) in your diet. What about Fido? Dogs can also experience positive results from having ingredients like coconut oil added to their daily food. 

We’ll review 14 products to help you find the best MCT oil for your furry friend’s needs.

As always, consult your vet first. Your pup’s doctor knows him best and can provide valuable input about these supplements.

Our Top Picks:

Zesty Paws Coconut Oil for Dogs

Our Rating:

4.5/5

Price Range: $$

Zesty Paws Coconut Oil is certified organic and made from 100% virgin coconut oil. You can give this to your pooch orally or apply it topically. The product is GMO-free and made from a trusted global source. There are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in the supplement, and it has no ingredients from grain, soy, or corn. It comes in a 16-ounce jar.

What We Like About It

What We Don't Like

Alpha Pet Zone Coconut Oil for Dogs

Our Rating:

4.3/5

Price Range: $$

This product by Alpha Pet Zone is certified organic and made of 100% raw coconut oil. It can be applied to dry skin and coat, or you can add it to your furry pal’s food. The jar has an inner seal to prevent leakage. There are no added chemicals. You can purchase this in a 16-ounce or 32-ounce jar.

What We Like About It

What We Don't Like

Raw Paws Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for Dogs

Our Rating:

4.2/5

Price Range: $$

Raw Paws comes in three jar sizes: 4, 8, or 16 ounces. It’s made from 100% virgin coconut oil from non-GMO sources. The product is USDA certified and organic. It comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. There are no added ingredients.

What We Like About It

What We Don't Like

Petpost Coconut Oil

Our Rating:

4.2/5

Price Range: $$

Petpost is 100% pure coconut oil in recyclable packaging. There are no additives, artificial colors, preservatives, or parabens in this product. It’s made from virgin coconut oil and has no corn, soy, or wheat. Although this is a grooming product for topical application, it is also safe to give orally.

What We Like About It

What We Don't Like

COCO & CO. Organic Pure Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Our Rating:

4.7/5

Price Range: $$

Coco & Co. 100% pure virgin coconut oil is made for use with people or dogs. It’s made from organic, fair trade coconuts and is free of gluten, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. You can purchase this in sizes ranging from 4.5 to 32 ounces.

What We Like About It

What We Don't Like

Natural Doggie Pure Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for Dogs

4.7/5

Our Rating:

Price Range: $$

This product is made from 100% pure organic coconut oil for dogs. It’s cold-pressed and unrefined. The supplement is GMO-free and contains no additives. It’s made in the USA. You can purchase this in 8, 16, or 32-ounce jars.

What We Like About It

What We Don't Like

CocoTherapy Maggie's Macaroons Gourmet Treats for Dogs

Our Rating:

4.8/5

Price Range: $$

These low protein dog treats are grain-free and all-natural. In addition to coconut, coconut nectar, and coconut oil the ingredients include vanilla extract and flaxseed. The product uses only USDA certified organic sources. It comes in a raw, dehydrated form.

What We Like About It

What We Don't Like

CocoTherapy Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for Pets

Our Rating:

4.5/5

Price Range: $$

This product from CocoTherapy contains 100% virgin coconut oil. The ingredients are sourced from a USDA certified organic farm, and they’re non-GMO. It’s available in a 2-pack of 16-ounce jars. You can also purchase individual 8 or 16-ounce jars for your needs. The oil can be used topically or orally.

What We Like About It

What We Don't Like

Sun Beams Brands

Our Rating:

4.1/5

Price Range: $$

Sun Beams Brands is an organic product. It has 100% virgin coconut oil for dogs that’s cold-pressed. This is a human-grade, unrefined supplement that comes from non-GMO sources. It’s available in a 16-ounce jar.

What We Like About It

What We Don't Like

Stuart Pet Supply Coconut Oil for Dogs

Our Rating:

4.9/5

Price Range: $$

This product from Stuart Pet Supply is USDA certified organic and GMO-free. It’s 100% virgin coconut oil and is for topical or oral use. The supplement is available in a 16-ounce jar and comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

What We Like About It

What We Don't Like

Wholistic Pet Organics Supplement

Our Rating:

4.4/5

Price Range: $$

Wholistic Pet Organics Coconut Oil is a certified organic product made from non-GMO sources. It’s a cold-pressed, raw supplement with no added ingredients. You can give this to your pup orally or topically. The oil is available in a 16-ounce jar.

What We Like About It

What We Don't Like

Shaka Buds Coconut Oil for Dogs

Our Rating:

4.5/5

Price Range: $$

As an unrefined coconut oil, Shaka Buds offers a 100% pure supplement for your pooch. It’s safe to give orally or topically to any age dog. This USDA certified organic product comes in a 500 ml container. 

What We Like About It

What We Don't Like

as-is Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

Our Rating:

4.4/5

Price Range: $$

This coconut oil is pure, unrefined, and USDA certified organic. The product is GMO-free and is safe to give to dogs orally or topically. It’s responsibly sourced from a farmer that uses sustainable practices. You can purchase the supplement in a 54-ounce jar.

What We Like About It

What We Don't Like

Lifesense C8 Keto MCT Oil for Dogs Sourced from Coconut Oil

Our Rating:

4.2/5

Price Range: $$

Lifesense C8 MCT Oil is a human-grade supplement that’s made specifically for canines. This product is sourced from coconut oil and some palm kernel oil. It comes from trusted, sustainable suppliers and is manufactured in FDA-registered facilities. It contains high concentrations of C8 MCTs.

What We Like About It

What We Don't Like

What Are MCTs?

MCTs are fatty acids with a medium chain length (containing 6-12 carbon atoms). Because these triglycerides are shorter than mono- and polyunsaturated fats they’re easier to digest.  Nutritionists recognize MCTs as healthy fats that can provide a range of health benefits. The oils occur naturally in foods like coconut, palm kernels, milk, and butter.
Coconut is a rich source of medium-chain fatty acids. The oils from this fruit are about 54% MCTs. The rest of the fats in coconut oil are unsaturated and short-chain triglycerides. In contrast, MCT oil is a concentrated source of medium-chain fatty acids that come from the refining of coconut or palm oil.
For most dogs, yes. MCT oil for dogs is a safe way to supplement the diet as long as you give it in appropriate doses. However, there are some potential risks with adding this additive:
  • Overdosing MCTs can cause diarrhea. 
  • Some dogs are allergic to coconut and would react to coconut oil
  • Dogs prone to pancreatitis could have a flare-up due to the fat content
  • You may see weight gain if you give more than your pal needs

How Much MCT Is In Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil contains three of the four types of MCTs:

  • Lauric acid – 42%
  • Caprylic acid – 7%
  • Capric acid – 5%

The rest of the triglyceride content in coconut oil consists of long-chain triglycerides and saturated fats.

Advocates of MCT oils for dogs say that supplementing Fido’s diet can bring health benefits including:

Weight controlStudies suggest the way a pup’s body metabolizes MCTs results in a higher energy expenditure that can help reduce weight gain and fat deposits.

Treating wounds – MCTs belong to a class of antimicrobial lipids and can be a useful aid in the treatment and healing of wounds.  A study of the effects of coconut oil as a wound treatment in laboratory rats demonstrated accelerated healing. The topical application may be useful to reduce inflammation and boost the body’s production of new skin.

Promotes healthy skin and coat – The MCTs in coconut oil help to hydrate the skin and can help prevent damage to hair. Many recommend this supplement to foster a soft shiny coat and to treat dry skin. Rubbing a small amount of coconut oil on your furbaby can help add moisture to the skin and ease itching. It will also refresh the coat and help to protect the hair follicles.
Improves brain function – MCTs in coconut oil provide the brain with the extra energy source of ketones. Studies show that supplementation improves cognitive function in dogs as they age.

Aids digestion – MCTs can help boost gut contractions to keep things moving in the digestive tract. In addition to keeping the gut moving, the fatty acids in MCTs aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and other nutrients. They may also help curb inflammation and promote healing in animals with autoimmune diseases or leaky gut issues.

Natural Toothpaste – Coconut oil and other sources of MCTs have demonstrated antimicrobial properties. You can use this product to clean your special pal’s teeth.

Bad Breath – Whether you use coconut oil to brush your pooch’s teeth, or you add a little to his food, this supplement helps to freshen his breath.

Flea and Tick Repellent – Studies demonstrated that using virgin coconut oil shampoo to treat dogs infested with ticks, fleas, or mites was effective to eliminate the parasites. MCTs applied to the coat may also repel the tiny pests.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease – MCTs can help reduce the body’s production of inflammatory proteins called cytokines. That means these supplements may be able to combat diseases like inflammatory bowel disease.

Immune System – Studies demonstrate that MCTs help to activate the immune system. The supplements show antifungal and antimicrobial effects, and they can boost the gut’s secretion of digestive antibodies(IgA).
Arthritis – Like turmeric for dogs, virgin coconut oil contains compounds called polyphenols. Research results suggest these molecules help to reduce swelling and inflammation associated with arthritis.

Yeast Infection – Coconut oil may be effective to treat yeast infections, by preventing overgrowth of the organism, Candida albicans.

Ear Infection – You may be able to use coconut oil to soothe your furry friend’s discomfort when he has an ear infection. However, this is not a replacement for a veterinary exam and appropriate medication.

Hot Spots – Some people use coconut oil to treat hot spots, or acute moist dermatitis, in their pups. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of this balm may be helpful as a part of the treatment regimen. Consult with your veterinarian first.

Choose unrefined or virgin coconut oil. Refined products are manufactured from dried coconut meat and go through a purification process. They don’t have as many nutrients as the raw product, and they smell and taste different.

Find one your dog likes. Depending on the source of the coconut and the manufacturing process, different products will have variable odor and flavor. You may need to run taste tests with Fido to find his preferred brand.

Go non-GMO. There are differing opinions about including genetically modified organisms (GMO) in products like coconut oil. As long as the jury is out it’s best to play it safe and avoid sources that have GMOs.

Use Certified Organic products. Certified organic farms will not use pesticides on their trees or chemical fertilizers on the land. The resulting product will be natural and should have maximum nutritional value.

Unless your furbaby is allergic to coconut, there aren’t many risks associated with feeding the oil to your pooch in appropriate quantities. However, Fido could get diarrhea if you feed him too much coconut oil. 

When starting your pup on the supplement, it’s important to use small doses and build up slowly. The antimicrobial effects of the MCTs in coconut oil can trigger a detoxification process.

Side effects include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Flu-like symptoms
Again, when starting to add coconut oil to your pup’s food, start with about ¼ teaspoon for small dogs and 1 teaspoon for large dogs and build up over time to avoid unwanted side effects. As the body adjusts over a week or two, work up to a recommended dosage of 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight per day.

Fish oil for dogs is a long-chain fatty acid and contains the Omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Like MCTs, these supplements are often given to dogs to promote healthy hair and skin. They can also support healthy brain function, heart health, eye health, and the immune response.

Coconut oil contains mostly MCTs and saturated fats. They’re broken down differently and can boost metabolism and energy levels. These fatty acids also support antimicrobial activity in the body and promote healthy skin and coat.

Does MCT oil help dogs with itchy skin?

Many owners report that applying MCT or coconut oil to the skin can help with dryness and itching. Results can vary.

How do I use MCT oil for my dog?

MCT oil is an oral supplement that can be added to your food. When you start giving this product, use smaller doses and build up to the recommended dose on the package.
Coconut oil can be given orally or topically. Please refer to the recommended dosage section of this review or the manufacturer’s directions when giving this supplement by mouth.

Can I freeze this to make homemade treats?

Yes, coconut oil is safe to freeze. Be careful that each individual treat does not exceed the recommended dosage of coconut oil.

Related article: 105 Homemade Dog Treats

Do I need to refrigerate coconut/MCT oil?

No, coconut/MCT oil is stable and safe to store at room temperature. Coconut oil will solidify at temperatures below about 76 degrees F.

Will this product make my dog’s fur greasy?
The product is an oil, so it can be greasy. It will depend on the amount that you use and the particular product. Massage the oil into the hair or skin may help to reduce greasy residue.

First in Show Goes To: Our Top Pick

After reviewing the above products and comparing them to our criteria, we select Stuart Pet Supply Coconut Oil for Dogs as our top pick for MCT oil for dogs.

This product is an organic supplement made from non-GMO products. It uses unrefined, virgin coconut oil for maximum nutritional benefit.

Owners report that dogs like the flavor and consistency, and they see noticeable improvements in skin and hair when giving this product to their pups.

Based on the product sourcing and processing and owner feedback, we choose Stuart Pet Supply as our Top Pick.