Oral Palatability Testing of a Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil Supplement (MCT) in a Cohort of Healthy Dogs in a Non-Clinical Setting

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The palatability of functional foodsis significant l in therapy compliancewhen used as an adjunct in the management of health conditions such as epilepsy or dementia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the palatability and tolerance of an MCT oil as a dietary supplement in healthy dogs compared to a tasteless, purified control oil. An at-home single-bowl palatability test with three phases lasting five days eachto the usual base-diet, was conducted. The data were collected from nineteen healthy dogs. There was no difference found in the average food intake or intake-ratio between food with and without oil supplementation or between the two oil supplementation groups. In conclusion, MCT oil given as a short-term supplement is not only well tolerated but palatable in a healthy canine population, with only some changes to eating behaviour. ABSTRACT: The oral palatability of functional foods such as medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) play a crucial role in owner and patient compliance when used as an adjunct in the management of health conditions such as epilepsy. Despite the promising benefits, the palatability of MCT has not undergone a more recent evaluation in dogs. The aim of this study was to assess the palatability and tolerance of short-term, daily supplementation of a 10% metabolic energy based MCT oil volume compared to a tasteless control oil in healthy dogs. An at-home, randomized, double-blinded, controlled single-bowl palatability test with three five-days phases was conducted. Data were collected from nineteen healthy dogs via study visits, feeding diary and eating questionnaires. No difference in the average food intake or intake ratio between food with and without oil supplementation or between the two oil groups was found. The mean food intake time was longer under MCT. In conclusion, MCT oil given as a short-term supplement is well tolerated and palatable in a healthy canine population, with only some changes in eating behaviour. Our results support earlier evidence that MCT oil is a well-tolerated additive in the nutritional management of different diseases such as epilepsy or dementia in dogs.