Product Information
MCT oil has been shown to help regulate normal sleep-wake cycles, may lessen the severity of anxiety-related behaviors and disorientation, and may help improve memory, learning, and activity levels.
As an integrative veterinarian, Dr. Julie Buzby is constantly searching for natural alternatives to complement traditional medicines in her veterinary toolkit. And she’s especially passionate about those that will support the health and wellbeing of senior dogs! Brain Boost, the only formula on the market developed by a team of veterinarians, has the power to support normal cognitive health, promote antioxidant activity, and support normal immune system function.
Why Brain Boost? Here are the top 5 amazing benefits:
- Supports cognitive health
- Provides antioxidant activity
- Supports a healthy immune system
- Easily digestible
- Whisker-licking good™ taste
It’s not just fuel for your dog’s mind and body, it’s the hope of better days ahead.
Most often, Brain Boost works within 30-90 days. In some cases, dogs have shown improvement in as little as 2 weeks after starting MCT oil supplementation.
Yes! We understand if you are adding a supplement to your dog’s food, it’s very important that your dog will eat it. The good news is that a study performed in 2022 demonstrated that a liquid MCT oil containing a combination of caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10) was well-received and readily accepted by dogs. That’s one of many reasons Brain Boost is specifically formulated with C8 and C10. Plus, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try Brain Boost with confidence.
MCT is short for “medium chain triglyceride.” So MCT oil is a health supplement that contains medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which have been shown to have health benefits for dogs, especially senior dogs.
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat found in the bloodstream. When fats are consumed, the digestive system breaks those down into fatty acids. Fatty acids can be classified into 3 categories based on their chemical formula: short-chain fatty acids have less than 6 carbon atoms, medium-chain fatty acids have 6-12, and long-chain fatty acids have over 12 carbon atoms.
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are fatty acids found in many foods, including dairy products, nuts, seeds, and oils. MCTs are classified based on the number of carbon atoms (C) they contain. The four types of MCTs are caproic acid (C6), caprylic acid (C8), capric acid (C10), and lauric acid (C12).
These two specific MCTs have tremendous potential health benefits for dogs. Caprylic acid (C8) provides an essential alternative source of fuel for the brain when it is metabolized into ketones. Ketones are easier for the body to break down than glucose, which is valuable since glucose metabolism in the brain slows down as dogs age. Capric acid (C10) provides energy to cells and can help boost immunity. As a rule, the shorter the carbon chain, the easier it is for the body to process.
Brain Boost contains 60% caprylic acid (C8) and 40% capric acid (C10). (Natural variations may occur.) Our veterinarian-developed formula does not contain lauric acid (C12) because it has been associated with an increased risk of digestive upset in dogs. Our veterinary team strongly believes that any benefits do not outweigh the potential risks of including C12.
Dr. Buzby’s Brain Boost is only made from 100% organic coconut oil and intentionally contains only the C8 and C10 MCTs.
Yes, Dr. Buzby’s Brain Boost is USDA organic and certified by QAI International. As a proactive dog parent, you may also be interested to know that Brain Boost is also non-GMO verified, human grade, sustainably sourced, and ethically sourced.
No, Brain Boost does not contain artificial flavors, colors, additives, or preservatives. It is made from 100% pure organic coconut oil.
Yes, of course! Please check out the product information on our Brain Boost label.
Dr. Buzby’s Brain Boost is made from 100% pure organic coconut oil. There are no artificial flavors, colors, additives, or preservatives.
Yes! When we launched Brain Boost, we interviewed companies all over North America to find a manufacturer committed to providing an organic MCT oil that is both sustainably and ethically sourced. We are proud that Brain Boost is both sustainably and ethically sourced.
No, you cannot reverse CCD, and there is no cure. However, adding MCT oil to a senior dog’s diet has been shown to improve their cognitive ability and diminish their CCD symptoms. As with all progressive diseases, early diagnosis and intervention positively affect the overall quality of the remainder of the dog’s life. Therefore, starting MCT oil early in the disease process will have the greatest positive long-term effect.
Yes, in fact, supplementing with MCT oil has been shown not only to decrease seizure activity but also to have a neuroprotective effect in some epileptic dogs. Numerous studies have shown that dogs fed a diet rich in added MCTs experienced a significant decrease in the frequency and severity of their seizure activity. A small percentage of dogs actually experienced a complete cessation of seizure activity while they were on the MCT-rich diet. These findings strengthen the notion that, overall, MCTs may play a supportive role in the treatment of canine epilepsy.
First of all, always consult your veterinarian about questions regarding your dog’s medications and certainly before making ANY changes in dosing. Interestingly, research has shown through the cytochrome P450 pathway in the liver, MCT oil can lower the amount of anti-epileptic medication a dog may need. This occurs because MCT oil is a cytochrome P450 inhibitor, which means it decreases the rate at which medications are absorbed. When this occurs, medications are active in the body much longer, which may allow for a decrease in dose or dose frequency.(9)
Brain Boost has been shown to help regulate normal sleep-wake cycles, may lessen the severity of anxiety-related behaviors and disorientation, and may help improve memory, learning, and activity levels.
Serving/Administering
Serving size is based on your dog’s body weight. Using the chart below, find the amount in the “serving per meal” column corresponding with your dog’s body weight in pounds.
It’s important to introduce Brain Boost into your dog’s diet gradually over the course of 2 weeks to allow your dog’s system to adapt. See the chart below for complete feeding directions.
Dr. Buzby’s Brain Boost is easy to give!
- Introduce Brain Boost into your dog’s diet, starting at ¼ the recommended serving.
- Simply give the recommended amount to your dog twice daily at mealtime. If your dog eats only once a day, give the second serving with a treat.
- Increase the serving amount gradually over 2 weeks to give your dog’s system time to adjust.
Yes, it’s important to introduce Brain Boost into your dog’s diet gradually. Working up to the full dose slowly over two weeks allows your dog’s tummy to adapt.
For best results, follow these feeding guidelines:
- Introduce Brain Boost into your dog’s diet, starting at ¼ the recommended serving.
- Simply give the recommended amount to your dog twice daily at mealtime. If your dog eats only once a day, give the second serving with a treat.
- Increase the serving amount gradually over 2 weeks to give your dog’s system time to adjust.
Brain Boost should represent a no more than 5% of the total calories of your dog’s diet, but if your dog is prone to weight gain, speak with your dog’s veterinarian about whether decreasing the amount your dog eats would be recommended.
Product Safety
Yes, Dr. Buzby’s Brain Boost is not only recommended by veterinarians, it was developed by veterinarians. When Dr. Julie Buzby couldn’t find an MCT oil to earn her endorsement, she organized a team of veterinarians to develop Brain Boost. Our premium supplement formulated especially for dogs is USDA-certified organic, ethically and sustainably sourced, and human grade. It’s not just fuel for your dog’s mind and body, it’s the hope of better days ahead.
Furthermore, MCTs are recommended for senior dogs in the American Animal Hospital Association’s 2023 Senior Care Guidelines.
Most senior dogs tolerate Dr. Buzby’s Brain Boost well. However, as with any nutritional supplement, gastrointestinal side effects (digestive upset, excessive gas, soft stools, etc.) are possible, which is why we strongly recommend a gradual introduction of the supplement over two weeks to allow your dog’s system to adjust.
Although MCT oil is generally regarded as a very safe supplement, we always recommend consulting with your regular veterinarian before adding any supplements to your dog’s daily routine.
Research has shown that MCT oil may inhibit cytochrome P450 function in the liver, which slows the rate of metabolism of certain medications including antifungal and antiepileptics. If your dog is currently on antiepileptic medication please read this FAQ.
Research has shown that a refined, quality MCT oil for dogs comprised of only caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10) has not been associated with overstimulation of the pancreas in dogs. This is because C8 and C10 are absorbed directly into the digestive tract when consumed, bypassing stimulation of the pancreas. Dr. Buzby’s Brain Boost contains ONLY caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10) in a 60:40 liquid oil preparation.
However, because Brain Boost is an oil-based product, it should be used cautiously in dogs with a history of pancreatitis and discontinued if any gastrointestinal signs are observed. As always, please talk to your veterinarian before beginning this supplement to discuss your dog’s individual needs.
Yes! In fact, it’s recommended and proven to provide the greatest effect when started early in the course of cognitive decline and continued for the remainder of the dog’s life. (5)
Yes, Brain Boost is safe to use with other supplements.
Yes, every bottle of Brain Boost has an inner seal, and the cap is also externally sealed to prevent leakage. As with any product, do not use it if the inner seal is broken or missing.
We recommend storing Brain Boost organic MCT oil for dogs at room temperature.
Brain Boost is stable at room temperature and does not require refrigeration. If your bottle of Brain Boost is accidentally refrigerated, you may notice the oil turning white and cloudy instead of clear. This will not affect the efficacy of the product or necessitate the need to discard it. To resolve this, simply remove the bottle from the refrigerator and allow it to return to room temperature. Brain Boost should quickly return to its original state.
Yes, you can find the expiration date on the label on the bottle.
Because Brain Boost™ is a health supplement, it should be safe. However, your dog may experience digestive upset if more than the recommended serving size is consumed. Should this occur, consult your veterinarian.
For dogs with a history of dietary sensitivities or pancreatitis, we recommend proactively consulting your veterinarian if your dog consumes an excessive amount of Brain Boost.
Purchase
You can purchase Brain Boost MCT oil for dogs online at:
- Dr. Buzby’s home page https://toegrips.com/
- Through Shopify https://shop.toegrips.com/
- Or wholesale https://drbuzbyswholesale.com/
Guarantee/Return Policy/Shipping
Yes! We ship Brain Boost® around the world every week. All duty taxes are added during checkout and are the responsibility of the receiver. For questions regarding shipping please email [email protected].
Yes, our convenient “Subscribe & Save” subscription program allows customers to arrange auto-shipment at a significant discount.
When you select our convenient “Subscribe & Save” program you get Dr. Buzby’s Brain Boost delivered automatically at the interval you choose. Just set it and forget! Here’s how it works:
- Enjoy special savings plus free shipping on every order
- Customize your delivery schedule (every 1 month, 2 months, 3 months)
- It’s free and easy. No commitment—change or cancel anytime
Yes! Take advantage of this one-time offer for new customers. Save 10% on Dr. Buzby’s Brain Boost.
BONUS TIP: Enroll in our convenient “Subscribe & Save” program to get Brain Boost delivered automatically at the interval you choose. Just set it and forget! Here’s how it works:
- Enjoy special savings plus free shipping on every order
- Customize your delivery schedule (every 1 month, 2 months, 3 months)
- It’s free and easy. No commitment—change or cancel anytime
We stand behind our product 100%. To that end, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if the product does not work as expected for your dog.
For orders within the United States, we ship via USPS or FedEx. You will have several options during checkout and we offer a free shipping option.
International orders are shipped via FedEx, and delivered by your local post.
Yes! We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if the product does not work as expected for your dog.
Dr. Buzby’s Senior Dog Co. is a small, family-owned business located in Beaufort, South Carolina. Our address is:
Dr. Buzby’s Innovations, LLC
11 Robert Smalls Parkway
Suite C #6191
Beaufort, SC 29906
Human Safety
Brain Boost is a human-grade product but is not labeled for human consumption. Even though Brain Boost is non-toxic, if your child accidentally ingests it, we recommend contacting the National Poison Control free helpline at 1-800-222-1222 to discuss recommendations.
Animal Safety/Usage
Brain Boost is safe for dogs when used as directed. However, consuming more than the recommended serving size could result in digestive upset including nausea, vomiting, excessive gas, and soft, oily stools. Dogs with a history of pancreatitis may also experience pancreatic inflammation and abdominal discomfort. Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Brain Boost is not toxic but may cause mild, transient eye irritation due to its viscous nature. If your dog accidentally gets Brain Boost in his eye, gently flush the eye with cool water for several minutes to remove any oily residue, and then carefully dry the face and eyelids after flushing. If irritation persists, having your dog examined by your regular veterinarian is recommended.
Brain Boost is safe for dogs of all ages but is specifically intended as a health supplement for senior or special needs dogs. Supplementing with Brain Boost is not necessary for younger dogs eating a nutritionally balanced, appropriate life-stage diet.
No. Brain Boost’s serving size is calculated according to body weight. Offering a larger serving to your dog will not result in a “faster” or “better” response, and may cause digestive upset.
Brain Boost is intended for use as a health supplement only. It should not compose more than 5% of your dog’s daily caloric intake and is not an appropriate substitute for a complete, balanced diet. Adding more than the recommended amount of Brain Boost to your dog’s diet may result in digestive upset.
Brain Boost supports cellular antioxidant activity and a healthy immune system for senior dogs but is not specifically formulated to improve mobility.
Brain Boost is most effective when given consistently, twice daily, according to the label directions. However, if a serving is missed, simply give it at your dog’s next mealtime and continue twice daily as directed.
Brain Boost is safe to give with fish oil, but we recommend speaking with your veterinarian before adding additional supplements to your dog’s daily routine.
Storage/Shelf Life
Brain Boost is a clear oil at room temperature. It does not need refrigeration to extend its shelf life or maintain effectiveness. If Brain Boost is accidentally refrigerated, you may notice a change in color and/or consistency (i.e. cloudy). In this case, simply remove Brain Boost from the refrigerator and let it return to room temperature. It should return to its normal color and consistency.
MCT oil is very stable, so warm temperatures should not be a concern.
Medium chain triglycerides are only heat stable up to about 350°F (176.6°C), so baking Brain Boost into your dog’s home-cooked meals may reduce its effectiveness and give it an unpleasant taste.
The freezing point of MCT oil is 23°F or -5°C, so it is unlikely your freezer will be cold enough to cause Brain Boost to freeze. We do not recommend freezing it.
https://us.fullscript.com/catalog/products/organic-mct-oil-16oz/U3ByZWU6OlZhcmlhbnQtMTA4OTc5
For best results, Brain Boost should remain in its original container. If you do need to take a smaller portion of Brain Boost with you for travel, we recommend a lightproof bottle with a tight screw cap to minimize the risk of light-induced deterioration of the product and leakage during transit. For airline travel, check with your air carrier’s size limitations for carry-on liquids before arriving at the airport.
Off Label Use
While Brain Boost is a human-grade MCT oil, it is labeled only for dogs.
Brain Boost is formulated specifically for dogs. While MCT oil is theoretically safe for cats to consume in small quantities, please consult your veterinarian for recommendations.
Brain Boost is not intended for topical use.
MCT Oil Research Studies
- American Animal Hospital Association. (2023). AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. Retrieved from https://www.aaha.org/globalassets/02-guidelines/2023-aaha-senior-care-guidelines-for-dogs-and-cats/resources/2023-aaha-senior-care-guidelines-for-dogs-and-cats.pdf
- Mamer, O. A., Choiniere, C. J., & Boudreau, A. (2006). Increases in hepatic oxidative capacities induced by acute exercise are accompanied by transient decreases in malonyl-CoA levels in mice. American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 290(1), R83-R90. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpregu.00290.2005
- Edwards Bvsc, Alice. “NEURO-DIETETICS: MEDIUM CHAIN TRIGLYCERIDES and THEIR SCOPE as ADJUNCTIVE THERAPY for NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS in DOGS.” Control & Therapy Series -Issue, vol. 304, 2021. Accessed 11 Apr. 2024.
- Landsberg, G. (2005). Therapeutic agents for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction syndrome in senior dogs. Doncaster Animal Clinic, 99 Henderson Avenue, Thornhill, Ontario, Canada L3T 2K9. Retrieved from https://natural-necessity.com/doc/research/Alpha-Lipoic-Acid/ALA-Cognitive-Dysfunction-in-a-Dog.pdf
- Milgram NW;Head E;Muggenburg B;Holowachuk D;Murphey H;Estrada J;Ikeda-Douglas CJ;Zicker SC;Cotman CW (2002). Landmark discrimination learning in the dog: effects of age, an antioxidant fortified food, and cognitive strategy. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2002 Oct;26(6):679-95. Doi: 10.1016/s0149-7634(02)00039-8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12479842/
- Tynes, V. V., & Landsberg, G. (2021). Nutritional management of behavior and brain disorders in dogs and cats. the Veterinary Clinics of North America. Small Animal Practice, 51(3), 711–727. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2021.01.011
- Pan Y, Larson B, Araujo JA, et al. Dietary supplementation with medium-chain TAG has long-lasting cognition-enhancing effects in aged dogs. Br J Nutr 2010; 103:1746-54.
- M. Chandler and H. Volk. (2019). Fuel the Brain: Diet Considerations for the Dog with a Seizure Disorder. World Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress Proceedings. https://www.vin.com/members/cms/project/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=24437&id=9382841
- Tayutivutikul, Naim & Wanleenuwat, Pitchaya & Panapongvasin, Thanaphat & Klajing, Rakklao & Iwanowski, Piotr. (2022). Dietary effects on antiseizure drug metabolism and management of epilepsy. Seizure. 102. 10.1016/j.seizure.2022.09.009.
