What is Cocomega in Dog Food?

Updated: August 2025

If you’ve flipped over a bag of dog food and spotted the ingredient “Cocomega”, you might be wondering—what exactly is it? A superfood? A gimmick? Or something in between? Let’s unpack this branded fat supplement and see whether it deserves a place in your dog’s bowl.

What is Cocomega?

Cocomega™ is a trademarked ingredient that blends coconut oil and fish oil. Together, they combine two very different but complementary fat sources:

Coconut oil → rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), fats that are quickly absorbed and converted into energy.
Fish oil → packed with omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which are known for their anti-inflammatory and brain-supporting properties.

Think of Cocomega as a way to deliver both fast fuel and long-term health support in one package.

Why is Cocomega Used in Dog Food?

Pet food companies often include Cocomega because it offers benefits that go beyond basic calories. Here are the main reasons:

Skin & Coat Health: The omega-3s from fish oil help fight inflammation, reduce itching, and promote a shiny coat.¹
Brain Support: MCTs may provide alternative fuel for the brain, which is especially helpful for aging dogs showing signs of cognitive decline.³
Energy & Digestion: Unlike some fats, MCTs are digested quickly and don’t require as much work from the pancreas. This makes them easier on sensitive dogs.²
Palatability: Dogs often enjoy the flavor of oils, making Cocomega a natural flavor enhancer.

From a manufacturer’s perspective, Cocomega also serves as a marketing tool: combining two well-known “superfood” oils into one trademarked ingredient makes the food stand out on a label.

Pros of Cocomega

Supplies both omega-3s and MCTs—you don’t have to choose between them.
May support joint comfort, brain function, and coat health.
Highly digestible fat and calorie source, useful for underweight or active dogs.
Convenient “all-in-one” ingredient for pet food companies and supplement makers.

Cons of Cocomega

Still an added fat—too much can cause diarrhea or contribute to pancreatitis risk.
Coconut oil provides MCTs but does not supply essential fatty acids, so it can’t replace fish oil entirely.
Fish oil quality matters—if it’s poorly sourced or oxidized, benefits drop significantly.
As a branded ingredient, it may drive up the cost of food compared to using simple coconut and fish oil separately.

How Does Cocomega Compare?

Here’s a quick breakdown of how Cocomega stacks up against using coconut oil or fish oil alone:

Ingredient	Main Nutrients	Primary Benefits	Limitations
Coconut Oil	MCTs	Quick energy, may support brain health	No omega-3s; limited anti-inflammatory power
Fish Oil	Omega-3s (EPA & DHA)	Skin, coat, joints, anti-inflammatory, heart & brain health	Can spoil easily; sourcing quality matters
Cocomega	MCTs + Omega-3s	Combines energy + anti-inflammatory support; all-in-one ingredient	Cost; depends on quality of fish oil

Is Cocomega Safe for Dogs?

Yes—when used in moderation and as part of a balanced diet, Cocomega is considered safe. Oils don’t contain protein, so Cocomega itself isn’t an allergen. However, dogs with fish allergies may still react to the fish oil portion.

The bigger concern is fat tolerance. Dogs prone to pancreatitis, obesity, or digestive upset may need lower-fat diets, in which case extra oils—no matter how healthy—can pose risks. Always check with your veterinarian if your dog has a history of fat-sensitive conditions.

Sustainability & Sourcing

Another consideration is where the fish oil in Cocomega comes from. High-quality fish oils are typically sourced from sardines, anchovies, or other small, sustainable fish. Lower-quality or poorly processed oils may oxidize (go rancid), which not only reduces benefits but could even cause harm. If a dog food lists Cocomega, look for a brand that is transparent about sourcing and quality testing.

Bottom Line

Cocomega = coconut oil + fish oil. It’s a branded ingredient designed to give dogs the combined benefits of MCTs for energy and brain health with omega-3s for inflammation, skin, and joints. While it’s not a miracle cure, Cocomega is a useful addition to dog food when included responsibly. As with any fat, balance is key—more isn’t always better.

References

Bauer, J.E. (2006). Dietary fatty acids in the management of canine inflammatory disorders. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Cummings Veterinary Medical Center (2019). Coconut oil and MCTs in pet nutrition. vetnutrition.tufts.edu
Pan, Y. et al. (2010). Cognitive enhancement in aged dogs by a diet enriched with medium-chain triglycerides. British Journal of Nutrition.
National Research Council (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press.

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