Flaxseed oil can provide a source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which can be of benefit for your dog’s health. Flaxseed oil offers an advantage particularly over fish oil when it is not tolerated or there are fish allergies. Flaxseed oil is also by far more sustainable than fish oil and less likely to have contamination like mercury or other sea-borne pollutants.
How does flaxseed oil help your dog?
Skin and Coat Health: Flaxseed oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that can help improve the condition of a dog’s skin and coat. It may help reduce dryness and itching associated with allergies or dermatological conditions, and promote a healthy, shiny coat.
(the big one here!): Anti-inflammatory Effects: Omega-3 fatty acids, including ALA that gets converted to EPA and DHA, have anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit dogs with inflammatory conditions such as allergies or arthritis. It can help alleviate joint pain improving mobility and joint function. Some studies suggest that ALA itself may also have anti-inflammatory effects.
Alternative for Fish Allergies: for dogs that have allergies or sensitivities to fish or fish products, flaxseed oil can serve as an alternative source of omega-3 fatty acids since it is a plant-based source of omegas. It is essential for dogs to consume omegas in their diet as they are unable to synthesise them themselves. Flaxseed oil is a wonderful option to increase their omegas.
Immune System Support: Omega-3 fatty acids support immune function and help modulate the immune response.
Cardiovascular Health: ALA has shown potential benefits in supporting heart health by reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, and promoting healthy blood lipid profiles.
Cognitive Function & Brain Development: Omega 3s and ALA are crucial to brain development and cognitive function. They support a healty brain particularly in aging dogs assisting them in maintaining good cognitive function and memory. For puppies DHA is an important omega-3 needed at suckingly stage which is why our Brain & Growth product has this added to it specifically to help their development.
Overall Well-being: Omega-3 fatty acids are important for various aspects of a dog’s health, including cardiovascular function, brain development, and immune system regulation. ALA is converted internally to EPA and DHA which contribute to optimal health of your dog. Even if its just for a shinier, healthier coat, your doggo will see the benefits!
References:
Araujo, J. A., Segarra, S., Mendes, J., Paradis, A., Brooks, M., Thevarkunnel, S., Milgram N. W.,(2022). Sphingolipids and DHA Improve Cognitive Deficits in Aged Beagle Dogs, Frontiers in Veterinary Science 9 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2022.646451. DOI=10.3389/fvets.2022.646451
Bauer, J. E., et al. (2012). Dietary supplementation with a specific combination of n-3 fatty acids improves the clinical signs of canine atopic dermatitis in pruritic dogs. Journal of Dermatological Science, 66(2), 168-176.
Bauer, J. E. (2007). Responses of dogs to dietary omega-3 fatty acids, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 231(11), 1657-1661. Retrieved Jun 21, 2023, from https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.231.11.1657
Roush, J. K., et al. (2010). Multicenter veterinary practice assessment of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on osteoarthritis in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 236(1), 59-66.
Rees CA, Bauer JE, Burkholder WJ, Kennis RA, Dunbar BL, Bigley KE. Effects of dietary flax seed and sunflower seed supplementation on normal canine serum polyunsaturated fatty acids and skin and hair coat condition scores. Vet Dermatol. 2001 Apr;12(2):111-7. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-3164.2001.00234.x. PMID: 11360337.
Purushothaman D, Brown WY, Vanselow BA, Quinn K, Wu SB. Flaxseed oil supplementation alters the expression of inflammatory-related genes in dogs. Genet Mol Res. 2014 Jul 24;13(3):5322-32. doi: 10.4238/2014.July.24.11. PMID: 25078588.
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