Flax in Pet Foods

Flax in Pet Foods

Pet food manufacturers include milled flax in their premium pet foods. As a source of essential fatty acids, flax balances the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid ratio of the food. All the components found in the flax seed work synergistically for the well-being of animals in particular. In dogs, especially Labrador retrievers, which need higher amounts of high quality, easily digestible sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids, flax seed supplementation in the diet leads to increased activity, healthier coats and skin and in a higher resistance towards diseases. Also, due to its lignin content, flax prevents tumor formation in pets (Philips T. U.S. Pet foods sales go boom. Rockford, IL: Watt Publishing Co. 2007:9:11. p 23). A lignin such as secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG), exhibits broad biological activities, including antitumor, antioxidant, antiviral and estrogenic and antiestrogenic activities. Pet food products have been manufactured with a wide variety of protein sources and additives appropriate for treating and maintaining pet animals such as dogs, cats, horses, and more exotic animals such as guinea pigs. Pet food products for use in reducing inflammatory and allergic skin responses should contain a ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids from 5:1 to 10:1, and most preferably from 5:1 to 7.5:1

Benefits for dogs from inclusion of flax seed meal and or oil:

 • Digestive aid

• Fat metabolism - Cholesterol lowering

 • Increased resistance to cold weather

• Improved immune system function

 • Joint health

• Skin health - rashes disappear- full, lustrous and beautiful fur

• Healthy internal organs

 • Stronger and regular estrus cycles

• Reduction in flea and tick dermatitis

 • Reduction in excess inflammatory response

• Better brain and eye structure

Flax supplement recommendations for dogs

 Include 2 mL (½ tsp) of flax seed oil for each 4 kg (10 lbs) of your pet’s body weight, starting with 1 mL (¼ tsp) per kg (10 lbs). In addition, plenty of water should be given. Increasing the amount of ground seed gradually will prevent constipation.

Here is a great dog treat recipe that will help put flax in your pet’s diet.

Doggy Treats

• Mix flour, cornmeal, rolled oats and flax seed in a large bowl.

• Beat eggs or one egg and egg substitute mixture with milk. Add the chicken broth and flax seed oil • Stir wet ingredients into dry. Mix well into a firm dough and allow to rest for 15 minutes.

 • Place dough on a lightly floured surface and roll out to a thickness of 6 mm (¼ inch).

• Using a cookie cutter of your choice, cut into desired shapes.

 • Beat the remaining egg and brush biscuits with egg.

 • Place biscuits onto a lightly greased cookie sheet and bake in a 180°C (350°F) oven 25 to 35 minutes or until they turn a golden color.

• Remove biscuits from baking sheet and allow to cool.

 • Store loosely covered.

 Yield: 35 7.5 cm (3 inch) "dog bone shaped" biscuits