Flaxseed, derived from the flax plant, is a nutritional supplement that has a wide range of benefits for canines.
Comprising good fats that dogs can’t produce themselves, flaxseed can support your pet’s health by easing symptoms such as arthritis and skin conditions, and assisting with kidney functioning and more.
Since all canines are different, no assurances can be made on the effectiveness of flaxseed on your pet. However, a small daily serving might increase the vitality of your four-legged family members.
In this article, we’ll review the 3 best flaxseed oil supplements and also fill you in on what to watch out for and the tips for choosing the best flaxseed oil.
In a hurry? Here is the top 3:
Our Top Picks
Best Flaxseed Oil Supplements For Dogs
Are expensive trips to the vets and potent medication doing little to remedy your dog’s excessive scratching?
ACTIF Pets is a natural plant supplement shown to reduce seasonal allergies that trigger your dog discomfort and intolerable itchiness.
Since the holistic supplement is packed with the essential fatty acids Omega 3, 6 and 9, your dog’s overall state of health hopefully will improve.
Not only skin irritations might decrease but visible improvements to the coat and energy levels are noticeable after weeks of use.
With its inclusion of anti-inflammatory products, ACTIF Pets may also ease the suffering of pets with sore joints or arthritis.
Although cod, salmon or liver oil are popular organic oils dispensed to pets, flaxseed oil is a better-smelling alternative that’s known to ease symptoms and improve the wellbeing of some dogs.
Considering it’s a liquid, the flaxseed oil is easy to administer because it can be added to meals without your pet’s knowledge.
Seemingly enjoyed by pets, the oil makes kibble more palatable for fussy or old dogs who refuse to eat otherwise.
Although the benefits can’t be ignored, flaxseed oil is not a miracle cure that permanently treats health issues.
Use daily to prevent further skin outbreaks, pain and other adverse effects.
Features
- Flaxseed oil rich with Omega 3, 6 & 9
- Has a myriad of health benefits
- 500ml and 1L available
- 100% natural, cold pressed
Pros
- Packed with good fats
- Anti-inflammatory
- Easy to dispense
Cons
- Messy to measure small doses
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You may feel helpless as your pet slows down with age or becomes chronically ill. And while various medications can ease their suffering, some drugs may be more harm than good.
Consisting of essential fatty acids and other life-changing nutrients, bleumarine Bretania has healing effects that might give your pet his daily dose of energy.
With this increased energy, your pet might again do the things he loves.
The natural oil can also strengthen your puppy’s immune system to fight off future illnesses and protect his ticker.
If your dog’s scratching has created oozing, unsightly sores all over his body, a dosage of the oil might see marked improvements over time,
These wounds can heal while future allergies and outbreaks might be reduced in frequency and severity. A soft, shining, and full coat may be apparent over time too.
The product comes with a handy dispenser that allows you to pour the supplement directly into your pet’s wet or dry food.
Since the oil makes pet food more palatable, your dog will lap his meal with gusto.
The feeding guidelines supplied are for horses, so be sure to ask your vet the exact dosage for your pet – too little, and you won’t see the desired outcomes, too much and your pet could experience vomiting, diarrhoea, or discomfort.
Features
- Pure plant supplement with 60% Omega-3
- Improves skin, coat, immune system, heart health, plus more
- Nozzle included
- 2000ml and 5000ml available
Pros
- Strengthens immune system
- Includes a handy pump for no-mess dispensing
- Improves the skin and appearance of coat
Cons
- Feeding guidelines are for horses
Comprising natural sources of Omega 3, an essential fatty acid that canines need for proper functioning and optimised vitality, this brand of flaxseed oil is entirely organic and free from harmful chemicals or additives.
This organic oil is a safe pet supplement with multiple uses for dogs and horses.
A small serving of flaxseed oil a day could result in a small improvement to your puppy’s skin and coat.
Therefore, if your pet is perpetually itchy, resulting in open sores caused by scratching, this product may reduce his suffering.
The desire to scratch might still occur but on a smaller, more tolerable scale than before.
For shiny, soft-coated and happier dogs, this item has shown to produce a host of favourable results in different breeds, sizes and ages.
Getting pets to take medication takes effort but not using flaxseed oil. Hounds enjoy the taste of the premium oil poured over their food.
For old or fussy dogs, flaxseed might help to revive their small appetites. Owners, however, might not like the smell of the product, which is said to be quite a powerful odour.
Before purchasing any flaxseed oil, check first with your veterinarian, especially if your pet is currently on specific medications that might not mix well with it.
Features
- Cold pressed flaxseed oil
- Contains essential fatty acids ALA 50-65% Oleic & LA 11-24%
Pros
- Helps heal inflamed skin
- Tastes great
- Preservative-free and organic
Cons
- Some pet guardians may not like the odour. Pooches seem not to mind it though.
Guide to Flaxseed Oil
Omega-3s are the “good fats” that our hounds rely upon as a source of energy. Some, but not all, are produced naturally while the rest are found in food.
If your pet suffers from arthritis, heart disease, kidney problems, digestive health issues or skin conditions, a daily dose of flaxseed may help.
A compromised immune system might also benefit from using this plant-based oil.
Note that while flaxseed has shown to have positive health effects, it can’t cure your pet. It can only improve their quality of life.
What is flaxseed oil?
Flaxseed or linseed is derived from the flax plant, which contains high levels of alpha-linolenic acid, essential omega-3 fatty acids that are regarded as “good fats”.
A host of inflammatory conditions could be holistically treated using flaxseed because these crucial fats contain anti-inflammatory properties such as arthritis.
How effective is flaxseed?
Flaxseed is fast becoming a preferred pet supplement that animal guardians are turning to as an alternative to fish oil. That said its efficacy varies between canines.
An older or sickly dog might not attain the same nutritional benefits as younger, healthy pets because of troubles converting and absorbing omega-3 fatty acids.
At the same time, although some improvements might occur, fish oil has shown to treat more severe inflammatory diseases better than flaxseeds.
If your dog is suffering from joint issues, check out our guide to the 5 best joint supplements for dogs.
How do I Know if flaxseed works?
It will take a few weeks for small changes to show, which may include a soft, shiny and full coat, less scratching and more energy.
What are the recommended dosages?
This will depend on the size and breed of your pet.
However, to prevent adverse effects caused by administering the incorrect dosage, ask your vet for his recommendation.
Halt treatment immediately if this happens: Diarrhoea, vomiting and general lethargy are symptoms that your pet is reacting badly to the medication or that your pet has ingested too much of it.
Is flaxseed entirely safe?
Although usually considered non-toxic, flaxseed, like most plants, contains cyanogenic glycosides, which is fine for your hound to consume in trace amounts.
However, if flaxseed oil is used excessively, it could make your dog ill. Check with your vet for the safe daily dose.
When Not To Use Flaxseed Oils
Supplements such as fish oils or flaxseed oil rich in fatty acids may not always be healthy for all dogs.
When Not To Use flaxseed oil
- If your pet is prone to hyperlipidaemia or any other fat intolerance
- Overweight or obese pooches
- Dogs suffering gastrointestinal diseases
- If the source is questionable
- If your pet is allergic to flaxseed
What forms does flaxseed come in?
Capsules and cold-pressed oils are the most common forms, although flaxseed can also be grounded up.
Pets usually enjoy cold-pressed oils because of its palatable taste that can be added to dog food.
FAQs
Thanks to essential fatty acids that it contains, it can help improve skin conditions and the appearance of dog coats.
By and large, flaxseed oil is safe and non-toxic but must be administered with caution.
The amount you give to your dog is a conversation you must have with your vet. Following the supplier’s feeding guidelines is ill-advised.
Final Verdict
All three products in our review are claimed to be 100% natural and can be used as a source of essential fatty acids to help a host of conditions such as dry skin and arthritis.
You could start with a popular choice, ACTIF PETS Flaxseed Oil For Dogs, and switch between brands until you find the one that fits your pet’s palate.
Haven’t decided yet? Here is our top 3:
Our Top Picks
- GOT A DOG WITH ITCHY DRY SKIN? Our flax oil is made from flaxseed grown in...
- EXCELLENT HEALTH BENEFITS - Helps to calm sensitive skin, reduce excessive...
- GREAT TASTE - Enjoyed by young and older dogs. It aids the palatability of...
- FlaxSeed Oil is a 100% natural supplement containing 60% Omega 3, an...
- This 100% pure flaxseed ( linseed) oil is also a great fat source of cool...
- Flax Seed Oil can improve the health of the coat, skin, bones, joints,...
So, which is your favourite?
Great work getting to know all about flaxseed oil. If you already decided, let us know which product you choose in the comments section below.
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