Flaxseed for dogs - properties and effects on your dog's health

Claims such as ‘for a beautiful, shiny coat’ or ‘for a healthy digestive system’ appear on many dog products. It is worth checking, though, what exactly in the composition stands behind them. In our dry puppy food, one of these ingredients is flaxseed.

In this article we describe what flaxseed contains and what role these components play in a dog's diet.

What flaxseed is

Flaxseed (linseed) is the seed of flax, an annual plant of the flax family (Linaceae). Flax is one of the oldest cultivated plants: as far back as ancient Mesopotamia it was used as a source of paper. Today it is grown all over the world, with India, the United States, China, the United Kingdom and Ethiopia among the leading producers.

The Latin name Linum usitatissimum L. means ‘most useful’. The main varieties are brown and yellow (golden). The seeds are flat and oval with pointed ends, and both varieties have similar nutritional properties and a similar amount of omega-3 fatty acids.

Flaxseed contains:

• antioxidants,
• vitamins (A, C, F and E),
• minerals (P, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn),
• proteins and unsaturated fatty acids,
• lignans, phenolic compounds and fibre.

This is why it is sometimes classed as a superfood. The group also includes foods that support the development of healthy gut flora, and flaxseed has these qualities.

Omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed

A dog's diet should contain an adequate amount of omega-3 fatty acids. The precursor of the whole group is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Neither humans nor animals can synthesise it, so the diet is its only source.

EPA and DHA also matter, and the requirement for them varies across life stages. Growing puppies and kittens need more DHA than adult dogs and cats.

Omega-3 fatty acids:

• help the body limit inflammation,
• are involved in building cell membranes and in proper cell function,
• are needed for the nervous system, reproduction and growth,
• support immunity,
• help keep the skin moisturised and the coat shiny.

Research also suggests that omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed may support cardiovascular health.

Fibre and mucilage - support for digestion

Flaxseed is a good source of dietary fibre, which is important for your dog's digestive health. It consists of two fractions:

• insoluble (cellulose and lignins), which increases stool bulk and shortens intestinal transit time, so it helps with constipation,
• water-soluble (pectins, mucilage and gums), which helps keep glucose levels steady after a meal and may lower cholesterol.

Mucilage has a protective, coating effect. It soothes an irritated digestive tract and shields the stomach lining, which is why it can be helpful during antibiotic treatment or with digestive problems. Flaxseed in Syta Micha food also increases the feeling of fullness, which helps maintain a healthy body weight.

Important: if you add ground flaxseed to meals yourself, keep an eye on the dose, as too much fibre can cause discomfort, bloating or diarrhoea. Flaxseed is gluten-free.

Lignans - natural antioxidants

Lignans are plant phenolic compounds that act as antioxidants and phytoestrogens. In flaxseed these are mainly secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG, 294-700 mg/100 g), as well as matairesinol (0.55 mg/100 g), lariciresinol (3.04 mg/100 g) and pinoresinol (3.32 mg/100 g).

Gut bacteria convert SDG into enterodiol and enterolactone. These compounds help maintain hormonal balance and, as antioxidants, help neutralise free radicals. Flaxseed is considered the richest source of lignans.

Vitamins and minerals in flaxseed

Flaxseed contains many vitamins and minerals important for a dog's body:

• vitamins C, E, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and folic acid,
• calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper and zinc,
• tocopherols, i.e. natural lipid antioxidants.

Vitamin A is responsible for proper vision, calcium and phosphorus support the bones and joints, and B vitamins are needed for puppies to develop properly.

Flaxseed in Syta Micha food

We add flaxseed to our dry puppy food (lamb, raspberry and pumpkin and rabbit and turkey, banana and courgette), to the DOGTOR skin and coat supplement, and linseed oil (38.1%) to Skin & Coat oil. Why:

• it is a source of proteins, vitamins and minerals needed for healthy development,
• omega-3 fatty acids support the body during inflammation, including in the joints,
• omega-3s help keep the skin moisturised,
• it supports the digestive system and helps with constipation,
• mucilage slows stomach emptying, which gives a longer feeling of fullness and helps control body weight,
• flax proteins are rich in arginine and glutamine,
• phenolic acids and flavonoids have an antioxidant effect.

An adequate amount of omega-3 fatty acids may help ease the symptoms of skin or joint inflammation and keep the coat shiny. The flaxseed added to our food is safe for dogs, and if your dog has health problems, it is always worth discussing the diet with a vet.

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