As pets become more integrated into our families, more emphasis is being placed on the importance of nutrition in their overall health. Nutritional supplements such as flax oil can help to fill nutritional gaps in commercially prepared dog foods. Veterinarians may also prescribe supplements to help alleviate the symptoms of several afflictions.
What is Flax Oil?
Flax or flaxseed oil is pressed from the seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). Also known as linseed oil, flax see oil is regarded as a better-tasting alternative to fish oil. Like fish oil, flax see oil is rich in alpha linolenic acid and omega-6 fatty acids. Flax seeds are roughly 40 percent oil by weight, of which 55 percent is alpha linolenic acid.
Uses of Flax Oil
Once an important American crop used for food and linen, flax oil has been used to improve skin condition and alleviate allergies and constipation of humans, livestock and pets. Today, flax seed oil is recommended in dogs for relieving inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and heart disease.
Special Considerations in Dogs
Flax seed may not be as effective as fish oil in treating inflammatory problems in dogs because dogs are less efficient than humans in converting alpha-linolenic acid to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA metabolize into the protagladins ultimately responsible for the anti-inflamatory effect.
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