Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds: Packed with nutrients

 

Wherever flaxseeds become a regular food item among the people, there will be better health.

Mahatma Gandhi.

Flaxseed (or linseed) and flaxseed oil have gained recognition as valuable additions to a dog’s diet, offering a wealth of nutritional benefits that can contribute to overall health. Derived from the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum), the seeds are rich in protein and fibre and packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and lignans (polyphenols). Used in appropriate amounts, flaxseed and flaxseed oil can help improve skin and coat condition, support the immune system and enhance overall well-being.

Main nutrients

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Flax seeds and flax oil are excellent sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for maintaining healthy skin and coat, reducing inflammation, and supporting heart health. Omega-3s may also alleviate symptoms associated with certain skin conditions, such as allergies and dermatitis[1].

Fibre 

As you can see from the table below, flaxseeds are nearly 29% carbs and over 90% of that is fibre! They contain both soluble and insoluble fibre, each playing a unique role in maintaining digestive health. Soluble fibre dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance (the mucilage), which helps to slow digestion and regulate blood sugar levels.  Insoluble fibre adds bulk to the stool and aids in the passage of food through the digestive system, helping to prevent constipation.

Protein

At just above 18%, flaxseeds provide a significant amount of protein. However, they are considered incomplete proteins because they do not contain all the essential amino acids required to form a complete protein profile (lacking the lysine found in legumes like lima beans).

Vitamins

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Supports energy metabolism and is vital for nerve function.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Essential for protein metabolism, red blood cell production, and nervous system health.

Folate (Vitamin B9): Important for cellular division and DNA synthesis, supporting overall growth and repair processes.

Minerals

Magnesium: Supports muscle and nerve function and is important for enzyme reactions.

Potassium: Crucial for heart function, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission.

Phosphorus:  Essential for the formation of healthy bones and teeth.

Iron: Necessary for the formation of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen throughout the body. 

Antioxidants

Flaxseeds contain beneficial antioxidants. They are very high in lignans, which help reduce oxidative stress and may contribute to heart health and cancer prevention.

Benefits – Key Takeaways

Skin and Coat Health

Flaxseeds and flax oil are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain a healthy skin and coat. They reduce inflammation and can alleviate symptoms of dry skin, itching, and allergies. A glossy coat and healthy skin are indicators of overall well-being in dogs.

Healthy Gut

Flaxseeds contain both soluble and insoluble fibre. The high fibre content supports digestive health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and improving stool consistency. Dietary fibre helps regulate bowel movements and reduces the risk of constipation in dogs, contributing to overall gastrointestinal health and comfort. Additionally, fibre-rich diets have been linked to a reduced risk of certain gastrointestinal disorders, such as colitis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), in dogs[2].</p

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseeds and flax oil have strong anti-inflammatory properties. They can help manage conditions like arthritis, reducing joint pain and inflammation, and improving mobility in dogs. This is especially beneficial for older dogs or those with chronic inflammatory conditions.

Heart Health

The combination of omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and antioxidants in flaxseeds and flax oil supports cardiovascular health in dogs. Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce blood pressure, while antioxidants protect against oxidative damage to cardiac cells. This promotes overall heart health and longevity.

Immune Support

Flaxseeds and flax oil contain lignans and other antioxidants that support the immune system. These compounds help protect cells from damage, enhance immune response, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. A robust immune system is vital for the overall health and resilience of dogs.

Weight Management

The high fibre content in flaxseeds, together with protein, makes them a suitable addition to weight management diets for dogs. The combination of fibre and protein helps create a sense of fullness, thereby reducing overall calorie intake without compromising nutritional needs.

Cognitive Function

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), found in flaxseed oil are essential for brain health and cognitive function in dogs[3]. Adequate intake of omega-3s may help maintain cognitive abilities and prevent cognitive decline associated with aging in dogs, promoting mental sharpness and alertness[4].

Joint Health

The omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseeds and flax oil have significant anti-inflammatory properties, which can help manage and reduce joint pain and inflammation in dogs. These benefits are particularly crucial for dogs with arthritis or other joint conditions, helping to improve their mobility and overall quality of life. Additionally, the magnesium and phosphorus in flaxseeds support bone health, further contributing to healthy joints and skeletal strength.

Use:

Ground Flaxseed: I add a teaspoon of flaxseed (ground or broken) to food, perhaps every other day. This is for a 20kg dog, in rotation with other seeds and oils. Ground or broken flaxseed is preferable as it is more digestible than whole seeds.

Flaxseed oil. Mix a small teaspoonful of flaxseed into the food. Mucilage:  Flaxseeds also produce a mucilage which can be used in treats and toppings.

 

References:

[1]  J. Schumann, S. Basiouni, T. Gück, H. Fuhrmann. Treating canine atopic dermatitis with unsaturated fatty acids: the role of mast cells and potential mechanisms of action  First published: 17 March 2014. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.12181

[2] Simpson JW. Diet and large intestinal disease in dogs and cats. J Nutr. 1998 Dec;128(12 Suppl):2717S-2722S. doi: 10.1093/jn/128.12.2717S. PMID: 9868250.

[3] Rodrigues RBA, Zafalon RVA, Rentas MF, Risolia LW, Macedo HT, Perini MP, Silva AMGD, Marchi PH, Balieiro JCC, Mendes WS, Vendramini THA, Brunetto MA. The Supplementation of Docosahexaenoic Acid-Concentrated Fish Oil Enhances Cognitive Function in Puppies. Animals (Basel). 2023 Sep 16;13(18):2938. doi: 10.3390/ani13182938. PMID: 37760338; PMCID: PMC10525578.

[4] Pan Y, Landsberg G, Mougeot I, Kelly S, Xu H, Bhatnagar S, Gardner CL, Milgram NW. Efficacy of a Therapeutic Diet on Dogs With Signs of Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS): A Prospective Double Blinded Placebo Controlled Clinical Study. Front Nutr. 2018 Dec 12;5:127. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2018.00127. PMID: 30619873; PMCID: PMC6299068.

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Want to know more? These studies may be useful:

• Marchegiani, A.; Fruganti, A.; Spaterna, A.; Dalle Vedove, E.; Bachetti, B.; Massimini, M.; Di Pierro, F.; Gavazza, A.; Cerquetella, M. Impact of Nutritional Supplementation on Canine Dermatological Disorders. Vet. Sci. 2020, 7, 38. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci7020038  https://www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/7/2/38
• G. Mazza, C.G. Biliaderis. Functional Properties of Flax Seed Mucilage First published: September 1989 | https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2621.1989.tb05978.x
• Peterson J, Dwyer J, Adlercreutz H, Scalbert A, Jacques P, McCullough ML. Dietary lignans: physiology and potential for cardiovascular disease risk reduction. Nutr Rev. 2010 Oct;68(10):571-603. doi: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00319.x. PMID: 20883417; PMCID: PMC2951311.