Golden Flaxseeds Used in Dog Food

Golden flaxseed is great for your dog's skin and coat. As it provides "good" fats, golden flaxseed can make a difference in your dog's health. It has healthy benefits in both omega-3 and -6 fatty acids. Because it's healthy for both humans and dogs, you should consider feeding dog food with golden flaxseed to your pet.

Golden flaxseed comes from the flax plant, which has been harvested for both nutrition and fibers since ancient times. Its seeds are also called linseed. Flax falls into two varieties: Those grown for the fiber, and those grown for the oil or oilseed. The Babylonians first cultivated flax around 3000 BCE making it one of the oldest crops. It is an incredibly useful crop that is still planted today. The flax with nutritional value is the type grown for oilseed. Both golden and brown flaxseed have similar nutritional values.

Not only is golden flaxseed a great source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, but it also contains lignan and dietary fiber. Lignan has antioxidant properties and is also a plant estrogen. Golden flaxseed also contains alpha-linoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties, like omega-3s, which might be helpful for joint problems. Furthermore, one study at Texas A&M University proved that flaxseed can improve a dog's skin and coat.

Should you choose to feed your dog food with golden flaxseed in it, feed according to the directions on the label. Unless your veterinarian recommends it, you don't need to supplement with flaxseed or flaxseed oil. Your dog should get all the benefits from golden flaxseed from his meals. Be sure to provide plenty of fresh water with your dog's food as too much flaxseed can cause constipation.

If you feed your dog a commercial dog food that provides flaxseed or flaxseed oil in it, you should not supplement with golden flaxseed as it can cause a bowel obstruction if you don't sufficiently wet down the dog food. Ask your veterinarian for amounts to feed your dog.