Flax Seed Benefits for Dogs

Grown throughout the world, the blue-flowering flax plant in the northern hemisphere is grown primarily in the northern United States and Canada. Its tiny, brown or gold seeds have a palatable, nutty flavor. Flax seed oil results from cold-pressing the seeds. While high in fat, it does not contain the fiber found in other parts of the seed. Flax may be consumed safely by all members of the family, including the furry ones.

Ask your veterinarian about the amount of flax seed you should give to your dog. You can purchase it in liquid, capsule or ground form. Don't use whole flax seed. While it won't hurt him, it's likely to pass right through undigested. If you grind the seed yourself rather than using a stabilized ground source, grind it daily; unstabilized ground flax seeds quickly become rancid. Pour or sprinkle flax seed over your dog's food, or give the capsules as treats. If so inclined, you can bake ground flax seed into homemade dog biscuits. Yes, you can also bake ground flax seed into human treats -- just don't get the two mixed up.

Giving your dog flax seed aids in making his coat softer and shinier, with healthier skin underneath. A Texas A&M University study, published in 2001, on the effects of dietary flax seed and sunflower seed on 18 canines concluded that a one-month supplementation with either type of seed provides temporary improvement in dogs' skin and hair coat quality. Flax seed also provides fiber in your dog's diet.

In addition to the omega fatty acids, flax seed contains alpha-linoleic acid, which offers benefits to your dog's immune system. Alpha-linoleic acid also has an anti-inflammatory effect, so it might aid your dog if he shows signs of arthritis or other joint problems. Lignans in flax seed contain antioxidants. Of course, always take your dog to the vet if he appears to have mobility problems.