As a responsible and loving caregiver for your four-legged friend, you certainly want all his needs to be met. One of the most important is a proper diet. Wondering if adding oil to your dog’s food will help keep him healthy? Or maybe such a product should be served in a different way? Find the answers to questions about linseed oil for dogs!
The benefits of linseed oil for dogs – how important can this ingredient be?There is a reason why it is believed that linseed oil is an interesting variety in a dog’s diet. This product is extremely rich in nutrients. The most important are EFAs, i.e. essential fatty acids, including those from the omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 groups. Linseed oil contains mainly α-linolenic acid, which is also referred to as ALA. Does it matter in a dog’s diet? EFAs are extremely important substances that bring many health benefits:
- improve the work of the heart;
- support the proper functioning of the kidneys;
- support the functioning of the nervous system;
- allow you to maintain healthy skin and a strong, soft and shiny coat;
- have an anti-inflammatory effect;
- help to maintain good immunity;
- support the proper functioning of the heart;
- have an anti-inflammatory effect;
- provide good eyesight;
- play an extremely important role in the formation of the fetus.
Due to the ALA acid, it may seem that dog linseed oil is an extremely valuable component of the diet. The problem is that eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and its oxygen derivative, docosahexaenoic acid, also known as DHA, are important for the tetrapod. It is true that the canine body can convert ALA to EPA or DHA, but these are not sufficient amounts for the above-mentioned pro-health effects to be clearly felt. This problem applies to virtually every vegetable oil for dogs, not just linseed.
This doesn’t mean that linseed oil has no benefits for your dog. It is also extremely rich in other important nutrients, including vitamin E. It allows the normal functions of the nervous system to be maintained, supports the animal’s good eyesight, and at the same time has strong antioxidant properties. Thanks to them, it prevents oxidative stress and thus positively influences the general condition of the pet. Other important ingredients include, for example, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc, as well as vitamins A and C and those from group B. Nevertheless, linseed oil for dogs also has some disadvantages. First of all, its excessively high supply may cause problems with the digestive system, including diarrhea. What’s more, it is a high-calorie product, therefore it is certainly not conducive to maintaining a slimline in a quadruped.
Dosage of flaxseed oil for a dog – how much can you give to your pet?
It is worth noting that linseed oil is not essential in a dog’s diet. However, if you decide to give it to your pet, you must remember that measuring it using home methods will not be a good idea. Therefore, it is always best to consult your veterinarian not only about how much flaxseed oil you can give to your dog, but also if there are any contraindications for your pet.
If you’re wondering what dog oil will be good for your coat, feel free to go for flaxseed as long as you apply it externally. A good method is to rub a small amount into the skin and hair of your pet, for example, while playing. This can also be a beneficial solution for a pet suffering from recurrent skin inflammation, including even changes related to AD, i.e. atopic dermatitis.
