Can Dogs Have Flaxseed?: Health Benefits, Risks, and Safety Feeding

Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM

Can dogs have flaxseed? Dogs can have flaxseed since this ancient superfood houses high levels of health-boosting nutrients such as proteins, dietary fiber, and healthy fatty acids.

Let us look into the notable nutritional components of flaxseed and find out why it is good for the overall health of canines. We will also get into the nitty-gritty of how to safely feed flaxseed to your furry pal.

What Is Flaxseed for Dogs?

Flaxseed or linseed is an edible seed harvested from the flax plant, scientifically known as  Linum usitatissimum.  It is considered one of the oldest crops existing in the world today.

Ancient civilizations of the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans consumed flaxseed because they believed it had medicinal and healing properties.

True enough, modern science has observed its potential to combat certain human ailments such as constipation, diabetes, and even some types of cancer.

It is no wonder that some pawrents also advocate adding flaxseeds to dogs’ diets. However, does this human food extend its health benefits to canines as well?

What Are the Health Benefits of Flaxseed to Dogs?

Flaxseeds do have several health perks in store for your canine companion, such as:

1. Mitigates Inflammatory Diseases

Flaxseed has high levels of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is then converted to omega-3 fatty acids by dogs’ bodies.

Omega-3s work as anti-inflammatory agents that promote relief against canine inflammatory ailments like arthritis and irritated skin. They also nourish your dog’s skin and coat to keep them shiny and healthy.

The omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseeds aid in maintaining stable cognitive processes, a well-functioning heart and kidneys, and sharp eye vision.

Keep in mind that ALA has low bioavailability in dogs. This means only a small amount of it can be successfully converted into omega-3s.

To increase its bioavailability, make sure to choose the right type of flaxseed. Research states that flaxseed oil has the greatest bioavailability, followed by ground flaxseed, then whole seeds.

2. Provides Building Blocks of the Body

Protein is essential for the development of the muscles, tissues, hair, skin, nails, and tendons of dogs. It plays a big role in keeping their immune system strong as well.

Flaxseed is a remarkable source of protein for dogs. A study points out that proteins make up around 23% of the flaxseed’s total seed weight. Moreover, oil extraction significantly increases its protein content from 35% to 40%.

The researchers also observed that flaxseed has a balanced combination of amino acids, which is closely on par with soybeans. Hence, the flaxseed was ruled to have a high protein quality score of 82%.

However, note that plant-based proteins are inferior to meat-based ones. The latter offers a complete set of essential amino acids while the former does not. Therefore, do not rely on flaxseeds as your dog’s main source of proteins.

3. Boosts Digestive Health

Flaxseed is abundant in soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. According to experts, its proportion of soluble to insoluble fiber ranges between 20:80 and 40:60. Both forms of fiber work together to ensure normal bowel movements in canines.

Soluble fiber functions as food for the good gut bacteria of dogs. These microorganisms keep harmful pathogens in the digestive system in check, preventing the rise of intestinal or gastrointestinal problems.

On the other hand, insoluble fiber promotes the formation of bulkier feces, which supports gut motility. It helps resolve health problems like constipation and anal impaction in dogs.

4. Promotes a Healthy Immune System

Flaxseed is composed of many disease-fighting antioxidants, but the most notable is lignan. It has been linked to the lowered risk of diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiac problems in humans.

While more study is needed to know its effect on canine health, as an antioxidant, lignan is believed to shield the cells of dogs from destructive free radicals.

As referenced in studies, the concentrations of this compound in flaxseed are 75 to 800 times higher compared to fruits, vegetables, cereals, and legumes.

What Are the Risks of Feeding Flaxseed to Dogs?

While flaxseeds can positively impact your dog’s health, they also have bad sides you should be aware of. Being well-informed of these dangers beforehand is crucial for safe feeding.

1. Cyanide Poisoning

Flaxseeds have naturally occurring compounds, namely linamarin, linustatin, and neolinustatin, which release small amounts of cyanide.

According to a study, a 30-gram dose of flaxseed may release approximately 240 micrometers (0.24 milliliters) of cyanide. Hence, it would take a large amount to induce toxicity.

If you suspect that Fido has eaten flaxseed in excessive quantities, the clinical signs of cyanide poisoning to watch out for include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
• Increased heart rate
• Disorientation
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Paralysis

Drive your dog to the veterinarian for proper treatment if he begins to manifest these symptoms.

2. Antinutrients

Another harmful compound in flaxseed is phytic acid. It is an antinutrient that hinders the proper absorption of certain nutrients, particularly:

• Calcium
• Copper
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Zinc

Research has mentioned that the amount of antinutrients present in flaxseed ranges between 23 and 33 grams per kilogram. Fortunately, you can reduce these levels by soaking the seeds for long hours to get rid of phytic acid.

3. Drug Interactions

Care should be taken when giving flaxseed to medicated dogs. It can interact with certain types of drugs such as:

• Blood thinners
• Blood pressure medications
• Insulin

Just to be safe, always check with the veterinarian before using flaxseeds on a dog prescribed with medications.

4. Choking Hazard

Soaking flaxseed is an important preparation method for another good reason.

Flaxseeds absorb water, which causes them to swell up and expand in size. Feeding them raw to your pooch will make them inflate inside his throat, resulting in choking.

By immersing the seeds in water first, you are allowing them to enlarge to their full size. This makes them easier and safer for Fido to consume.

5. Gastrointestinal Upset

The high fiber and fat content of flaxseed can cause tummy troubles if ingested without moderation. You can end up dealing with diarrhea, loose stools, or constipation should this happen.

To prevent this side effect from taking place, adhere to the ideal dosage of flaxseed for dogs, which we will discuss next.

How Much Flaxseed Can Dogs Have?

The amount of flaxseeds a dog can have will depend on his size and weight. Here is a dosage guideline that you can follow:

We recommend initially starting with a lower dose to avoid upsetting your dog’s digestive system. If he does not experience gastric distress, gradually increase the dosage daily until you reach the maximum dose suitable for his weight.

How to Safely Feed Your Dog Flaxseeds?

Here are some useful tips if you plan to incorporate flaxseed into your furry pal’s regular meals:

• Flaxseed comes in two variations: brown and yellow or golden. Nutrition-wise, there is no difference between the two.
  However, avoid a type of golden flaxseed called solin or linola since it has low concentrations of healthy fats.
• Soak whole flaxseeds overnight. As mentioned before, this method removes antinutrients and reduces choking risks.
• Grind the soaked flaxseeds into a flax meal. Do not serve them to your dog whole since they will simply pass through his stomach undigested. This means he will not be able to enjoy the seed’s health benefits.
• Whole flaxseeds have a longer shelf life than powdered ones. Their outer shell protects them from sunlight and high temperatures that hasten rancidity.
  Thus, it is a good idea to only ground whole flaxseeds into flax meal on the day you need them to avoid quick spoilage.
• Flaxseed oil is not advisable to use for cooking. Heat turns its nutty flavor into an unpalatable bitter taste. For this reason, stick to drizzling it raw on your pet’s dog food.
  

  Microwaving any meals of your dog containing flaxseed oil should be avoided.

• Increase the shelf life of flaxseeds and flaxseed oil by keeping them in a tightly capped jar. Store them in the fridge to make them last for up to one to two weeks.

FAQs About Flaxseed for Dogs

1. Can Dogs Have Flaxseed Oil?

Yes, dogs can have flaxseed oil in moderation. It contains the highest levels of omega-3 fats in comparison with ground flaxseed and whole flaxseed.

However, flaxseed oil is not the best choice for dogs suffering from pancreatitis. Avoid giving it to them unless you have the veterinarian’s approval.

Read: The Benefits and Precautions of Fish Oil for Dogs

2. Can Dogs Eat Flax Eggs?

Yes, flax eggs are safe for dogs. To make one, you simply combine a flax meal with water. This will form a gelatinous mixture resembling an egg white. It is a good substitute for eggs when making homemade treats for dogs with egg allergies.

3. How Do I Add Flaxseed to My Dog’s Diet?

You can add flaxseed to your dog’s diet by mixing it into his meals or using it as an ingredient in dog treats. The same applies to flaxseed oil.

Alternatively, consider giving him a flaxseed supplement for dogs. But before doing so, run this idea through the veterinarian to make sure it is a good choice for your dog.

4. Does Flaxseed Cause Allergies in Dogs?

Flaxseed can cause allergies in dogs, but its occurrence is quite rare. When feeding this food to your dog for the first time, monitor him closely for signs of an allergic reaction like:

• Hives
• Inflamed skin
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Facial swelling
• Persistent itching

Send him to the animal clinic immediately if he manifests these symptoms. Do not delay as more severe side effects may take place such as anaphylaxis.

5. What Happens If My Dog Ate a Lot of Flaxseed?

There are two possible consequences if your dog ate a lot of flaxseed. The less alarming adverse reaction is stomach upset due to excessive intake of fat and fiber.

A more dangerous side effect is poisoning brought on by ingesting high levels of cyanide from flaxseed. You can prevent these issues from happening by feeding it to Fido in moderation.

Summary

Our final answer to the question “Can dogs have flaxseed?” is yes, they can. But not without dog owners taking precautions.

Although this human food is enriched with valuable nutrients, it also contains a few harmful chemicals such as cyanide and antinutrients.

Follow the proper preparation methods and dosage instructions to avoid the unwanted side effects of these compounds.

Learn the different health benefits and risks of various dog-friendly seeds by visiting our Nuts & Seeds section.