Is Flax Seed Safe To Feed Dogs?: 8 Things to Keep in Mind

Yes, you can give your dog flaxseeds and they are safe, in fact, it is already in quite a few dog foods and treats. Dogs can eat flaxseed, just make sure you keep these six things in mind when feeding them to your pet baby.

If you want to know a little bit more about the benefits of feeding them to your dog, I discuss them in this article.

1. THE SMALLER THE BETTER

If you are not using the oil and are using the seeds make sure that they are finely ground. Feeding the seed in it’s whole form will provide very little benefit to your dog as they seem to be pretty much indestructible inside that touch shell. In fact, it has been said that people have found entire seeds in-tact in Egyptian tombs.

If eaten whole, the seeds will most likely remain undigested and simply pass right through your dog’s digestive system. So, do yourself a favor and get seeds that are already ground or grind them yourself or use flax oil, otherwise, it will be money down the drain (or the esophagus in this case)! You can also purchase flax seed oil in capsule form.

2. QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

Make sure you are giving your pup high-quality flax that is preferably organic and non-GMO. When farmed ethically, it is (hopefully) free of dangerous pesticides and chemicals that could negatively affect your dog’s gastrointestinal tract.

3. SPEAK WITH YOUR VET

Although flaxseed is a food, you will still want to run feeding it to your dog by your vet. This way you can get a proper amount to feed. While generally safe you don’t want to give your dog that weighs 10 pounds the same amount as a 100-pound dog. Make sure you discuss these amounts with your veterinarian prior to feeding. Signs of overfeeding often include upset stomach and diarrhea.

Get an amount to feed: While flax is a food and not a supplement or medicine, it is fairly difficult to become toxic in your dog’s body, but it is possible. But as the saying goes, too much of a good thing is a bad thing, so make sure to ask your vet how much you should give, while generally safe

4. POSSIBLE TOXICITIES

While flaxseed is for the most part pretty safe to feed your dogs, it is possible that it can prove to be toxic, but this would be extremely difficult. Many plant seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which are natural self-defense compounds. These are often released when chewed or digested and flaxseed is no different as it contains a moderate amount of the chemical.

If consumed in excess quantities it can cause some harm to your pup, but since the compound is made harmless by heating, this is not a concern for heat-treated pet foods. This is also another major reason why pet owners should seek advice from their veterinarian on how much flaxseed or oil to feed their dog regularly.

5. WATER IS A MUST

Since flaxseeds provide tons of fiber and naturally contain mucilage which is a thickening agent, is imperative that your dog has access to water. If they do not have water when needed the fiber most likely will not be removed from their bodies properly and have detrimental effects.

6. WATCH FOR RANCIDITY

If you decide to use flaxseed oil, make sure to refrigerate after opening as it will begin to go rancid quickly once exposed to air. Groud flaxseeds stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container should stay fresh for six months and up to one year in the freezer.

7. Watch for allergies

Although flax is used in many dog foods, it can cause allergies in a few. Keep an eye on your dog for itchy skin, vomiting, or diarrhea when giving flax seeds to your dog. If you suspect they may be allergic, you can always take them to your vet to get an allergy test.

8. Omega3 Fats

While flax seeds do have Omega-3’s keep in mind there are better varieties for dogs, like those from fish. If this is the primary reason you are considering adding flax to your dogs diet then research other types first.