Veterinarians have been recommending flax seed oil for dogs for quite some time. The fatty acids offer a host of health benefits.
One of the primary benefits of giving your dog flax seed oil is the shine that the skin and coat develop. In addition to making the coat shiny and healthy, flax seed oil is believed to help skin conditions.
Flaxseed has a nutty, buttery flavor and contains a virtual powerhouse of nutrients. It is one of the richest sources of alpha-linoleic acid, one type of fatty acid in the omega-3 family, considered super-unsaturated fat or a "good" fat. The Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering elevated blood fat and reducing blood
pressure. Flaxseed is also a great source of insoluble and soluble fiber, which helps reduce cholesterol levels.
The essential fatty acids contained in flax seed oil ensure basic cellular health in all
animals. Research shows that essential fatty acids (EFA) are as important to the health of our pets as vitamins and minerals. Without EFAs, the cells will not form or function correctly. These essential acids are responsible for helping the body perform biological functions and they are the building blocks for prostaglandins. These are the things that regulate the hormones and the nervous and immune systems. They also play a part in cardiovascular functioning.