How much experience is there with the use of flax seed oil in pets?
Flax seed oil has been used for years to maintain a healthy skin and coat in pets. In ongoing research studies, it does not appear as effective as fish oil in treating the inflammation associated with diseases such as allergies, arthritis, kidney disease, and heart disease. What species of animals are being treated regularly with flax seed oil? Dogs and cats are the animals most commonly treated with flax seed oil. It is also used as a supplement in the feed of poultry and pigs. Pigs, like most humans, are able to convert ALA in flax into EPA and DHA. In poultry, specific concentrations of flax seed oil have been found to reduce the rate of infection and symptoms associated with intestinal parasitism. These effects do not require conversion of ALA to DHA and EPA, suggesting a similar potential benefit in small animals. How can my pet benefit from flax seed oil? Flax seed oil can be helpful in improving skin and coat in many pets. To the extent that they are capable of metabolizing ALA
