How safe is flax seed oil?
Given its status as a food stuff, flax seed oil is very safe. Toxicity has not been reported. Some animals will develop seborrhoea oleosa, characterized by large flakes of dandruff and an oily coat, in response to fatty acid supplementation. In these cases, flax seed oil supplements should be withdrawn from the diet. Flax seed oil should be refrigerated to prevent rancidity. Ground flax may be used in place of flax seed oil and has higher palatability. Where do I get flax seed oil and do I need a prescription? Your veterinarian may have preferred supplements that he or she will recommend. Pet owners are cautioned against buying supplements without knowledge of the manufacturer. A prescription is not needed for flax seed oil. Based on material written by Steve Marsden, DVM ND MSOM LAc DiplCH AHG, Shawn Messonnier, DVM and Cheryl Yuill, DVM, MSc, CVH and modified with permission from Lifelearn Inc. © Copyright 2004 Lifelearn Inc.