Can My Dog Have Flaxseed Oil
Are you thinking about adding flaxseed oil to your dog’s diet for skin, coat, or inflammation support? It’s a common choice—and often marketed as a healthy, natural omega-3 supplement.
But here’s what most pet parents don’t know:
Flaxseed oil may not be doing nearly as much as you think.
What Is Flaxseed Oil, and Why Is It Used for Dogs?
Flaxseed oil is a concentrated plant-based source of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), one of the three main omega-3 fatty acids. In theory, it sounds great:
Omega-3s support skin, coat, joint, and immune health
It’s plant-based, so it seems safe and gentle
It’s easy to find and often inexpensive
So, what’s the problem?
Dogs Can’t Use ALA Efficiently
Dogs don’t need just any omega-3—they need the active forms: EPA and DHA. These are the omega-3s that reduce inflammation, support brain health, and protect joints.
ALA from flaxseed oil must be converted into EPA and DHA…
But dogs lack the enzyme (delta-6-desaturase) needed to do this effectively.
Result?
Less than 5% of ALA ever becomes usable. The rest is essentially wasted.
So even if you’re pouring flaxseed oil over your dog’s food daily, it’s unlikely they’re getting the therapeutic omega support you’re aiming for.
What Works Better Than Flaxseed Oil
If you want results—less itching, better skin, reduced inflammation, cognitive support—your dog needs bioavailable omega-3s from marine sources:
Sardines or mackerel
Fermented cod liver oil
Green-lipped mussel
Anchovy oil
Phytoplankton (great for sensitive or fish-allergic dogs)
These options provide EPA and DHA directly, with no conversion needed—meaning your dog’s body can actually use them.
So… Should You Use Flaxseed Oil?
Flaxseed oil isn’t toxic, and it might offer a small benefit in some dogs. But in most cases, it’s not the best way to support skin, joints, or inflammation. If you’re going to supplement, choose something your dog can truly absorb and utilize.
Want to Know About Flaxseed in Dog Food?
This blog focuses on flaxseed oil, but we’ve also covered flaxseed as an ingredient in dog food—what it does (and doesn’t do), how it’s used, and whether it belongs in your dog’s bowl.
👉 Read our blog on flaxseed in dog food
"Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Educational content only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."
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