Flaxseed Oil Benefits
Flaxseed oil
Our Flaxseed Oil range of products contain human food grade, cold pressed flaxseed oil. It is UK grown and harvested at DEFRA approved/Red Tractor Assured farms. It is 100% traceable and pesticide/chemical free.
What is flaxseed oil?
Flaxseed oil is pressed out of the flax seed itself. There are different methods of extraction, the most effective is ‘cold pressing’ as this method helps to retain the freshness of the oil; cold pressing involves little or no heating and so keeps the oil in its most natural and fresh state.
Flaxseed oil is polyunsaturated and classed as a ‘good fat’. It is a rich, natural and balanced source of omega 3 & 6 essential fatty acids (EFA’s). EFA’s are beneficial for the body to perform key biological functions. Animals (humans and dogs) are unable to produce EFA’s themselves so it is essential (hence the name essential fatty acids!) to add these types of fats to the diet to maintain overall good health of the heart, digestive & reproductive system, to keep skin, nails and hair (fur) healthy, to aid mobility & circulation and help to balance metabolism and reduce inflammation.
Flaxseed oil consists of ‘short chain’ EFA’s; ALA (Alpha Linolenic Acid - Omega 3) and LA (Linoleic Acid - Omega 6). These types of EFA’s are different to fish oils which consist of ‘long chain’ EFA’s and contain readily available sources of EPA and DHA. Both Omega 3 & 6 in the form of ALA and LA are necessary for dogs to maintain good health, indeed research now shows that LA is a very important fatty acid chain for dogs. The correct balance of ALA and LA is also important as are vitamin B6, B7, copper, calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron as these vitamins and minerals help with effective absorption of flaxseed oil. Therefore, a varied healthy, fresh diet is advocated in order to get the very best out of flaxseed oil.
As a guide, a ratio of 4 parts Omega 3 to 1 part Omega 6 is the recommended ratio for effective absorption and optimal health benefits. Our flaxseed oil has 60% Omega 3 and 16% Omega 6 so is almost a perfect ratio.
When oils are added to dried dog food in the manufacturing process they become oxidised due to being heated and thus provide no real nutritional value. Oils that are added to home cooked foods have the same fate as do any manufactured complete foods that are prepared and then frozen as they lose their EFA’s through the thawing process because they have been subject to light and air. Oils such as flaxseed oil need to be eaten in their fresh state to get the best out of them.
It has also been found that flaxseed oil on its own can oxidise and go rancid, but at Proflax this isn't a concern as our proprietary herbal blends mean that the combination of flaxseed oil and herbs provide you with a range of oils that will stay fresh for longer. We validate this with regular testing at a UK independent DEFRA approved laboratory
Flaxseed oil contains little or no lignans which are present in the flaxseed itself. Lignans contain phytoestrogens which are hormones and although flaxseed oil contains very few of these hormones, it is not recommended that pregnant or nursing dogs take any flaxseed oil supplement.
A bit more information on the importance of EFA's
EFAs are fat carried nutrients that every mammal needs to maintain healthy function and structure of smooth muscle organs (heart, reproductive system), for healthy liver cells and to maintain healthy skin, coat and build strong joint tissues. They have also been linked to retinal development and are responsible for the synthesis of prostaglandins - chemicals that serve as mediators of various psychological processes in the body. Prostaglandins act upon smooth muscle contractions of the heart and digestive tract, the initiation and regulation of inflammatory responses and inhibit excessive clotting of the blood.
An EFA enriched diet will support a shinier, softer coat, less shedding, healthier skin and fewer fleas. With this in mind, it is easier to understand that EFA’s should be regarded as a necessity in any animals diet.
For more information on the nutritional content of our flax oil click here.
Let customers speak for us
from 977 reviewsI believe Tummy Tastic is the reason my dog’s life has been changed for the better. My dog went from not wanting to eat in the mornings to waiting excitedly for breakfast. He used to have intermittent loose stool too and since starting Tummy Tastic his stools have been perfect. I cannot prove it is Tummy Tastic of course, however the change has been so impressive since I started the product that I firmly believe it is the reason.
Highly delighted with the results after using Proflax yeast protocol.
Boo had a blockage in October 2024 following 5 days in the vets. She required lactulose daily and complete mish mash of a diet to enable her to pass stools. She subsequently started with hotspots, itching and yeasty symptoms, I put this down to not oniy the amount of sugary veg ( sweet potatoes and carrots) plus the total distribution to her micro biome. Since December she returned to a raw diet.. after much deliberation I found Proflax and I’m pleased I did..after 6 weeks in which today is her last day
her coat has returned to its former full and lustrous self. Proflax products are now something I wish to continue using in the future on Boo and both her housemates.
What a difference Proflax has made 😊
My dogs are raw fed & these oils are fab for blending with greens as a topper to their meals. I alternate between bottles to give maximum support as they are senior with joint issues. I love this brand!
Have just started my older bitch on this along side another joint supplement, as I just wanted an extra boost. There were certsin additions I wanted to add to her diet, and this formula covers it all.
She eats it mixed into her food without any issue. She seems comfortable and full of beans so can assume it's doing it's job
happy with resukts from feeding my setters with supplements - helps coat
We have tried lots of things to help our girl with her glands, she was experiencing them up to 3 times a day! Usually on the couch of my leg 🤢 since using proflax bottoms up we haven’t had random but juice explosions! 100% recommend.
Love proflax puppy power, use it for my raw fed lakeland terrier pup, he looks great! Service is brilliant. Highly recommend
Order arrived quickly. I am hopeful that it will help with my dogs skin issues. Time will tell.
Couldn’t recommend there products enough
I have been using immunity and vitality oil and power and revive oil on my 7yrs staff x who sustained a cruciate injury. These products have really helped his recovery, building muscle, strength and putting in the correct nutrients for a healthy heal. Six months post injury we are back to most activities and one very happy dog. Thank you team Proflax.
I have 4 working collies one is reactive and I found that over everything else out there proflax is the best for my dog and the most effective to help keep him calm and definitely collected in high arousal situations like agility competitions
Really impressed with this supplement, I was initially worried my pup wouldn’t eat it, but they absolutely love it, just mix it into their usual food.
Easy to dispense and a valuable boost to my dogs’ health. I use alongside Tummy Tastic, another great Proflax product. Their coats are gleaming.
I started to use this on my golden oldie& found it has been helping him.