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 1038 reviewsOne of my dogs is always on high alert & naturally anxious. Following discussions with the vet we are working on helping him relax through training & changes in routine. Additionally I started using this oil & have noticed it is helping him relax & concentrate & as an added bonus his coat is silky and shiny.
Pre & Probiotics for Dogs - Tummy Tastic
All proflax products are the healthy option with no nasties but the best thing is the staff really know their stuff, are very helpful when you ring and wont sell you anything you dont need.
Great product that really works , helps our 13 yr old spaniel.
Fantastic product. Really helps my pooch with his anal glands. Been the best and wouldn’t be without it.
I initially got Moody Bitch to give to my girlie during her second season but I have started her on it full time as she has a tendency to try and hump now and again. She takes this every other day as she also takes Omega Bounce, we are a couple of weeks in and I have noticed she is not trying to hump as much, she does this when she has a funny 5 minutes at a certain time of the day but the issue seems to be subsiding. I feel like her little hormones are finally balancing out.
Tried all sorts to sort my Labs bouts of runny poo out, I was at my wits end!
I was recommended Tummy tasting and haven’t looked back. I just mix it in her food once a day and she’s had perfect poo ever since!
Highly recommend, cheaper than vets bills 😊
I have a standard dachshund that sometimes likes to eat things when we are out and about, so I was looking for some natural product that could protect her tummy on an ongoing basis. I found “Tummy Tastic” from Proflax and I am really happy i did! She has been great from the first time i used it on her food, do much so, that she has even quieten down about picking up stuff on the roads! I have to say, it has made my life a lot easier to see her without stomach upsets. Thank you.
I found these products when I read about someone mentioning them regarding another dachshund like mine.
I strongly believe in the power of natural products, so I decided to check the website and was love at first sight. So I bought the “Tommy tastic” as my Wren was having some stomach problem. It got better the day after I gave the powder to her. Thank you Proflax!
Lovely oil all the dogs are enjoying it on their food
I’ve been using proflax for my dogs for a good few years now and I’m always impressed with the quality of the products and the results
Our 8.5 yr labradoodle developed a persistent cough, mainly of a night time, but also after drinking. A vet visit diagnosed the beginning of congestive heart failure.
Today we revisited the vet, the outcome the heart irregularities were definitely less pronounced. His cough has also reduced in persistence.
This after just a month of taking Proflax Heart and Circulation support.
Thank you Proflax for your help!
Keeps him healthy
It’s the first time my dog has calmed down in years, the best thing I’ve ever brought for him
Worked very well was back to normal within the day