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 1075 reviewsThis is an excellent well tolerated product. Highly recommend for you dogs.
Nice handy packet for on the go moments like shows, events or at the vets.
Take 30-60 minutes to work.
I never ever review products but I have to review this product. This truly has sorted our 9 year old boy who we had returned to us 9 years later through no fault of his own. He was a humper. We started him on Horny Hound in desperation. 1 week in he is a model dog. He is so calm and has stopped humping. Poor little man must have been so anxious. Going to make subscription for future orders. So do glad I read about this.
Joint care and tummy care.
Work so well, very happy working spaniels.
Fit and active highly recommended.
What can I say my Wolfhound has a hernia in his lower intestine , Bottoms up has managed to maintain his functions and stopped the swelling and gland filling up hence no operation can’t recommend highly enough 🐕😀
Good layout, making comparison of products easy.
Plenty of detailed information to help you choose products you need.
Enjoyed by the dogs
It's still early days using this but so far I am seeing some seriously encouraging improvements. Es suffers with stiffness in the muscles and has been on another joint supplement for a while but I just didn't feel it was quite right. So after some research I decided to try this one from Proflax. Everything else I have given the dogs (especially Es) has worked well. When i read the ingredients and reviews it was ticking a lot of boxes for me so I thought lets try it. Its only been a few weeks and I introduced it slowly as she can be sensitive, but this week alone I have seen Es do things she hasn't done for a long time. For example, she jumped up and lifted her back end, this hasn't happened for a long time. She has been racing about like a crazy women and doing zoomies around the house. She has also not shown any stiffness after a long walk. I can only assume its all because of this pot of magic!! I plan to put the other 2 dogs on it as well. Again, it looks like we have found another Proflax product that works brilliantly.
It really helps to calm her when out walking when sometimes when they are shooting
A friend of mine recommended Tummy Tastic for my border collie, who had been suffering from an prolonged upset tummy, after a week on tummy tastic her bowels are working normally again - delighted - thank you
Great
Brought to help alleviate dogs
'teenage spots ' and itchy feet.
Has worked, no more spots or chewing of feet, just healthy glossy coat.
I like this product and my dogs seem to like the taste
Great stuff, wish I had used it sooner. My boys are less windy these days and Helps settle their tummy.
Would recommend.
I wouldn't want to be without it now!