FLAXSEED
Nutrient-rich ingredients for pet food
Jennifer Adolphe, PhD, RD – Senior Nutritionist, Petcurean
Kelley Fitzpatrick, MSc. – NutriScience Solutions
Key Features
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Consumers are increasingly seeking pet food that provides complete and balanced nutrition, while using ingredients that are healthy, safe, and delicious for their pets.
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Flaxseed is rich in nutrients that support pet health, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, and lignans.
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Flaxseed is a sustainable, locally sourced, and plant-based ingredient, making it ideal for use in dog and cat food.
The pet food industry contributes approximately C$2 billion annually to the Canadian economy, and sales continue to grow. The United States is currently the world's largest pet food market. Product differentiation and the "premiumization" trend are key drivers of growth, often mirroring changes in the human food industry.
Consumers increasingly view pets as family members, and their health is a top priority. The function and health benefits of food play a significant role in purchasing decisions. The "humanization of pets" trend has increased demand for natural, healthy foods and ingredients to help pets be healthier and happier.
Natural, holistic, human-grade, grain-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, organic, sustainable... are common terms in the pet food industry today. Manufacturers face the challenge of formulating diets that are nutritionally complete, balanced, and provide health benefits for pets while meeting the increasingly stringent demands of pet owners.
Many pet food companies recognized decades ago that flaxseed contains many valuable nutrients that meet these requirements.
Flaxseed: A locally grown source of Omega-3s.
Flaxseed is a blue-flowered plant that thrives in the cool climate of the western plains of Canada. Canada is one of the world's largest producers of flaxseed, supplying approximately 38% of global production.
Flaxseed contains many beneficial compounds such as:
- Omega-3 fatty acids, Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA),
- Fiber,
- Protein, and Lignans (powerful antioxidants).
- These nutritional properties make flaxseed an ideal ingredient in the diets of dogs and cats.
Flax seeds and flaxseed oil: Storage and usage
Although whole flax seeds and ground flax seeds have similar nutritional content, animals will absorb nutrients better when the seeds are ground.
The hard, glossy shell of flax seeds protects the oil inside from oxidation and helps maintain germination. However, this shell is difficult to break down when chewed, so grinding the seeds improves digestibility and nutrient absorption.
Due to its high oil content, mainly ALA, flax seeds are susceptible to oxidation when exposed to air. However, the natural shell helps keep flax seeds clean and dry for up to two years.
High-quality ground flax seeds are available commercially, but the manufacturer's storage instructions must be followed.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is produced using cold-pressing or solvent extraction methods.
Compared to whole flax seeds:
|
Thành phần |
Hạt lanh |
Dầu hạt lanh |
|---|---|---|
|
ALA |
18–23% |
55–58% |
|
Chất xơ |
Có |
Không |
|
Protein |
Có |
Không |
|
Lignan |
Có |
Không |
Because it is easily oxidized, flaxseed oil is not typically used as the sole source of fat in pet food but is usually combined with other oils to increase Omega-3 content.
The oil should be stored in dark bottles, in a cool place, and may contain added antioxidants to maintain its quality.
Nutritional Benefits of Flax Seeds
Flax seeds contain many essential nutrients for dogs and cats.
Richest Plant-Based Source of Omega-3
ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) is an essential Omega-3 fatty acid because animals cannot synthesize it on their own.
Other Omega-3 fatty acids include:
• EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
• DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
These are commonly found in fatty fish and can be synthesized by the body from ALA.
These Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help reduce inflammation, a factor associated with:
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Arthritis
High in Dietary Fiber
Per 100 g of flax seeds:
• 28 g total dietary fiber
• 19 g insoluble fiber
• 9 g soluble fiber
Dietary fiber from flax seeds may help:
• Support digestive health
• Reduce energy absorption
• Assist with weight management
• Support blood glucose control
One human study found that as little as 2.5 g of soluble fiber from flax seeds may help reduce appetite.
Rich in Protein
Flax seeds contain approximately 20 g of protein per 100 g.
The predominant amino acids include:
• Glutamic acid
Limiting amino acids include:
• Lysine
• Methionine
• Cystine
Rich Source of Antioxidant Lignans
Flax seeds are among the richest natural sources of lignans.
The primary lignan is:
Secoisolariciresinol Diglucoside (SDG)
Animal studies suggest that SDG may help support the body's defense against cancer.
How Much Flax Seed Should Be Added to Pet Food?
There is currently no officially established optimal inclusion level for companion animals.
However, based on human data:
• Reference intake: 40 g of ground flax seed per day
• Equivalent to approximately 3.9% dry matter (DM) in dry dog food formulations.
When using flax seeds or flaxseed oil, the oxidative stability of the product should be evaluated to ensure shelf life and determine the appropriate antioxidant level.
Suitable for Grain-Free Diets
Beyond its nutritional value, flax seed offers several advantages:
• Not a grain
• Gluten-free
• Suitable for grain-free diets
• Suitable for gluten-free diets
• Available as organic
• Non-GMO
Safety
Like many plant seeds, flax seeds contain moderate amounts of natural protective compounds known as:
Cyanogenic glycosides
Excessive consumption may have adverse effects.
However, these compounds are deactivated during heat processing, making them generally not a concern in commercially heat-processed pet foods.
Flax Seed Is an Ideal Ingredient for Pet Food
Compared with marine sources of Omega-3, ALA from flax seed offers several advantages:
• More stable supply
• Lower cost
• Lower risk of causing allergies
• Suitable for the growing demand for plant-based ingredients
• No concerns about heavy metals or seafood contaminants
In addition, flax seeds provide:
• Dietary fiber
• Protein
• Antioxidant lignans
For consumers seeking healthier and more sustainable nutrition for themselves and their pets, flax seeds and flaxseed oil are valuable choices.
From a commercial perspective, flax seed is a plant-based source of oil and protein that can be locally produced, helping increase the appeal of pet food formulations.
