Flaxseed Oil for Dogs: Essential Omega-3, Skin & Coat Health and Anti-Inflammatory Support

· by Glendon Lloyd Dip.Canine.Nutrition Dip.Dog.Nutrigenomics

Flaxseed Oil for Dogs: Essential Omega-3, Skin & Coat Health and Anti-Inflammatory Support

Linseed Oil – Benefits of ALA Omega-3 Oil for Dogs

Summary

If you’ve been researching omega-3 fatty acids for your dog, you may have encountered conflicting advice about flaxseed oil. Some sources recommend it enthusiastically, while others dismiss it in favour of fish oil. The truth, as usual, lies in the science — and the science reveals that flaxseed oil plays a genuinely valuable but specific role in canine nutrition, particularly when it is used intelligently within a comprehensive formulation rather than as a standalone omega-3 source.

Flaxseed oil — extracted from the seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum) — contains approximately 53–57% alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), making it the most concentrated plant-based source of this essential omega-3 fatty acid.¹ ² ALA is classified as “essential” because dogs cannot synthesise it endogenously — it must be obtained through the diet.³ This is not a debatable point; it is established nutritional science confirmed by the National Research Council’s Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats.³

Where the conversation becomes nuanced is in what happens after ALA is absorbed. Dogs possess the enzymatic machinery — delta-6-desaturase, elongase, and delta-5-desaturase — to convert ALA into the longer-chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). Published canine research has demonstrated that this conversion occurs rapidly, with serum EPA and DPA enrichment detectable within just four days of flaxseed supplementation.⁴ However, the final conversion step from DPA to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) appears to be rate-limited in dogs, meaning that flaxseed oil alone does not reliably increase tissue DHA levels.⁴ ⁵

This is precisely why Bonza’s formulation philosophy matters. In Boost Bioactive Bites, flaxseed oil is not asked to do a job it cannot do. It provides the essential ALA substrate and contributes to EPA and DPA enrichment, while DHAgold algal omega-3 (45 mg) delivers preformed DHA directly — bypassing the conversion bottleneck entirely. This complementary approach ensures your dog receives the full spectrum of omega-3 fatty acids: ALA from flaxseed, EPA and DPA through enzymatic conversion, and DHA from a direct algal source.

In this guide, we examine the peer-reviewed evidence for flaxseed oil in canine nutrition — from its essential fatty acid composition and conversion pathways, through published canine studies on fatty acid enrichment, skin and coat health, and inflammatory gene expression, to its strategic role within Bonza’s Boost formulation.

Key Takeaways

  • Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential omega-3 fatty acid that dogs cannot synthesise and must obtain from their diet; flaxseed oil is the richest plant-based source, containing approximately 53–57% ALA by weight.¹ ² ³
  • In a peer-reviewed canine feeding study, dogs supplemented with flaxseed demonstrated rapid and sustained serum enrichment of ALA, EPA and DPA within four days, confirming that dogs possess functional enzymatic conversion from ALA to longer-chain omega-3 fatty acids — although DHA was not increased, indicating a rate-limiting step in the final conversion.⁴
  • Breed-specific differences exist in omega-3 metabolism: greyhounds supplemented with flaxseed oil showed greater increases in ALA and EPA compared to beagles, and flaxseed oil supplementation downregulated the expression of the inflammatory markers heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in greyhound white blood cells but not in beagles.⁵ ⁶
  • In a double-blinded canine study, flaxseed supplementation improved skin and hair coat condition scores, with changes associated with increased serum concentrations of 18-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids.⁷
  • Flaxseed oil’s value in a comprehensive formulation like Bonza Boost lies in its complementary role: providing essential ALA and contributing to EPA/DPA enrichment, while the inclusion of DHAgold (algal DHA), hemp seed oil and evening primrose oil ensures the full spectrum of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids without relying on ALA-to-DHA conversion alone.

In this guide:

What Is Flaxseed Oil?

Flaxseed oil — also known as linseed oil — is a cold-pressed oil extracted from the mature seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum), one of the oldest cultivated crops in human history. Flax has been grown for over 6,000 years, originally valued for its fibres (linen) and later recognised for the nutritional properties of its seeds and oil.¹

Flaxseed oil is distinguished from all other plant oils by its exceptionally high concentration of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), typically comprising 53–57% of total fatty acids. The remainder of the fatty acid profile includes linoleic acid (LA, omega-6) at approximately 14–17%, oleic acid (omega-9) at 18–20%, and smaller amounts of saturated fatty acids (palmitic and stearic acids).¹ ² This fatty acid composition gives flaxseed oil an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of approximately 1:4 — dramatically different from most other oils used in canine nutrition, which tend to be heavily weighted toward omega-6.²

This omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is nutritionally significant. Most commercial dog foods contain substantially more omega-6 than omega-3 fatty acids, often at ratios of 10:1 or higher, driven by the prevalence of omega-6-rich ingredients such as chicken fat, sunflower oil and corn oil.⁸ Because omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids compete for the same enzymatic pathways, an excess of omega-6 can suppress the body’s ability to utilise the omega-3 fatty acids it does receive. The National Research Council recommends an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio between 2.6:1 and 26:1 as safe, but emerging evidence from canine research suggests that ratios closer to 5:1 or 10:1 are associated with lower inflammatory mediator production.³ ⁸

Flaxseed oil’s extremely omega-3-dominant profile makes it a particularly effective tool for improving this dietary ratio — not by replacing other fats, but by counterbalancing the omega-6 excess that characterises many canine diets.

Bioactive Compounds and Mechanism of Action

The biological effects of flaxseed oil derive primarily from a single compound — alpha-linolenic acid — and the metabolic cascade it initiates once absorbed.

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): an essential fatty acid. ALA (C18:3n-3) is an 18-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acid with three double bonds. It is classified as an essential fatty acid for dogs because the canine body lacks the delta-12 and delta-15 desaturase enzymes needed to insert the double bonds that create ALA from shorter-chain precursors.³ This enzymatic gap means that every molecule of ALA in your dog’s body must originate from the diet. Without dietary ALA, dogs develop clinical signs of essential fatty acid deficiency including poor coat quality, scaly skin, impaired wound healing and increased transepidermal water loss.⁹

Conversion to longer-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Once absorbed, ALA enters a metabolic conversion pathway in the liver. Through a series of desaturation and elongation steps mediated by delta-6-desaturase, elongase, and delta-5-desaturase enzymes, ALA is progressively converted to: first eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n-3), then docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, C22:5n-3), and finally — through the Sprecher pathway involving a further elongation, delta-6-desaturation, and peroxisomal beta-oxidation — to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n-3).³ ⁴

The efficiency of this pathway in dogs is a subject of genuine scientific nuance. Dunbar et al. (2010) demonstrated in a carefully controlled canine feeding study that dogs receiving flaxseed-supplemented diets showed rapid and sustained enrichment of ALA, EPA and DPA in serum phospholipids and triacylglycerols — with detectable increases as early as day 4.⁴ However, no increase in DHA was observed over the 84-day study period, leading the researchers to conclude that the hepatic conversion of DPA to DHA is slow in the dog — consistent with findings across multiple mammalian species including humans.⁴ Importantly, DPA itself is the predominant ALA metabolite in cell membranes of many animals and may serve as an important reservoir for localised DHA synthesis in tissues such as the retina and nervous system.⁴ ¹⁰

Competition with omega-6 fatty acids. A critical factor influencing ALA conversion efficiency is the background dietary ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. ALA and linoleic acid (LA, the primary dietary omega-6) compete for the same delta-6-desaturase enzyme at the first and rate-limiting step of the conversion pathway.³ When dietary omega-6 substantially exceeds omega-3 — as it does in many commercial dog foods — the enzyme preferentially metabolises LA, effectively throttling the conversion of ALA to EPA and beyond. By providing a concentrated source of ALA, flaxseed oil helps rebalance this enzymatic competition, improving the proportion of ALA that proceeds through the omega-3 pathway.

Direct anti-inflammatory properties of ALA. While much attention focuses on ALA’s role as a precursor to EPA and DHA, emerging evidence suggests that ALA itself possesses direct anti-inflammatory activity independent of its conversion to longer-chain metabolites. ALA has been shown to inhibit NF-κB activation and reduce inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression — both central mediators of inflammatory signalling.¹¹ A meta-analysis of 54 randomised controlled trials evaluating flaxseed supplementation reported significant reductions in C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), both established biomarkers of systemic inflammation.¹²

Evidence-Based Benefits for Dogs

Omega-3 fatty acid enrichment

The most robust canine-specific evidence for flaxseed oil comes from studies measuring its effects on circulating fatty acid profiles.

Bauer, Dunbar and Bigley (1998) first demonstrated that dietary flaxseed in dogs resulted in differential transport and metabolism of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, with ALA and its metabolites distributed across phospholipid, triacylglycerol and cholesteryl ester fractions in a pattern distinct from direct EPA/DHA supplementation.¹³

Dunbar, Bigley and Bauer (2010) extended this work in a definitive 84-day canine feeding study. Dogs receiving an ALA-rich flaxseed-supplemented diet showed early (day 4) and sustained enrichment of ALA, EPA and DPA in serum phospholipids and triacylglycerols. DPA accumulated particularly in the phospholipid and triacylglycerol fractions but not in cholesteryl esters, suggesting that DPA does not participate in reverse-cholesterol transport. No increase in serum DHA was detected, confirming that the DPA-to-DHA conversion step is rate-limiting in dogs.⁴

Purushothaman et al. (2011) investigated breed effects on omega-3 metabolism with dietary flaxseed oil supplementation in greyhounds and beagles. Flaxseed oil supplemented at 100 mL/kg of food for three weeks significantly increased plasma ALA and EPA concentrations in both breeds. Greyhounds showed numerically greater increases in ALA and EPA compared to beagles, and ALA and EPA levels were still rising at the end of the three-week period — indicating that plasma enrichment had not yet stabilised. DHA did not increase in either breed, consistent with Dunbar et al.⁵

Inflammatory gene expression

Purushothaman et al. (2014) investigated the effect of flaxseed oil supplementation on the expression of genes involved in inflammatory responses in the white blood cells of dogs. In greyhounds, flaxseed oil supplementation significantly downregulated the expression of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) — two key molecules in the inflammatory cascade. HSP90 is a molecular chaperone involved in stabilising proteins in inflammatory signalling pathways, while IL-1β is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine central to the initiation of immune responses. Interestingly, these anti-inflammatory effects at the gene expression level were observed in greyhounds but not in beagles, highlighting the breed-specific nature of fatty acid metabolism in dogs and suggesting that genetic background influences the anti-inflammatory response to dietary omega-3 supplementation.⁶

Skin and coat health

Rees et al. (2001) conducted a prospective, double-blinded study supplementing 18 healthy dogs with flaxseed and evaluating skin and hair coat condition using a numeric scoring system alongside serum PUFA measurements. Flaxseed supplementation increased serum 18:3n-3 (ALA) concentrations in the phospholipid fraction and produced numerical improvements in hair coat quality scores. The researchers concluded that flaxseed supplementation provides improvements in skin and hair coat associated with increased serum 18-carbon PUFA concentrations.⁷

This finding is consistent with the established role of essential fatty acids in epidermal barrier function. ALA and its omega-6 counterpart linoleic acid (LA) are both required for normal skin structure: they are incorporated into ceramides in the stratum corneum, where they maintain the lipid barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and protects against environmental irritants.⁹ A deficiency in either essential fatty acid results in a compromised skin barrier, manifesting as dry, flaky skin and a dull, brittle coat.

A more recent study by Guil-Guerrero et al. (2024) compared the effects of camelina, flaxseed and canola (rapeseed) oil supplementation on inflammatory markers, transepidermal water loss and coat quality in healthy adult dogs over 16 weeks. Flaxseed oil proved comparable to the other high-ALA oils in supporting skin barrier function and coat quality, confirming its established role in maintaining the cutaneous water permeability barrier.¹⁴

Omega-6 to omega-3 ratio improvement

The capacity of flaxseed oil to shift the dietary omega-6 to omega-3 ratio has practical significance for inflammatory balance. Vaughn et al. (1994) demonstrated that dogs fed diets with omega-6 to omega-3 ratios of 5:1 and 10:1 produced significantly less leukotriene B4 (LTB4) — a potent inflammatory mediator synthesised by neutrophils — compared to dogs fed an omega-6-dominant diet with a ratio of 100:1.⁸ LTB4 is a key driver of inflammatory cell recruitment and activation, and its reduction correlates with reduced clinical signs of inflammation.

Given that flaxseed oil has an intrinsic omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of approximately 1:4, even modest inclusion in a canine diet can meaningfully improve the overall fatty acid balance, shifting the eicosanoid profile toward less inflammatory metabolites.

Flaxseed Oil and Gut Health

While flaxseed oil is not a prebiotic fibre or a direct modulator of the gut microbiome in the way that chicory root inulin or FOS prebiotics are, it connects to gut health through the omega-3-inflammation-gut barrier axis.

The intestinal epithelial barrier depends on tight junction proteins to maintain its selective permeability — allowing nutrient absorption while preventing the translocation of harmful bacteria and endotoxins into systemic circulation. Chronic inflammation, driven in part by an excess of omega-6-derived pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, can compromise tight junction integrity, contributing to increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”). By improving the dietary omega-6 to omega-3 ratio and promoting the production of less inflammatory eicosanoids from the omega-3 pathway, flaxseed oil’s ALA may contribute to maintaining the inflammatory homeostasis that supports gut barrier function.

This mechanism has relevance within Bonza’s “One Gut. Whole Dog.” philosophy, which recognises that systemic inflammation originating from or worsened by gut barrier dysfunction can affect virtually every organ system — from joints through the gut–joint axis to skin through the gut–skin axis. Maintaining an appropriate balance of dietary fatty acids is one component of the broader anti-inflammatory strategy that supports gut barrier integrity alongside the direct prebiotic, probiotic and postbiotic ingredients in Bonza’s formulations.

Why Bonza Includes Flaxseed Oil in Boost

Bonza’s Boost Bioactive Bites contains 45 mg of flaxseed oil (linseed oil) per chewy. Its inclusion reflects a deliberate formulation strategy based on the complementary roles of different fatty acid sources within a comprehensive essential fatty acid complex.

Providing an essential nutrient. ALA is an essential fatty acid — dogs must obtain it from their diet. This is not optional supplementation; it is nutritional necessity. The National Research Council classifies ALA as a required dietary nutrient for dogs, with a recommended adequate intake of 110 mg ALA per 1,000 kcal of diet for adult dogs at maintenance.³ Flaxseed oil, as the most concentrated plant-based ALA source, is the most efficient way to ensure this essential nutrient is present in a plant-based formulation.

Complementary fatty acid strategy. The essential fatty acid architecture in Boost is designed so that no single oil carries the entire burden. The full oil complex includes:

  • Hemp seed oil (180 mg) — balanced omega-6:omega-3 ratio with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)
  • Evening primrose oil (67.5 mg) — concentrated GLA for skin and inflammatory support
  • Flaxseed oil (45 mg) — concentrated ALA for omega-3 enrichment and EPA/DPA precursor supply
  • DHAgold algal omega-3 (45 mg) — preformed DHA, bypassing the ALA conversion bottleneck
  • Borage oil (45 mg) — additional GLA for dermatological support
  • Ashwagandha oil (45 mg) — adaptogenic withanolides for stress and immune modulation
  • Fractionated coconut oil (90 mg) — medium-chain triglycerides for rapid energy and ingredient delivery
  • Garlic oil (4.5 mg) — allicin-derived compounds for immune and cardiovascular support

This multi-oil approach means flaxseed oil contributes its essential ALA substrate and supports EPA/DPA enrichment through enzymatic conversion, while DHAgold delivers the preformed DHA that flaxseed oil cannot reliably provide. This is honest formulation science: using each ingredient for what it genuinely does well, rather than asking any single ingredient to do everything.

Improving the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Within the broader Boost formulation — which includes both omega-6-rich oils (evening primrose, borage) and omega-3 sources (flaxseed, hemp, algal DHA) — flaxseed oil’s extreme omega-3 dominance (approximately 4:1 omega-3 to omega-6) helps maintain the overall fatty acid balance in a range that supports anti-inflammatory outcomes rather than exacerbating chronic inflammation.

Synergy with the gut health foundation. Boost includes a complete synbiotic system — Calsporin® Bacillus velezensis (75 mg), Lactobacillus helveticus HA-122 (5 mg), Diamond V / TruPet™ postbiotics (2.80 mg), Biolex MB40 beta-glucans/MOS (2 mg) and Fibrofos™ 60 FOS prebiotic (3.75 mg). The anti-inflammatory contribution of flaxseed oil’s ALA complements the gut barrier support provided by this synbiotic foundation, aligning with the “One Gut. Whole Dog.” principle that systemic health begins with inflammatory balance at the gut level.

Safety, Dosage and What to Expect

Flaxseed oil has an excellent safety profile and is widely recognised as safe for use in canine nutrition. The National Research Council has established safe upper limits for ALA at 440 mg per kg of body weight daily — a threshold far above typical supplemental doses.³

Recommended dosage. There is no universally standardised therapeutic dose of flaxseed oil for dogs, as its primary role is as an essential fatty acid source rather than a pharmacological intervention. The NRC’s recommended adequate intake for ALA is 110 mg per 1,000 kcal of diet for adult dogs at maintenance.³ Bonza Boost provides 45 mg of flaxseed oil per chewy (approximately 24–26 mg ALA), with daily serving sizes scaled by body weight to contribute to the overall dietary ALA requirement alongside other ALA-containing ingredients in the diet.

Onset of effect. The fatty acid enrichment from flaxseed oil occurs rapidly. Dunbar et al. demonstrated detectable increases in serum ALA, EPA and DPA within four days of starting flaxseed supplementation.⁴ However, the downstream clinical effects — improvements in coat quality, skin condition and inflammatory markers — develop more gradually over weeks. Rees et al. observed coat condition improvements within the first month of supplementation.⁷ For optimal results, consistent daily supplementation is more important than dose intensity.

Side effects. At appropriate supplemental doses, side effects from flaxseed oil are rare. In some dogs receiving very high levels of fatty acid supplementation, seborrhoea oleosa (greasy, flaky skin) may develop — a sign that the total fat supplementation across the diet should be reduced.¹⁵ Loose stools may occasionally occur if flaxseed oil is introduced at high doses without gradual introduction. None of these effects have been reported at the supplemental levels used in Bonza Boost.

Precautions. Flaxseed oil is susceptible to oxidation due to its high polyunsaturated fatty acid content. In Bonza Boost, the inclusion of RRR-alpha-tocopherol (natural vitamin E, 13.5 mg per chewy) serves as an antioxidant that protects the polyunsaturated fatty acids in the formulation — including those from flaxseed oil — from oxidative degradation. Owners should store Boost in a cool, dry place and use within the recommended timeframe after opening. As with all supplements, consult your veterinarian before adding to your dog’s regime, particularly if your dog has existing health conditions or is on medication.

How to Support Your Dog’s Essential Fatty Acid Balance

Simple, practical steps to help your dog achieve optimal fatty acid balance for whole-body health.

  1. Supplement consistently every day.

    Essential fatty acid enrichment is cumulative. Daily supplementation is more effective than intermittent use, as tissue fatty acid profiles build gradually over time. The rapid enrichment observed by Dunbar et al. (within four days) reflects serum changes; tissue-level changes in skin, coat and inflammatory balance take longer to develop.⁴

  2. Use a formulation that includes both ALA and preformed DHA.

    Relying on flaxseed oil alone for all omega-3 needs is a recognised limitation because dogs convert ALA to DHA inefficiently.⁴ ⁵ A comprehensive formulation like Bonza Boost, which pairs flaxseed oil with algal DHA, ensures your dog receives the full omega-3 spectrum without depending on a single conversion pathway.

  3. Consider your dog’s total dietary fat profile.

    If your dog’s primary food is high in omega-6 fatty acids (common in poultry-fat-based kibbles), the addition of an omega-3-rich supplement becomes more important to rebalance the ratio. If your dog is already fed a diet with a balanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio — such as Bonza Superfoods & Ancient Grains — the supplemental omega-3 from Boost complements an already well-balanced foundation.

  4. Allow adequate time for visible results.

    Skin and coat improvements typically become apparent within 4–8 weeks of consistent supplementation, reflecting the time required for new hair growth and epidermal turnover to incorporate the improved fatty acid supply.⁷ Inflammatory balance improvements may take a similar timeframe to manifest as visible changes in comfort and energy levels.

  5. Protect fatty acid quality through proper storage.

    Polyunsaturated fatty acids like ALA are vulnerable to oxidation. Store supplements away from heat and light, and use within the recommended period after opening. Bonza Boost includes natural vitamin E (RRR-alpha-tocopherol) as an in-formulation antioxidant to protect fatty acid integrity.

  6. Maintain a healthy overall diet and weight.

    Essential fatty acid supplementation works best as part of a balanced nutritional foundation. Excess body weight increases systemic inflammation, which can counteract the anti-inflammatory benefits of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is flaxseed oil and why do dogs need it?

Flaxseed oil is a cold-pressed plant oil that is the richest known source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid. ALA is classified as “essential” because dogs cannot produce it — it must come from the diet. Without adequate ALA, dogs develop essential fatty acid deficiency, which manifests as poor coat quality, dry and scaly skin, impaired wound healing and compromised skin barrier function.³ ⁹

Is flaxseed oil as good as fish oil for dogs?

Flaxseed oil and fish oil serve different but complementary roles. Fish oil provides preformed EPA and DHA — the longer-chain omega-3s most directly associated with anti-inflammatory effects. Flaxseed oil provides ALA, which is itself essential and can be partially converted to EPA and DPA, but does not reliably increase DHA levels in dogs.⁴ ⁵ Rather than choosing one over the other, the optimal approach is to provide both: an ALA source for essential fatty acid supply and ratio rebalancing, plus a direct DHA source for the benefits that require preformed long-chain omega-3s. Bonza Boost achieves this by combining flaxseed oil with DHAgold algal omega-3 — a plant-based, sustainable alternative to fish oil.

Can dogs convert ALA from flaxseed oil into EPA and DHA?

Dogs can convert ALA to EPA and DPA, and this conversion occurs rapidly — within four days of flaxseed supplementation in published research.⁴ However, the final conversion from DPA to DHA appears to be rate-limited in dogs, meaning DHA levels do not increase meaningfully from flaxseed oil alone.⁴ ⁵ This is consistent with findings across many mammalian species. DPA itself may be biologically important, serving as a reservoir for localised DHA synthesis in tissues like the retina and nervous system.⁴ ¹⁰

Will flaxseed oil improve my dog’s coat?

Peer-reviewed canine research has demonstrated that flaxseed supplementation can improve hair coat condition scores, with changes associated with increased serum concentrations of 18-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids.⁷ ALA contributes to the epidermal lipid barrier that maintains skin hydration and protects against environmental irritants, supporting both skin health and coat lustre.⁹ Results are typically visible within 4–8 weeks of consistent daily supplementation as new hair growth reflects the improved fatty acid supply.

Is there a difference between flaxseed oil and linseed oil?

No. Flaxseed oil and linseed oil are the same product — cold-pressed oil from the seeds of Linum usitatissimum. “Flaxseed oil” is the more commonly used term in the health and nutrition industry, while “linseed oil” is the traditional British and European term. The ingredient in Bonza Boost is listed as “linseed oil” on the label, which is the same as flaxseed oil.

Are there breed differences in how dogs respond to flaxseed oil?

Yes. Research by Purushothaman et al. (2011, 2014) demonstrated that greyhounds and beagles respond differently to flaxseed oil supplementation. Greyhounds showed numerically greater increases in ALA and EPA and, importantly, flaxseed oil downregulated inflammatory gene expression (HSP90 and IL-1β) in greyhound white blood cells but not in beagles.⁵ ⁶ This suggests that genetic background influences omega-3 metabolism efficiency, and different breeds may derive different levels of benefit from plant-based omega-3 sources.

Is flaxseed oil safe for long-term use in dogs?

Yes. Flaxseed oil has an excellent safety profile. The National Research Council has established safe upper limits for ALA at 440 mg per kg of body weight daily — far above typical supplemental doses.³ As an essential nutrient, ALA is required on an ongoing basis, and long-term supplementation as part of a balanced diet is appropriate and beneficial.

Does flaxseed oil help dogs with itchy skin?

Flaxseed oil supports skin health by contributing ALA to the epidermal lipid barrier and helping rebalance the dietary omega-6 to omega-3 ratio that influences inflammatory itch pathways.⁸ ⁹ That said, for clinically itchy dogs, preformed EPA and DHA are more effective anti-inflammatories than ALA alone, because dogs convert ALA to these longer-chain omega-3s inefficiently.⁴ ⁵ This is why Bonza Boost pairs flaxseed oil with DHAgold algal DHA and evening primrose oil (GLA) for broader skin support.

References

  1. Goyal A, Sharma V, Upadhyay N, Gill S, Sihag M. Flax and flaxseed oil: an ancient medicine & modern functional food. Journal of Food Science and Technology. 2014;51(9):1633–1653. doi:10.1007/s13197-013-1247-9
  2. Parikh M, Maddaford TG, Austria JA, Aliani M, Netticadan T, Pierce GN. Dietary flaxseed as a strategy for improving human health. Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1171. doi:10.3390/nu11051171
  3. National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2006. doi:10.17226/10668
  4. Dunbar BL, Bigley KE, Bauer JE. Early and sustained enrichment of serum n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in dogs fed a flaxseed supplemented diet. Lipids. 2010;45(1):1–10. doi:10.1007/s11745-009-3364-9
  5. Purushothaman D, Brown WY, Wu S-B, Vanselow B. Evaluation of breed effects on n-3 PUFA metabolism with dietary flaxseed oil supplementation in dogs. British Journal of Nutrition. 2011;106(S1):S139–S141. doi:10.1017/S0007114511000523
  6. Purushothaman D, Brown W, Vanselow B, Quinn K, Wu S-B. Flaxseed oil supplementation alters the expression of inflammatory-related genes in dogs. Genetics and Molecular Research. 2014;13(3):5322–5332. doi:10.4238/2014.July.24.11
  7. Rees CA, Bauer JE, Burkholder WJ, Kennis RA, Dunbar BL, Bigley KE, Campbell K. Effects of dietary flax seed and sunflower seed supplementation on normal canine serum polyunsaturated fatty acids and skin and hair coat condition scores. Veterinary Dermatology. 2001;12(2):111–117. doi:10.1046/j.1365-3164.2001.00234.x
  8. Vaughn DM, Reinhart GA, Swaim SF, Lauten SD, Boudreaux FJ, Spano JS, Hoffman CE, Conner B. Evaluation of effects of dietary n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratios on leukotriene B synthesis in dog skin and neutrophils. Veterinary Dermatology. 1994;5(4):163–173. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3164.1994.tb00028.x
  9. Watson TDG. Diet and skin disease in dogs and cats. Journal of Nutrition. 1998;128(12 Suppl):2783S–2789S. doi:10.1093/jn/128.12.2783S
  10. Bauer JE, Dunbar BL, Bigley KE. Dietary flaxseed in dogs results in differential transport and metabolism of (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids. Journal of Nutrition. 1998;128(12 Suppl):2641S–2644S. doi:10.1093/jn/128.12.2641S
  11. Ren J, Chung SH. Anti-inflammatory effect of alpha-linolenic acid and its mode of action through the inhibition of nitric oxide production and inducible nitric oxide synthase gene expression via NF-kappaB and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2007;55(13):5073–5080. doi:10.1021/jf0702693
  12. Kavyani Z, Musazadeh V, Golpour-Hamedani S, Moridpour AH, Vajdi M, Askari G. Effects of flaxseed supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2024;84:103067. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103067
  13. Bauer JE, Dunbar BL, Bigley KE. Dietary flaxseed in dogs results in differential transport and metabolism of (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids. Journal of Nutrition. 1998;128(12 Suppl):2641S–2644S. doi:10.1093/jn/128.12.2641S
  14. Richards TL, Burron S, Ma DWL, et al. Effects of dietary camelina, flaxseed, and canola oil supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative markers, transepidermal water loss, and coat quality in healthy adult dogs. Front Vet Sci. 2023;10:1085890. Published 2023 Mar 9. doi:10.3389/fvets.2023.1166133
  15. VCA Animal Hospitals. Flaxseed oil. VCA Hospitals veterinary drug database. Available at: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/flax-seed-oil

Editorial Information

Editorial Information
PublishedFebruary 2026
Last updatedFebruary 2026 — New article
Reviewed byGlendon Lloyd, Dip. Canine Nutrition (Dist.), Dip. Canine Nutrigenomics (Dist.)
Next reviewAugust 2026
AuthorGlendon Lloyd
DisclaimerThis article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before adding supplements to your dog’s diet.

About the Author

Glendon Lloyd · Dip. Canine Nutrition (Dist.) · Dip. Canine Nutrigenomics (Dist.)

Founder and CEO of Bonza, Glendon holds Diplomas in Canine Nutrition and Canine Nutrigenomics, both with Distinction. His mission — Add years to their life, and life to their years — drives Bonza’s science-led approach to plant-based canine nutrition. Glendon reads 5–6 peer-reviewed studies weekly and oversees the formulation of every Bonza product, ensuring each ingredient is selected for its evidence-based contribution to whole-body canine health through the gut microbiome.

Read Glendon’s full bio →

About Glendon Lloyd Dip.Canine.Nutrition Dip.Dog.Nutrigenomics

I have had dogs from the day I was born. Much to my Mum's amusement, my Dad bought home Zetta, a beautiful corgi puppy , as his contribution to our new family!

Fast forward to 2018 and Catherine, my wife, and one of our dogs Poppy, were both diagnosed and treated for cancer within months of each other

Diet and its impact on health, cancer particularly, led me down a rabbit hole of discovery.

I consumed information voraciously - on our diets, our dogs' diets and the impact these have not just on health but also the health of our increasingly fragile planet.

I was humbled by the time and expertise given so freely by doctors and vets, canine nutritionists and scientists, academics and agronomists. The more I learned the more I understood there had to be a better way to improve not just our health but also our dogs and the planet's.

The result of my trip down that rabbit hole is Bonza, a plant-based dog food (and now supplements) that elevate our dogs' diet beyond simple nutrition to a diet that inspires a healthier everyday life for our dogs and the planet.

I am continually researching the nutritional impact our dogs' diets have on their health and wellbeing and the ingredients and nutrients we should include in, and exclude from, their food to deliver longer, healthier lives.

I am delighted that my trip down the rabbit hole has led to me completing a Diploma in Canine Nutrigenomics and a Diploma in Canine Nutrition being awarded a Distinction for both my coursework and theses!

ADD LIFE TO YOUR DOG'S YEARS

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