Looking for a great way to boost your dog’s skin, coat, and immune system? Try adding freshly ground flaxseeds to her diet for a mealtime glow up.
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Flax seeds are tiny little powerhouses of protein and healthy fats Omega-3, 6, and 9. The hard outer hull of the seed contains lignan, an anti-inflammatory, as well as lots of healthy fiber.
You can purchase flax in capsules and oil form as well as the whole seeds, but beware of pre-ground flax as it can go rancid in a week or two. Store all flax products in a tightly-sealed container in your fridge for the longest shelf life.
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How to grind flax seed
The easiest and most accessible way to grind flax seeds is to use a clean coffee grinder. You can also use a specialized flax mill, spice mill, mortar and pestle, blender, or even a clean pepper mill if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to clean your grinder thoroughly to avoid contamination.
Pro tip: Wondering what the best way to clean a grinder is? Grind some rice. That’s right, put a tablespoon of rice in your coffee grinder to remove any coffee residue, then wipe clean with a paper towel.
How much flax should I feed my dog?
Due to the fiber in the hulls of flax seeds, your dog may experience diarrhea if she eats too much at once. If your dog is new to flax, start with a small amount (especially important for tiny dogs) and build up the amount slowly to give your dog’s system time to get used to the fiber. For a small dog, 1/8 teaspoon is a good place to start. For a medium or large dog, try 1 1/2 teaspoons.
Ready to try adding some flax to your dog’s diet? Here are five great ways to try it.
1. Meal mix-in
Grind flax seeds, add to plain yogurt, and dollop on your dog’s meal for a double action mix-in.
2. Sauce it up
`Drizzle flax oil over your dog’s meal. Ooh, la la! Now it’s gourmet.
3. Use flax instead of egg
You may have noticed we do this in some of our recipes. You can replace the egg in any dog or human recipe with 1 tablespoon ground flax seed mixed with 2 tablespoons warm water. Works great, and gives your cookies a longer shelf life, too.
4. Whip up these no-bake peanut butter flax seed treats
No time to bake? This four-ingredient recipe whips up fast and your dog will love ‘taking his vitamins.’ Keep in the fridge or freezer for a cool, healthy snack.
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No Bake Peanut Butter Flax Seed Treats
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 Balls 1x
- Category: Treat
- Cuisine: Snack Attack
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp rolled oats
- 2 tbsp ground flax seed
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
Grind flaxseed to a powder consistency.
- Combine flaxseed, oatmeal, and peanut butter, adding just enough water to create a malleable dough.
- Roll dough into 24 balls, oiling your hands if necessary to avoid dough sticking to you.
- Place in a sealed container on parchment paper in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes prior to feeding.
Each treat contains 1/2 teaspoon of ground flaxseed.
Mix all ingredients adding water just enough to incorporate. divide into 24 equal size portions and roll into balls. place on parchment paper in sealed container in refrigerated at least 30 minutes before serving
5. Bake up our sweet potato flax snacks
Even a beginner baker will succeed with our sweet potato flax seed dog cookie recipe. Just three ingredients!
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Sweet Potato Flax Snacks Dog Treats
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 2 Trays of cookies 1x
- Category: Treats
- Cuisine: Cookie Party
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Ground Flax Seed
- 1 1/4 cups Oat Flour
- 1 4 oz. Jars of Sweet Potato Baby Food
- 2 Tbsp water
Equipment
- Food Processor
- 2 Parchment-Lined Baking Sheets
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350º
Line two cookie sheets with parchment and set aside.
In the food processor, grind flax seeds to a powder. Add rolled oats and blitz until a floury texture is achieved.
Add the sweet potato and blitz to combine. Add water as necessary to achieve a well-mixed dough.
If the dough is way too sticky to work with, you can cover and refrigerate to give the flax time to finish expanding.
Use additional flour to roll out the dough,
Cut out cookies and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
*Optional: Beat one egg and apply to cookies with a pastry brush prior to baking.
