Horses and dogs and chickens, oh my!

Before we were supplying flaxseed to the food and supplement industries, we were selling to the pet food industry! Even today, a large part of our business is from pet food companies. We’ve supplied millions of tons of flaxseed to our furry friends and the country’s milk and egg producers.

Flaxseed is a great addition to pet food because it improves the silkiness and quality of dog and horse coats. In fact, flaxseed has been shown to improve pruritis in horses and atopic dermatitis in dogs. In horses, flax can help ease the symptoms of colitis which is a commonly encountered condition. Flax also supports the overall well-being of an animal because it is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids which work to lower inflammation. Just like in humans, omega-3 fatty acids are essential for dogs and horses and the ratio of omega-6:3 is important.

In the livestock industry, flax can increase the ALA omega-3 content in eggs, milk, and meat products when consumed by laying hens, cows, swine, and more. This can help producers differentiate their products and stand out with consumers who are increasingly conscious of incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into their diet. In societies where fish intake is low and people have an omega-6:3 ratio that is too high, omega-3 enriched animal products can go a long way in helping them increase their intake. In most cases, this will not require that consumers change their eating habits excessively.

Aquaculture is another industry where flaxseed has demonstrated potential. Farmed fish is a great alternative to wild-caught fish because it reduces impact on our already stressed oceans and freshwater resources. However, as the farmed fish industry grows, its ability to be sustainable will be important. One issue in the aquaculture industry is the heavy reliance on fish meal and fish oil in feed. The demand for fish meal/oil is outpacing supply. Partially replacing these products with plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids will help to increase sustainability and lower pressure on wild fisheries.

Our product offerings:

• Whole Pet Flaxseed
• Milled Pet Flaxseed (whole-milled for maximum omega-3 content)
• Available in Bags, Totes, & Bulk Trucks
• Golden or Brown Flax

Have a human-grade pet food product? Ask us about our pasteurized flaxseed products.

Want to incorporate flax into your business? Contact us for more details!