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Chia, hemp, and flaxseeds are nutrient-dense superfoods recognized for his or her well being advantages. Every has distinctive properties that may contribute to a balanced weight-reduction plan and total well-being. However is that this the case for our canines as effectively?
Somebody not too long ago requested me to elucidate the distinction between flaxseeds and flaxseed oil. This query led me down a rabbit gap so deep that I ended up tossing the bottom flaxseed powder I had together with the chia and hemp seeds.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids in Seeds
One of many foremost causes folks beneficial chia, flax, and hemp seeds was the Omega-3 fatty acids they dropped at the weight-reduction plan. However, I can not completely agree that these are viable sources for canines.
When alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a sort of omega-3 fatty acid, is consumed, the physique can convert it into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), that are the extra biologically energetic types of omega-3 fatty acids. Nonetheless, the conversion price of ALA to EPA and DHA within the physique is restricted and inefficient, with various estimates starting from as little as 1% to as much as 9% for EPA and even decrease for DHA, which is why plant-based sources of Omega-3 fatty acids aren’t beneficial for canines.
Attributable to this low conversion price, acquiring EPA and DHA instantly from dietary sources like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines) or salmon oil (I take advantage of Life Line Pet Merchandise) is usually beneficial to make sure enough consumption of those important fatty acids.
Whereas sources of ALA, corresponding to chia seeds, flaxseeds, and hemp seeds, are helpful for total well being, they could not present important quantities of EPA and DHA in comparison with direct meals sources or dietary supplements that comprise EPA and DHA.
Advantages of Chia Seeds, Hemp Seeds, and Flaxseeds
So, if our canines aren’t gaining the best Omega 3 fatty acids, what are the advantages of those seeds?
Chia Seeds
- Chia seeds are wealthy in fiber, antioxidants, and minerals like calcium and magnesium.
- They’re recognized to assist digestive well being, coronary heart well being, and weight administration and may also help stabilize blood sugar ranges.
- Chia seeds have a excessive antioxidant content material that may assist cut back irritation and fight oxidative stress.
Hemp Seeds
- Hemp seeds are an amazing supply of protein, vitamin E, and minerals like magnesium and zinc.
- They assist coronary heart well being, cut back irritation, increase immunity, and assist muscle restoration.
Flaxseeds
- Flaxseeds are wealthy in lignans (capabilities as antioxidants), fiber, and antioxidants.
- They’re recognized to assist coronary heart well being, decrease levels of cholesterol, cut back irritation, and enhance digestive well being.
Flaxseeds vs. Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed offers further protein, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Flaxseed oil is usually beneficial (for people) for the Omega-3 fatty acids. Nonetheless, as a result of the ALA must convert to EPA and DHA, the quantity of fatty acids absorbed is minimal. Due to this fact, I do not consider flaxseed oil gives many advantages for canines.
Methods to Put together Seeds for Consumption
Seeds have a protecting shell that reduces or prevents the absorption of the vitamins they bring about to the weight-reduction plan. Due to this fact, it is important to know the easiest way to organize the seeds for consumption
Chia Seeds
Make a chia seed pudding by mixing the chia seeds with filtered water, bone broth, or uncooked goat’s milk. Let it sit within the fridge in a single day to thicken. I add a teaspoon to my canines’ meals.
Hemp Seeds
Utilizing shelled hemp seeds (additionally known as hemp hearts), add a teaspoon to meals or make “hemp milk” by mixing hemp seeds with water and a pinch of sea salt.
To make hemp milk, combine 1/2 cup of shelled (hulled) hemp seeds with 3-4 cups of filtered water and a pinch of sea salt in a high-speed blender and blend till effectively mixed.
Flaxseeds
It is best to grind flaxseeds (or buy floor flaxseeds) for canines to soak up the vitamins; in any other case, the seeds will move by way of their digestive system. As soon as floor, flaxseeds could be added to meals.
Dosage for Canine
You’ll be able to search on-line and discover numerous dosage suggestions. When you work with a nutritionist or holistic veterinarian, I recommend asking them for his or her ideas since they know your canine.
For my canines, I take advantage of the next dosage quantities:
- Chia Seeds – I add one teaspoon of chia pudding to my canines’ meals, mixing it into their uncooked mix as a supply of fiber and antioxidants.
- Hemp Seeds – I add 1/2 to at least one teaspoon of shelled or floor hemp seeds to my canines’ meals to cut back irritation and as a supply of fiber.
- Flaxseeds – I add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoons to my canines’ meals to cut back irritation and as a supply of fiber.
Buying and Storing Seeds
I buy licensed natural merchandise, together with chia and hemp seeds from Costco and natural floor flaxseeds from an area retailer. This deep dive taught me that these seeds do not have an prolonged shelf-life.
- Chia, hemp, and flaxseeds needs to be saved in hermetic containers in a cool, darkish place to stop oxidation. They’ll final for a number of years if saved this manner and saved within the unique package deal.
- When shopping for a big bag of seeds, you’ll be able to lengthen their shelf life by storing them within the fridge or freezer.
- Chia pudding and hemp milk last as long as 5 days within the fridge.
I used to switch my seeds to a sealed glass container. Right now, I depart them within the unique package deal till I open the bag. At that time, I retailer the seeds within the fridge.
Closing Ideas
Chia seeds, hemp seeds, and flaxseeds provide many well being advantages. However after studying extra about these entire meals, I consider chia and hemp seeds are one of the best investments for my canines. I add them to my canines’ weight-reduction plan as a pure supply of fiber and antioxidants, and I recognize the anti-inflammatory advantages.
I am not suggesting flaxseeds aren’t helpful for canines; they’re simply not excessive on my record when searching for seeds.
Learn Extra About Seeds
