FLAXSEED GOES TO THE DOGS

The movement by dog owners and concerned breeders to provide their dogs with the highest quality and most nutritious dog food, has led to a gradual return to natural type ingredients for use in animal feeds by the large dog food manufactures.

In the past, the major ingredient in dry foods was typically whatever grains had the largest surplus harvest. Traditionally, corn has been the number 1 surplus commodity on the harvested grain market, so it was not surprising to see on any list of dog food ingredients, that corn was the first item on the ingredient list.

Things have changed for the good for our dogs, as the demand for a better, more nutritious diet has forced the dog food companies to provide a more natural, more diversified, higher quality formula for our dogs. With this renewed interest in quality, some of the specialty grains have been targeted as outstanding sources as ingredients in the formulation in commercial dog foods.

Flaxseed is receiving a lot of attention for many reasons. While other plant seed sources like corn, sunflower, peanuts and others are great sources for the polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-6, flaxseed is one of a few vegetable sources that contain the essential fatty acid (EFA) omega-3.

How does it help your dog?

• Scientific studies concur about the health benefits for omega-3 fatty acids, which show that this type of fatty acid is required for infant growth and development.
• Other studies have shown that cholesterol is significantly lowered with the inclusion of flaxseed oil to the diet.
• New research also indicates that alpha-linolinic acid, one of the omega-3 fatty acids, aids greatly in the circulatory system and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
• Another beneficial side product of the omega-3 fatty acids is that it bolsters the autoimmune system and it's capacity to fend off immune disorders
• Another major plus for the addition of flaxseed to animal feeds is the high fiber value that it contains. While most other whole grains contain large amounts of one type of fiber, flaxseed contains both soluble and non-soluble fiber. Recent studies have shown that both types of fiber found in flaxseed are very important in different areas, with the soluble fiber aiding in the circulatory system and the insoluble aiding in the digestive process.
• In dogs who need higher amounts of high quality, easily digestible sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids, the addition of flaxseed in the diet is apparent in increased activity, healthier coats and skin and in a higher resistance towards diseases.

FLAXSEED DOGGIE TREATS

Ingredients

• ·         1 1/2 cups beef broth

• ·         1/2 cup milk

• ·         1 1/2 cups cornmeal

• ·         4 3/4 cups whole wheat flour

• ·         1/2 cup organic milled flaxseed

• ·         1/2 cup sesame seed

• ·         2 eggs

• ·         1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• ·         1/3 cup vegetable oil

Directions

Put all ingredients into a large bowl & blend until the ingredients are just combined. Allow dough to rest for 15 minutes before rolling it out on a lightly floured surface. Roll dough out to a uniform 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters. Bake in oven pre-heated to 350° for about 20-25 minutes.

You can air dry overnight to make them crunchier. They do freeze well.

Microwave Dog Biscuits

• ·         1 cup all purpose flour

• ·         1 1/2 cup non-fat dry milk powder

• ·         1 cup rolled oats

• ·         1/2 cup yellow cornmeal

• ·         1/4 cup milled flaxseed

• ·         1 t. sugar

• ·         1/3 cup shortening

• ·         1 egg slightly beaten

• ·         1 chicken bouillon, cube dissolved in1/2 c. hot water

Mix dry ingredients, cut in shortening, then stir in egg, then stir in the bouillon. When all is moistened, form dough into a ball and knead on floured board 5 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes. Arrange on a microwave safe plate and microwave at 50% (medium) for 5 to 10 minutes or until firm and dry to the touch. Rotate plate every 2 minutes and turn shapes over half way through the cooking time. Cool on a wire rack or paper towel. Shapes will crisp as they cool.

*** www.FlaxClub.com ***