Thank you for your recommendations. I see that Wysong uses a great deal of flax seed meal as a source of omega 3 fatty acids in the dry formulas. It is my understanding, however, that most dogs cannot convert the inactive ALA contained in flax to an active form of fatty acid. So, flax seed actually increases the ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 therefore causing inflammation and allergies. Since some of my dogs already are prone to allergies, I should stay away from foods containing flax seed. Is this correct?
Answer:
If you do an Internet search on flax seed you will uncover thousands of scientific articles proving its benefits in animals and humans. You will also find evidence of the conversion to antiinflammatory longer chain omega-3 fatty acids.. Although we don't use a "great deal" of flax in some of our products, it is used for the benefits derived. Our experience with tens of thousands of animals through multiple generations for some 30 years is health, not increased susceptibility to allergy or inflammation.
We also use the flax for its unique ability to stabilize the omega-3s (EPA, DHA) from other sources in our products.
If you desire is to more dramatically boost EPA and DHA, we would recommend the following supplements:
Marine Lipids,
Krill Oil,
EFA with Fish Oil,
Omega-3 Spectrum Pet or fresh foods.
For more information, see Dr. Wysong's books,
Lipid Nutrition and
The Truth About Pet Foods.
Please also follow this link for more information about allergies and pets:
http://www.wysong.net/pet-health-and-nutrition/the-food-allergies-are-cured-myth.php.
