Linseed cake meal

What is linseed cake meal?

Linseed cake meal is a by-product of linseed oil production. The linseed is pressed to extract the valuable oil. The solid residue that results is ground into a coarse flour. This flour is called linseed cake meal or linseed press cake.

Linseed cake meal still contains a residual amount of linseed oil, which is between 10 and 20 percent, depending on the production process. It is also rich in fiber, protein, minerals and vitamins. Particularly noteworthy is the high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for the health of the skin, coat, heart and brain.

How does linseed cake meal work for dogs?

Linseed cake meal has several positive effects for dogs. Firstly, it can aid digestion as it is swellable and therefore increases the volume of faeces and stimulates intestinal movement. This can help with constipation or diarrhea. Secondly, it can improve skin and coat health, as it has an anti-inflammatory effect and supports the formation of skin lipids. This can help with dry skin, dandruff or itching.

Linseed meal can also strengthen the immune system, as it has an antioxidant effect and increases the body's defenses. This can help with infections or allergies. Finally, linseed cake meal can also protect the cardiovascular system, as it lowers cholesterol levels and regulates blood clotting. This can help with heart problems or arteriosclerosis.

How do you feed linseed cake meal to dogs?

Linseed cake meal can be given as a supplement to normal food. Care should be taken not to feed too much, as this can lead to flatulence or diarrhea. A rule of thumb is that you should not give more than one teaspoon of linseed cake meal per day per 10 kilograms of body weight.

You should also make sure that the linseed cake meal is always freshly mixed and not stored for more than a day. This is because linseed oil can quickly become rancid and then lose its beneficial properties. It is best to mix the linseed cake meal with a little water or quark and then add it to the feed.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of linseed cake meal for dogs?

Linseed cake meal has many advantages for dogs, as described above. It is a natural and cheap source of omega-3 fatty acids and other important nutrients. It can help with various ailments or simply improve a dog's well-being.

However, linseed meal also has some disadvantages that should be considered. Firstly, it can lead to intolerances in some dogs, such as gastrointestinal complaints or allergic reactions. On the other hand, excessive consumption can lead to an overdose of omega-3 fatty acids, which in turn can have negative consequences such as an increased tendency to bleed or an impairment of the immune system.