1519 out of 4257 dog food brands currently retailing on Chewy as of October 2022 use flaxseed as one of the ingredients. As a percentage, this means that 35.6% of all dog food brands contain flaxseed and similarly, about 64.4% of all brands do not use flaxseed. In this guide, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of flaxseed as well as provide a list of dog food brands that do not use this ingredient.
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What is flaxseed?
Flaxseed is a type of seed that comes from the flax plant. This plant is native to the region stretching from the eastern Mediterranean to India. The flax plant has been cultivated for centuries for its fiber, which is used to make linen fabric. In recent years, flaxseed has become popular as a health food due to its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are beneficial for human health, but they are also necessary for the health of dogs.
The omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed can help to improve a dog’s coat and skin health, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system. Flaxseed is also a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate digestion.
What are the benefits of flaxseed for dogs?
The omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed are beneficial for dogs for the same reasons they are beneficial for humans. These fatty acids can help to improve a dog’s coat and skin health, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system. Flaxseed is also a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate digestion.
Read more about flaxseed safety for dogs, benefits and criticism here.
What are the drawbacks of feeding my dog recipe with flaxseeds and/or flaxseed oil?
There are a few potential drawbacks to feeding your dog a recipe with flaxseed or flaxseed oil.
- The first is that these ingredients can go rancid quickly. For this reason, it’s important to buy fresh flaxseed and store it in a cool, dark place. Flaxseed oil should be stored in the fridge.
- Another potential drawback is that flaxseed can interfere with the absorption of other nutrients, such as vitamins A, D, and E. For this reason, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before adding flaxseed to your dog’s diet.
Which brands use flaxseed in their dog food brands?
American Journey:
American Journey has 58 brands that use flaxseed ingredients, representing a tiny portion of all the 1519 brands that use flaxseed. As a percentage, this means that American Journey brands make up 3.8% of all brands that contain flaxseed and 96.2% of brands do not use this ingredient.
One of their leading brand, the American Journey Active Life Formula Lamb is touted by American Journey as having flaxseed and fish oil which provides omega fatty acids including DHA, which play a key role in overall health.
Blue Buffalo:
Both wet and dry dog food brand by Buffalo that includes both regular and veterinary diets use flaxseed as American Journey above. A review of all brands with flaxseed by Blue Buffalo revealed that it currently retails 151 flaxseed-inclusive diets which represents 9.9% of all brands that use flaxseed.
The Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Puppy Large Breed Chicken Recipe dry food contains flaxseed oil which provides the essential fatty acids that are necessary for puppies during their first year when they are growing at an accelerated rate.
- Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein Alligator Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
- Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet GI Gastrointestinal Support Low Fat Dry Dog Food
- Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet KS Kidney Support Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
- Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet W+U Weight Management + Urinary Care Chicken Wet Dog Food
Hill’s Prescription Diet:
39 brands by Hills use flaxseed as an ingredient which equates to 2.6% of all brands that use flaxseed. The Hills Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care with Chicken is a wet food diet made to help reduce urinary problems in adult dogs while also providing the nutrition they need to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.
What do other brands use instead of flaxseed?
There are a variety of other ingredients used in lieu of flaxseed by different brands.
Oils:
Vegetable oil, canola oil, coconut oil, and sunflower oil are all common oils used in dog food recipes. These oils provide essential fatty acids and calories. We also have a guide on dog foods without canola here
Fruits and vegetables:
Many brands use fruits and vegetables as sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Common fruits and vegetables used in dog food recipes include carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, blueberries, and spinach.
Protein sources:
Protein sources such as chicken, beef, lamb, fish, and eggs are common in dog food recipes. These ingredients provide the amino acids that are necessary for muscle growth and maintenance.
31 top-rated dog food brands without flaxseed (4.8/5+)
The table below shows a list of some of the most highly-rated brands that do not use flaxseed or flaxseed extracts including flaxseed oil;
| # | Name of Flaxseed-free brand: | Link to Chewy | Rating on Chewy | Price |
| 1 | Bil-Jac Grain-Free Adult Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food | https://www.chewy.com/bil-jac-grain-free-adult-chicken/dp/168851 | 4.9091 | $77.99 |
| 2 | Portland Pet Food Company Wally’s Salmon N’ Rice Homestyle Wet Dog Food Topper, 9-oz pouch, case of 4 | https://www.chewy.com/portland-pet-food-company-wallys/dp/279345 | 4.9091 | $27.96 |
| 3 | Cesar Classic Loaf in Sauce Porterhouse Steak Flavor Dog Food Trays, 3.5-oz, case of 24 | https://www.chewy.com/cesar-classic-loaf-in-sauce/dp/28915 | 4.907 | $25.92 |
| 4 | Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Medium Adult 7+ Dry Dog Food | https://www.chewy.com/royal-canin-size-health-nutrition/dp/48228 | 4.9062 | $22.99 |
| 5 | Jinx Freeze Dried Chicken Dry Dog Food Topper, 3-oz bag | https://www.chewy.com/jinx-freeze-dried-chicken-dry-dog/dp/394019 | 4.9024 | $9.99 |
| 6 | Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Poodle Adult Loaf in Sauce Canned Dog Food, 3-oz, case of 24 | https://www.chewy.com/royal-canin-breed-health-nutrition/dp/243946 | 4.9 | $53.28 |
| 7 | American Journey Savory Toppers Salmon Recipe in Gravy Grain-Free Dog Food Topper, 3-oz pouches, case of 24 | https://www.chewy.com/american-journey-savory-toppers/dp/313322 | 4.9 | $28.99 |
| 8 | Essence Limited Ingredient Recipe Landfowl Recipe Dry Dog Food | https://www.chewy.com/essence-limited-ingredient-recipe/dp/290664 | 4.9 | $90.99 |
| 9 | Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Sport Development 30/18 High Protein Puppy Food | https://www.chewy.com/purina-pro-plan-large-breed-sport/dp/379215 | 4.8947 | $83.98 |
| 10 | Cesar Classic Loaf in Sauce Beef & Chicken & Liver Recipes Variety Pack Dog Food Trays, 3.5-oz, case of 12 | https://www.chewy.com/cesar-classic-loaf-in-sauce-beef/dp/121546 | 4.8929 | $13.49 |
| 11 | Stella & Chewy’s Stella’s Solutions Healthy Heart Support Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food | https://www.chewy.com/stella-chewys-stellas-solutions/dp/243189 | 4.8889 | $29.99 |
| 12 | Cesar Simply Crafted Chicken, Carrots, Barley & Spinach Limited-Ingredient Wet Dog Food Topper, 1.3-oz, case of 10 | https://www.chewy.com/cesar-simply-crafted-chicken-carrots/dp/167945 | 4.8837 | $16.80 |
| 13 | AvoDerm Original Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food | https://www.chewy.com/avoderm-original-chicken-meal-brown/dp/31890 | 4.8785 | $52.99 |
| 14 | Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Loaf Canned Dog Food, 13.5-oz, case of 24 | https://www.chewy.com/royal-canin-veterinary-diet-adult/dp/35358 | 4.8769 | $105.36 |
| 15 | Cesar Backyard Cookout Variety Pack Grilled Chicken Flavor & Porterhouse Steak Flavor Wet Dog Food, 3.5-oz trays, case of 12 | https://www.chewy.com/cesar-backyard-cookout-variety-pack/dp/229987 | 4.875 | $13.49 |
| 16 | Forza10 Nutraceutic Active Line Colon Diet Phase 1 Dry Dog Food, 8-lb bag | https://www.chewy.com/forza10-nutraceutic-active-line-colon/dp/209805 | 4.875 | $51.99 |
| 17 | Cesar Classic Loaf in Sauce Top Sirloin & Grilled Chicken Flavors Variety Pack Dog Food Trays, 3.5-oz, case of 12 | https://www.chewy.com/cesar-classic-loaf-in-sauce-top/dp/114228 | 4.8732 | $12.48 |
| 18 | Purina Beneful IncrediBites Pate With Real Salmon, Tomatoes, Carrots & Spinach Wet Dog Food, 3-oz can, case of 24 | https://www.chewy.com/purina-beneful-incredibites-pate-real/dp/303339 | 4.8696 | $16.10 |
| 19 | Royal Canin X-Small Puppy Dry Dog Food | https://www.chewy.com/royal-canin-x-small-puppy-dry-dog/dp/37538 | 4.8693 | $17.99 |
| 20 | Tiki Dog Meaty High Protein Diet Chicken with Beef Recipe in Broth Grain-Free Wet Dog Food, 3-oz cup, case of 4 | https://www.chewy.com/tiki-dog-meaty-high-protein-diet/dp/213003 | 4.8667 | $8.36 |
| 21 | Cesar Classic Loaf in Sauce Filet Mignon & Porterhouse Steak Flavors Variety Pack Dog Food Trays, 3.5-oz, case of 12 | https://www.chewy.com/cesar-classic-loaf-in-sauce-filet/dp/114226 | 4.8658 | $12.48 |
| 22 | Eukanuba Senior Medium Breed Dry Dog Food | https://www.chewy.com/eukanuba-senior-medium-breed-dry-dog/dp/44873 | 4.8654 | $67.69 |
| 23 | Wellness CORE Bowl Boosters Digestive Health Dry Dog Food Topper, 4-oz bag | https://www.chewy.com/wellness-core-bowl-boosters-digestive/dp/291306 | 4.8621 | $9.27 |
| 24 | Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Selected Protein PW Large Breed Dog Food, 26.4-lb bag | https://www.chewy.com/royal-canin-veterinary-diet-adult/dp/34027 | 4.8621 | $137.99 |
| 25 | Nature’s Logic Canine Rabbit Feast All Life Stages Grain-Free Canned Dog Food, 13.2-oz, case of 12 | https://www.chewy.com/natures-logic-canine-rabbit-feast-all/dp/105607 | 4.8611 | $65.88 |
| 26 | Eukanuba Fit Body Weight Control Small Breed Dry Dog Food | https://www.chewy.com/eukanuba-fit-body-weight-control/dp/196379 | 4.8608 | $44.59 |
| 27 | Evolve Classic Turkey & Rice Recipe Canned Dog Food, 13.2-oz, case of 12 | https://www.chewy.com/evolve-classic-turkey-rice-recipe/dp/107590 | 4.8571 | $24.24 |
| 28 | BIXBI Rawbble Lamb Recipe Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food | https://www.chewy.com/bixbi-rawbble-lamb-recipe-grain-free/dp/244646 | 4.8571 | $60.49 |
| 29 | Ziwi Peak Mackerel & Lamb Recipe Canned Dog Food, 13.75-oz, case of 12 | https://www.chewy.com/ziwi-peak-mackerel-lamb-recipe-canned/dp/141892 | 4.8571 | $84.72 |
| 30 | Tender & True Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog Food, 13.2-oz, case of 12 | https://www.chewy.com/tender-true-limited-ingredient-salmon/dp/182782 | 4.8571 | $36.99 |
| 31 | Cesar Home Delights Grilled New York Strip Flavor with Vegetables in Sauce Dog Food Trays, 3.5-oz, case of 24 | https://www.chewy.com/cesar-home-delights-grilled-new-york/dp/137173 | 4.8571 | $25.92 |
| 32 | BIXBI RAWBBLE Fresh Chicken Recipe Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dry Dog Food | https://www.chewy.com/bixbi-rawbble-fresh-chicken-recipe/dp/255256 | 4.8571 | $69.12 |
| 33 | Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Adult 8+ Dry Dog Food | https://www.chewy.com/royal-canin-size-health-nutrition/dp/35421 | 4.8514 | $45.56 |
| 34 | Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Medium Aging 10+ Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag | https://www.chewy.com/royal-canin-size-health-nutrition/dp/48225 | 4.85 | $86.49 |
| 35 | Cesar Wholesome Bowls Beef, Chicken, Carrots, Barley & Green Beans Recipe Adult Soft Wet Dog Food Topper, 3-oz Bowl, Case of 10 | https://www.chewy.com/cesar-wholesome-bowls-beef-chicken/dp/389011 | 4.8473 | $17.36 |
| 36 | Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Chihuahua Adult Loaf in Sauce Canned Dog Food, 3-oz, case of 24 | https://www.chewy.com/royal-canin-breed-health-nutrition/dp/243944 | 4.8462 | $54.66 |
| 37 | Royal Canin Giant Junior Dry Dog Food | https://www.chewy.com/royal-canin-giant-junior-dry-dog-food/dp/48246 | 4.8462 | $78.99 |
| 38 | BIXBI Rawbble Pork Recipe Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food | https://www.chewy.com/bixbi-rawbble-pork-recipe-grain-free/dp/244650 | 4.8462 | $54.99 |
| 39 | Eukanuba Adult Lamb 1st Ingredient Dry Dog Food | https://www.chewy.com/eukanuba-adult-lamb-1st-ingredient/dp/121831 | 4.8455 | $67.69 |
| 40 | Cesar Loaf in Sauce Rotisserie Chicken & Filet Mignon Flavors Variety Pack Dog Food Trays, 3.5-oz, case of 12 | https://www.chewy.com/cesar-loaf-in-sauce-rotisserie/dp/114250 | 4.8454 | $12.48 |
| 41 | Eukanuba Senior Lamb 1st Ingredient Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag | https://www.chewy.com/eukanuba-senior-lamb-1st-ingredient/dp/121842 | 4.8451 | $73.99 |
| 42 | Cesar Wholesome Bowls Chicken, Carrots, Barley & Green Beans Recipe Wet Dog Food, 3-oz tray, case of 10 | https://www.chewy.com/cesar-wholesome-bowls-chicken-carrots/dp/295610 | 4.8438 | $17.36 |
| 43 | Sport Dog Food Active Series Tracking Dog Buffalo & Oatmeal Formula Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag | https://www.chewy.com/sport-dog-food-active-series-tracking/dp/172115 | 4.8421 | $75.95 |
| 44 | Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Mini Meals Chicken Pate Dog Food Pouches, 3-oz, case of 12 | https://www.chewy.com/wellness-core-grain-free-small-breed/dp/172346 | 4.8421 | $22.80 |
| 45 | Farmina Natural & Delicious Wild Herring Grain-Free Mini Breed Formula Dry Dog Food, 5.5-lb bag | https://www.chewy.com/farmina-natural-delicious-wild/dp/202232 | 4.8421 | $36.95 |
| 46 | Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Labrador Retriever Puppy Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag | https://www.chewy.com/royal-canin-breed-health-nutrition/dp/46464 | 4.8361 | $99.99 |
| 47 | Purina ONE +Plus Small Breed Lamb & Rice Formula Dog Food | https://www.chewy.com/purina-one-plus-small-breed-lamb-rice/dp/175432 | 4.8357 | $15.14 |
| 48 | Tiki Dog Raw Beef, Beef Liver & Beef Bone Broth Grain-Free Puree Frozen Dog Food, 24-oz tub, case of 3 | https://www.chewy.com/tiki-dog-raw-beef-beef-liver-beef/dp/285706 | 4.8333 | $48.93 |
| 49 | Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Golden Retriever Adult Loaf in Sauce Canned Dog Food, 13.5-oz, case of 24 | https://www.chewy.com/royal-canin-breed-health-nutrition/dp/165962 | 4.8333 | $40.68 |
| 50 | FirstMate Wild Pacific Salmon & Rice Formula Canned Dog Food, 12.2-oz can, case of 12 | https://www.chewy.com/firstmate-wild-pacific-salmon-rice/dp/249051 | 4.8333 | $48.24 |
| 51 | Tiki Dog Taste of Asia Chicken & Snow Peas Stir Fry Recipe in Broth Gluten-Free Wet Dog Food, 3-oz cup, case of 4 | https://www.chewy.com/tiki-dog-taste-asia-chicken-snow-peas/dp/212991 | 4.8333 | $7.16 |
| 52 | Tiki Dog Wildz Lamb Recipe with Lamb Liver, Lung & Kidney Grain-Free Wet Dog Food, 13.2-oz can, case of 12 | https://www.chewy.com/tiki-dog-wildz-lamb-recipe-lamb-liver/dp/213037 | 4.8333 | $49.99 |
| 53 | Wishbone Ocean Grain-Free Dry Dog Food | https://www.chewy.com/wishbone-ocean-grain-free-dry-dog/dp/122381 | 4.8333 | $69.47 |
| 54 | Dave’s Pet Food Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Delicate Dinner Dry Dog Food | https://www.chewy.com/daves-pet-food-chicken-meal-brown/dp/51593 | 4.8333 | $59.99 |
| 55 | Cesar Wholesome Bowls Variety Pack, Beef, Chicken, Carrots, Barley & Green Beans Recipe & Chicken, Apple & Sweet Potato Recipe Adult Soft Wet Dog Food Topper, 3-oz Bowl, Case of 6 | https://www.chewy.com/cesar-wholesome-bowls-variety-pack/dp/389015 | 4.8333 | $10.42 |
| 56 | BIXBI Liberty Fisherman’s Catch Grain-Free Dry Dog Food | https://www.chewy.com/bixbi-liberty-fishermans-catch-grain/dp/281252 | 4.8333 | $15.99 |
| 57 | Merrick Backcountry Grain-Free Real Beef & Chicken Dinner Variety Pack Wet Dog Food, 12.7-oz can, case of 12 | https://www.chewy.com/merrick-backcountry-grain-free-real/dp/291240 | 4.8333 | $41.99 |
| 58 | Forza10 Nutraceutic Active Dermo Dry Dog Food | https://www.chewy.com/forza10-nutraceutic-active-dermo-dry/dp/209814 | 4.8333 | $89.99 |
| 59 | Freely Vegetarian Recipe Whole Grain Dry Dog Food | https://www.chewy.com/freely-vegetarian-recipe-limited/dp/253667 | 4.8333 | $34.99 |
| 60 | Royal Canin Starter Mousse Mother & Babydog Canned Dog Food, 5.1-oz, case of 24 | https://www.chewy.com/royal-canin-starter-mousse-mother/dp/299094 | 4.8318 | $59.76 |
| 61 | Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Wet Dog Food | https://www.chewy.com/purina-pro-plan-veterinary-diets-en/dp/57318 | 4.8287 | $46.99 |
| 62 | Eukanuba Adult Small Bites Dry Dog Food | https://www.chewy.com/eukanuba-adult-small-bites-dry-dog/dp/118410 | 4.8283 | $61.49 |
| 63 | Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Dry Dog Food | https://www.chewy.com/purina-pro-plan-veterinary-diets-en/dp/50010 | 4.8254 | $109.99 |
| 64 | Cesar Wholesome Bowls Chicken, Apple & Sweet Potato Recipe Adult Soft Wet Dog Food Topper, 3-oz Bowl, Case of 10 | https://www.chewy.com/cesar-wholesome-bowls-chicken-apple/dp/389013 | 4.8242 | $17.36 |
| 65 | Purina Beyond Small Dog White Meat Chicken, Barley & Egg Recipe Dry Dog Food, 14-lb bag | https://www.chewy.com/purina-beyond-small-dog-white-meat/dp/129814 | 4.8194 | $32.98 |
| 66 | Cesar Classic Loaf in Sauce Oven Roasted Chicken Flavor Dog Food Trays, 3.5-oz, case of 24 | https://www.chewy.com/cesar-classic-loaf-in-sauce-oven/dp/114222 | 4.8182 | $28.56 |
| 67 | American Natural Premium Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food, 33-lb bag | https://www.chewy.com/american-natural-premium-chicken-meal/dp/200684 | 4.8182 | $70.95 |
| 68 | BIXBI Liberty Rancher’s Red Fresh Beef, Lamb & Goat Dry Dog Food | https://www.chewy.com/bixbi-liberty-ranchers-red-fresh-beef/dp/281256 | 4.8182 | $68.99 |
| 69 | Purina Pro Plan Sport Development 30/20 Chicken & Rice High Protein Puppy Food | https://www.chewy.com/purina-pro-plan-sport-development/dp/379204 | 4.8182 | $65.98 |
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Hello! My name is George Romell and recently joined Our Pets HQ to oversee quality and provide oversight in content being published. I am originally from the North West but currently reside in Upstate New York and work as a freelance journalist with a focus on dogs and cats. Here at Ourpetshq, I will be responsible for editing and improving older content that may have missed editorial checks. You can reach me at george@ourpetshq.com
