Module 18: Pet Wellness

Where Family Wellness Extends to Four-Legged Family Members

Barlean's has always been about family wellness, and for so many families, pets are family. This training is about extending the same quality omega-3 nutrition we provide for humans to furry four-legged family members. We're covering joint health, skin health, and coat quality, all supported by plant-based omega-3s specifically formulated for pets.

What This Training Covers

• Why pets need omega-3 supplementation — and the answer might surprise you
• How flax oil supports pet health across multiple areas
• Why the pet formula includes natural preservatives — this is a question you'll definitely get, and the answer is actually really interesting
• Serving sizes for different animals, from cats to horses
• How to recommend to pet parents and identify perfect customers for pet wellness products

Why Pets Need Omega-3s

Here's the problem: Commercial pet foods often lack omega-3 fatty acids. Why? Because omega-3s can go rancid, which limits shelf life, so manufacturers leave them out. It's a business decision, not a nutrition decision.

The result is that many pets are deficient in these vital nutrients, and that deficiency shows up in visible ways:

• Dull, dry coat
• Itchy, flaky skin
• Joint stiffness
• Low energy

If a pet parent describes any of these symptoms, omega-3 deficiency could be a factor.

Here's something important about veterinarian recommendations: Vets routinely recommend omega-3 supplementation. It's one of their top non-pharmaceutical suggestions for pet health. It's mainstream veterinary advice.

Now, here's something fascinating about pets and supplements: Pets don't have placebo effects. They either feel better, or they don't. When omega-3s work for pets, the results are real and visible. There's no "I think it's helping" with a dog. They either stop limping, or they don't. They either scratch less, or they don't. The results speak for themselves.

Flax Oil for Animals — The Solution

Barlean's solution is Flax Oil for Animals, a plant-based omega-3 specifically formulated for pets of all sizes.

Product details:

• Pure flaxseed oil rich in omega-3 ALA essential fatty acids
• Cold-pressed for freshness
• Includes natural preservatives: rosemary extract and mixed tocopherols (vitamin E)
• 12-ounce bottle

What it supports:

• Joint health and mobility — supporting comfortable movement
• Skin health — soothing dry, itchy skin
• Coat quality — promoting a shiny, lustrous coat
• Eye health — supporting healthy vision
• Overall well-being — filling the omega-3 gap in pet diets

Why flax specifically for pets?

• Plant-based, which means it's gentle on digestion
• No fishy smell or taste — and trust me, that matters when you're adding something to your pet's food every day
• Very well tolerated by most pets
• Easy to add to food — just drizzle it on

The Natural Preservatives Question

This slide addresses a question you will absolutely get from customers, so pay attention to this one.

The question: "Why does the pet flax oil have added ingredients when human flax oil doesn't? Are you giving pets lower quality oil?"

The answer: Actually, it's the opposite. The natural preservatives — rosemary extract and mixed tocopherols — are added specifically to protect the oil and keep it safe for pets.

Think about how humans take flax oil versus how pets consume it:

Human flax oil: Gets taken straight from the spoon or mixed into food immediately. Minimal air exposure. Consumed quickly.

Pet flax oil: Gets poured onto pet food in a bowl. It sits exposed to air, light, and environmental elements. The pet may eat slowly over time or come back to the bowl later.

Here's the science: Flax oil begins to oxidize the moment it hits air. For humans who take it quickly, this isn't an issue. But when poured onto pet food and left sitting in the elements, oxidation can make the oil go rancid, which is not good for your pet.

The solution: Natural preservatives. Rosemary and vitamin E protect the delicate omega-3s from oxidation while sitting in the food bowl. This keeps the oil fresh and safe for pets.

So when customers ask this question, you can confidently tell them: It's actually more care, not less. The pet formula is specifically designed for how pets eat.

Serving Sizes for All Animals

This product works for animals of all sizes:

Small animals:

• 5 to 10 pounds: ½ teaspoon daily
• 10 to 20 pounds: ¾ teaspoon daily

Medium to large dogs:

• 25 pounds and up: 1 teaspoon per 25 pounds of body weight
• Example: A 25-pound dog gets 1 teaspoon. A 50-pound dog gets 2 teaspoons. A 75-pound dog gets 3 teaspoons, and so on.

Larger animals:

• 100 pounds and up: 1 tablespoon per 100 pounds of body weight

Horses and show cattle:

• 4 ounces daily

How to give it: Simply drizzle it over your pet's regular food. Most pets love it. Flax has a mild, slightly nutty taste — nothing fishy.

Storage: Refrigerate after opening to preserve freshness. This is the same guidance we give for human flax oil.

Visible Results Pet Parents Will Notice

Coat improvements:

• Shinier, more lustrous coat
• Less shedding
• Softer fur texture

Skin improvements:

• Less itching and scratching
• Reduced flaky, dry skin
• Healthier skin overall

Mobility improvements:

• More comfortable movement
• Easier time getting up and down
• More active and playful

Here's what customers have said: "Both dogs love it on their food." Another customer said, "I decided to add this to all of my dog's food." Really, customers just love it. It's always a very positive experience.

Important note on timeline: Results may take several weeks of consistent use. Encourage pet parents to be patient and consistent, because this isn't a quick fix. It's nutritional support that builds over time.

Most pet parents notice coat and skin improvements within four to six weeks of consistent use. Joint support may take a little longer.

Who Are the Perfect Customers for Flax Oil for Animals?

Pet parents with:

• Dogs or cats that have dull, dry coats
• Pets that scratch a lot or have itchy skin
• Older pets showing joint stiffness
• Pets on commercial kibble diets — remember, those diets often lack omega-3s
• Show animals that need coat shine for competition

What types of animals?

• Dogs of all sizes and breeds
• Cats
• Horses
• Show cattle
• Any other companion animals

Cross-Selling Opportunity

There's a great cross-selling opportunity here. Pet parents who buy supplements for themselves are often looking for the same quality for their pets.

If someone buys Barlean's flax oil or fish oil for themselves, ask about their furry family members. The conversation is natural: "Do you have pets at home? We make a flax oil specifically formulated for animals. Same Barlean's quality for their pets."

Common FAQs and How to Answer Them

• "Why does this have added ingredients when your human flax oil doesn't?" Great question! The natural preservatives — rosemary and vitamin E — are there to protect the oil. Flax oxidizes when exposed to air. When you pour it on pet food and it sits in the bowl, it needs that extra protection to stay fresh and safe. It's actually more care, not less.
• "Can I just give my pet the human flax oil?" Technically, yes, but the pet formula is specifically designed for how pets eat, with natural preservatives to protect the oil while it sits in their food bowl exposed to air. The pet formula is safer for the way pets consume it.
• "My pet is picky. Will they eat it?" Most pets love it! Flax oil has a mild, slightly nutty taste — no fishy smell like fish oils. Just drizzle it over their regular food. Start with a smaller amount and work up to the full serving size if needed.
• "How long until I see results?" Most pet parents notice coat and skin improvements within four to six weeks of consistent daily use — that's the key. Joint support may take a bit longer, but consistency is key.
• "Is it safe for cats?" Yes! Flax Oil for Animals is safe for cats, dogs, horses, and other companion animals. Just follow the serving size guide based on their weight.

Key Takeaways

The product: Flax Oil for Animals in a 12-ounce bottle. Cold-pressed pure flaxseed oil with natural preservatives — rosemary and tocopherols — to protect the oil in the food bowl.

Serving sizes:

• 5 to 10 pounds: ½ teaspoon
• 10 to 20 pounds: ¾ teaspoon
• 25 pounds and up: 1 teaspoon per 25 pounds
• 100 pounds and up: 1 tablespoon per 100 pounds

What it supports: Joint health and mobility, skin health, coat quality and shine, eye health, and overall well-being.

Key talking points for your conversations:

• Fills the omega-3 gap in commercial pet foods
• Plant-based with no fishy smell or taste
• Natural preservatives protect the oil in the food bowl — that's more care, not less
• Omega-3s are a vet-recommended supplement category
• Same Barlean's quality for the whole family

The Big Picture

Pet parents want the best for their animals, and they trust brands they already know. When someone already uses Barlean's products for themselves, extending that trust to their pet is natural. And for new customers, the pet product can actually be an entry point to the whole Barlean's line.

Coming Up Next: Training on Digestive & Greens — Stomach Repair, Intestinal Repair, and Greens products.