Chia Seeds for Horses: Health Benefits and Nutritional Value

Chia seeds are the seed of the Salvia Hispanica plant which is a member of the mint family. Chia seeds are tiny oval shaped seeds which are typically grey, black or brown in colour. Despite their small size, chia seeds are considered a ‘superfood’ packed full of many important nutrients and have numerous health benefits for horses.

Key Nutrients in Chia Seeds for Horses

Omega 3 Fatty Acids in Chia Seeds for Horses

Chia seeds are an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 is essential for promoting skin & coat health, maintaining hoof health, supporting the immune system and brain function. Omega 3 fatty acids also promote an anti-inflammatory response within the body making them beneficial for horses who require extra joint support and those with conditions affecting the respiratory system.

The Role of Protein in Chia Seeds for Horses

Chia seeds are considered a complete protein meaning they include every essential amino acid required in the diet. Dietary protein plays a number of roles in the body, it is required for muscle development and repair, is essential for healthy hoof growth, supports the structure of the skeletal system, tendons and ligaments and helps support the immune system. Older horses, young growing horses and those in higher work loads can all benefit from elevated levels of protein in the diet.

Fibre: Supporting Digestive Health in Horses

Chia seeds are a source of both soluble and insoluble fibre. They can act as a prebiotic, are great for maintaining gut mobility and supporting proper stool formation. Horses who frequently suffer from loose, runny droppings, faecal water syndrome and other conditions affecting the hind gut can benefit from being fed chia seeds. 

Horses who graze on sandy paddocks can benefit from having chia seeds added to their diet as their soluble fibre content helps rid the digestive system of sand and other debris, reducing the risk of sand colic.

Mucilage: Aiding Horse Digestion and Respiratory Health

Chia seeds have a high mucilage content meaning they form a thick gel like consistency when exposed to moisture. This gel can help soothe irritation in the respiratory and digestive systems and can help protect the stomach lining from acid splash. This makes chia seeds particularly beneficial for horses with a more limited appetite and those prone to developing gastric ulcers.

Antioxidants in Chia Seeds for Horses

Chia seeds are packed full of powerful antioxidants which help rid the body of toxins and protect cells from damage.

How Chia Seeds Can Benefit Horses Beyond Nutrition

As well as their nutritional benefits, chia seeds also offer a number of practical benefits. Chia seeds absorb up to 12 times their weight in water making them great for bulking out feeds (perfect for greedy horses and those on a diet). Their gel like consistency can also be used to disguise medications and supplements making them great for fussy horses who may turn their noses up at these. Feeding soaked chia seeds can be a great way to encourage water uptake during times where horses are less inclined to drink, reducing the risk of dehydration.

Feeding Chia Seeds: Easy Ways to Incorporate Them into Your Horse’s Diet

Chia seeds are super easy to feed, simply sprinkle on top of or mix in to your horse’s usual feed.  Chia seeds can be safely fed dry (they will absorb moisture in the digestive tract), if you would prefer to unlock their mucilage content prior to feeding, these can be soaked for a few minutes. Chia seeds can also be added directly to water buckets to encourage water uptake. Always ensure that a separate bucket of plain drinking water is made available too.

Why Choose Chia Seeds for Your Horse's Diet?

For an average horse we recommend feeding 30-60g of chia seeds per day depending on their individual requirements. If you have any questions regarding chia seeds or any of our other products please reach out to us and a member of the team will be more than happy to help.