Jan 7

Jan 7 Fats, Flax & Chia

If your horse doesn’t have access to fresh grass, there is a chance they are missing out on healthy fats, omegas, and vitamin E. The best option for providing a necessary fat source, with a proper Omega 3:6 ratio, is to provide your horse with either ground flax (fresh or stabilized) or chia seeds (which can be fed whole).

Flax: Many owners choose flax as it is more economical and easier to buy in bulk.

Flax Sensitivities: However, flax seed is a common allergen and a phytoestrogen meaning it can be hormonally disrupting for some horses. Hoof or foot sensitivites can also appear with flax seed. It’s very important to remain aware when introducing or removing an ingredient such as flax seed.

Ground vs. Whole Flax: Flax also needs to be fed ground as horses aren’t able to assimilate nutrients from whole flax. It will glide right through their system if not ground into a fine powder.

Storing Ground Flax: Flax also requires proper storage, as it can go rancid easily, requiring an airtight container. Flax is especially prone to rancidty in a hot, humid, environment or one where you are not able to control the temperature.

Chia Seeds: Feeding chia seeds is more expensive unless you are able to buy and store them in bulk. Chia seeds have significantly less problems with storage and do not need to be ground.

Soaking: Both flax and chia have a mucilage property meaning that they absorb water and get slimy.

Soaking or hydrating is not required, however, I personally include chia seeds in my mares meals and soak it.

If chia seeds are not exposed to water before reaching the digestive system, there is a change they could pull hydration from the digestive tract as they are moving along - which is not something I want to play with.

Other Fat Sources with Inverted Omega Ratios:

It’s always best to be mindful of fat sources and their Omega3:6 profiles. The following fat sources have an inverted profile, meaning that they are higher in Omega 6’s which can actually be inflammatory. If feeding one of these, you should balance it out with another option accordingly.