Chia is a friend to the horse’s stomach
Chia seeds help balance a horse’s digestion and support the health of the stomach and intestines. If desired, chia seeds can be used instead of flaxseed, as chia offers similar gut-soothing benefits but with significantly higher nutritional value than flax. Chia seeds contain more omega-3 fats and vitamin E than many other seeds. They are also rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and contain plenty of protein. Chia is easy to use—there is no need to soak or crush it, and the seeds can be fed as-is or mixed into other feed.
Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber and contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Just one tablespoon of chia provides around six grams of gut-supporting fiber. Chia seeds absorb many times their weight in liquid, and the mucilage (gel) they form creates a protective coating on the intestinal lining, which slows the processing and absorption of sugars in the gut. Chia supports a horse’s metabolism and is well suited for horses prone to laminitis as well as those with metabolic syndrome. Forming a protective layer in the digestive tract can help reduce the risk of gastric ulcers and may speed up the healing of stomach ulceration. The gel formed by chia also helps cleanse the intestines and can support the removal of sand, as the high fiber content stimulates gut motility. The seeds can also be suitable for horses that suffer from occasional diarrhea. Chia promotes a feeling of fullness, making it a good support for weight management.
Manure consistency says a lot about the health of a horse’s digestive system: if the consistency is poor, nutrients likely have not been properly absorbed and there may be underlying issues in the gut. Chia can therefore help support what you might call the “perfect manure pile.”
