Chia has an excellent protein profile
Proteins are one of the key foundations of a horse’s diet. They are essential building blocks the horse needs for tissue maintenance, growth, pregnancy, milk production, and muscle work. The amount of protein required depends on the horse’s physiological needs. Growing foals and pregnant mares need plenty of protein to build new tissues. Adult horses, on the other hand, use protein mainly to maintain existing tissues. Horses in heavy work need more protein than horses at rest.
Too little protein intake can impair a sport horse’s performance and may lead to weight loss. In pregnant mares, protein deficiency may cause miscarriages or reduce milk production in a lactating mare. Lack of muscle, a poor coat, or hooves that grow poorly can be signs of inadequate protein. On the other hand, too much protein can also cause problems. Excess protein may show up as digestive disturbances, nervousness, or increased urination.
Proteins are made up of chains of amino acids, and the horse cannot store amino acids in the body. For this reason, the quality of dietary protein is important. If one amino acid is insufficient, it affects the body’s protein synthesis even if other amino acids are available. Most often, the limiting amino acid in horses is lysine, as hay and oats contain relatively little of it.
Good sources of protein include soybean meal, milk powder, alfalfa pellets, high-quality silage, as well as flax, hemp, and chia seeds. A hay analysis is an important tool for planning an appropriate diet. Support is also available through the Hevostietokeskus Hopti feeding program.
Source: Hevostietokeskus
