- The highest omega fatty acid content in the plant kingdom helps the horse achieve a shiny coat and healthy, strong mane and tail hair.
- Fatty acids help with skin care. Chia can also help in managing sweet itch.
- Chia contains plenty of high-quality protein and is a good protein supplement. Chia contains an essential amino acid for horses—lysine—which is often present only in relatively small amounts in hay and oats.
A horse must receive enough amino acids in the correct ratios from its diet in order to build proteins. If any amino acid is available in too small an amount (a so-called limiting amino acid), it limits the body’s protein synthesis even if other necessary amino acids are available in sufficient quantities.
- Chia seeds gel and support gut wellbeing. The gel forms a protective layer on the surface of the gut, which supports normal stomach function. A healthy gut can utilise nutrients efficiently for the body’s needs and helps horses that lose weight easily maintain muscle mass. The protective layer may also speed up the healing of gastric ulcers.
- Chia helps stabilise blood sugar and slows the processing and absorption of carbohydrates in the intestines. Chia may be beneficial, for example, for horses with Cushing’s disease or horses prone to laminitis.
- Chia seeds contain a lot of fibre. A fibre-rich diet activates intestinal function. An active gut, together with chia gel, helps move sand out of the horse’s body.
- Adequate fibre intake is important for maintaining the horse’s fluid balance. Fibre in the large intestine binds water for the body’s needs.
- Chia supports metabolism and is a good “cleansing” food for the body. In some horses, chia may initially cause increased urination due to the elimination of waste products. A well-functioning metabolism benefits, for example, horses suffering from metabolic syndrome and obesity.
- Chia contains many minerals, such as magnesium. Magnesium also alleviates stress and tension, so it may be helpful for stress-sensitive horses and horses that struggle with concentration.
- Chia seeds contain many vitamins, including vitamin B3. Vitamin B3 is involved in the production of sex hormones and stress hormones. For this reason, chia may help regulate the oestrous cycle in mares and ease heat-related symptoms.
