What Are Chia Seeds?
Chia seeds are a great supplement to any diet. They are small seeds harvested from Salvia hispanica found in Central America. Their strong nutrient profile has made them more popular in the past few years. Chia seeds contain essential fats, proteins, fibers, and minerals. They are really a nutrient powerhouse.
Nutritional Profile of Chia Seeds
Chia seeds have several beneficial qualities. In particular, chia seeds are packed full of omega-3 fatty acids. These acids improve coat health, reduce inflammation, and help with weight loss. It also contains amino acids that help with muscle maintenance and growth. Chia seeds are very high in fiber, which is excellent for gut health and digestion.
They are full of minerals such as:
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Calcium
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Phosphorous
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Magnesium
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Flavonoids
Just 1 ounce of chia seeds contains:
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5000 mg of Omega-3
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4-5 g of Protein
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11-12 g of Fiber
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180 mg of Calcium
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95 mg of Magnesium
Forms of Chia Seeds Available for Horses
Chia seeds are sold in several varieties. While horses can eat chia seeds whole, they often don’t digest them fully. Grinding the seeds makes digestion easier. To further slow the digestion of the chia seeds, you can buy chia gel or soak your ground chia seeds in water. Along with their health benefits, chia seeds also help horses stay hydrated.
It is recommended to start with 1 tablespoon of chia seeds per day. Over time, increase the dosage to 3 tablespoons per day for young and active horses.
Benefits of Chia Seeds for Horses
Chia seeds are incredibly beneficial for horses from head to tail. Particularly, chia seeds help improve:
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Skin Quality
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Coat Quality
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Digestive Function
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Joint Health
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Weight Control
Skin and Coat Condition
The omega fatty acids in chia seeds improve both skin and coat health. They reduce dry skin and moisturize the coat. Also, the antioxidants in chia seeds improve skin health. Horses in cold, harsh conditions get the most skin and coat benefits from chia seeds.
Improved Digestive Health
Chia seeds combine with water to form a hydrogel in the digestive tract. This helps regulate the entire system, bowel movements, and avoids constipation. It slows digestion down, which promotes nutrient absorption. Owners have seen some benefits with colicky horses after adding chia seeds to their diet.
Joint Health Support
Omega-3 is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce inflammation throughout the entire body. Horses especially feel the benefits in their joints. Those with stiffness or arthritis often feel better when chia seeds are added to their diet.
Weight Management Assistance
When chia seeds mix with water in the digestive tract, they help slow down digestion. This helps horses feel fuller for longer and avoid overeating. Owners can properly control caloric intake with this supplement. Not only do chia seeds slow digestion, but they also provide tons of fats that provide energy to help with exercise.
