CHIA SEEDS

DO THEY HAVE A ROLE?

Chia seeds are small, round seeds generally considered healthy additions to human diets. The seeds come from the plant Salvia hispanica, a member of the mint family native to parts of Mexico and Guatemala. According to various studies and reports, chia seeds support cardiovascular and digestive health, reduce inflammation, and help control diabetes.

DID YOU KNOW?

Unlike with flaxseeds, as discussed in the last issue, the delicate surface of the chia seed breaks apart easily in the presence of moisture, so there is no need to grind them before consumption.

CHIA SEEDS FOR HORSES

While the positive effects of chia have yet to be scientifically studied in horses, it is not uncommon for horse owners to supplement equine diets with this ‘superfood.’ Anecdotal benefits of chia seeds for horses include improved skin and coat health, as well as digestive and immune support.

Chia seeds contain a whole host of great nutritional elements. They are a rich source of fat and essential fatty acids, including omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, chia seeds are the richest plant source of omega-3 fatty acids, according to the Harvard School for Public Health.

Chia seeds also feature a complete source of protein, meaning they contain all the amino acids that the body cannot make itself and must be consumed in the diet. They are also a rich source of antioxidants, fibre, calcium, phosphorus and zinc.

When chia seeds are soaked, the fibre portion forms a mucilage, which is a sticky, gelatinous substance. This mucilage is one reason some horse owners opt to feed chia seeds to horses diagnosed with gastric ulcers. The belief is that the mucilage coats the ulcers and supports healing; however, no research supports this claim.

A NOTE ON OMEGA-3 AND CHIA SEEDS

The primary omega-3 fatty acid in chia seeds is alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA, which must be converted in the body to the bioactive forms docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Unfortunately, the conversion rate is relatively low. In a review study, it was noted that the conversion rate of ALA to EPA and DHA in humans is approximately 8-10% and that this is likely similar in horses. Ultimately then, even with chia seeds, additional supplementation with EPA and DHA directly was recommended.

HOW TO FEED

There is no suggested serving size of chia seeds for horses. A typical serving for humans is approximately two tablespoons (30 ml) according to instructions on store-bought chia seeds, so it is reasonable to estimate that this amount is too small for maximum benefits for a 500kg horse. If feeding chia seeds to a horse, soak them and mix with a small amount of soaked forage cubes, pellets, or concentrate (according to the horse’s regular diet) to minimise the risk of the small seeds irritating or getting stuck in the airway. Consult an equine nutritionist for guidance on how to safely add chia seeds to a horse’s diet.

FINAL THOUGHTS

In summary, chia seeds are packed with nutrients and have the potential to be a useful supplement in horse diets. Their high-fat content may support healthy skin and coat, but the proper serving for horses has not been determined.

References: Harvard Medical School. Chia seed benefits: What you need to know. Harvard Health Publishing. Tess, T., and T. Ross-Jones. 2014 Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in horses. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia 43(12).