What are Chia Seeds?

Chia Seeds are derived from Salvia hispanica, a member of the mint family. They are approximately 1 millimeter in length and black or white in colour. Nutritionally both are very similar. This super food is nutrient dense supplying fibre (42%), vitamins, minerals, and are high in essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 at a high favourable ratio of 3:1. It is a source of cool calories with digestible energy.

It contains mucilage, a water-soluble fibre, that holds up to 27 times its own weight in water. When water is added the seeds become coated in a gel. This gel adds bulk to the hindgut which may help prevent sand colic. The mucilage along with quercetin, a biologically active flavonoid, help protect and heal the mucosal lining throughout the stomach and gastrointestinal tract.

Other nutraceutical benefits Chia seeds provide include weight management, joint and muscle support from the omega-3, skin and allergy support, and a healthy immune response due to the high omega-3 ALA content.

The high soluble fibre content slows the absorption of glucose helping modulate insulin spikes and other metabolic conditions making it safe for all horses. Hooves and hair benefit from the high-quality protein.