Equine Chia Supplement Review

With so many different supplement options available on the market, I am excited to be able to tell you about a supplement that has impacted the health and well-being of my mare in such a positive way. I have owned Mary, my Off the Track Thoroughbred (OTTB), since she was six years old (she is currently 13). During the time I have owned her, she has always held tension in her muscles and was a bit more on edge than many of the other horses in the barn. This past November, I decided to try Mary on a new supplement — Equine Chia. I had heard many great things about the product, and I wanted to see how it could benefit my sensitive Thoroughbred mare. Initially, I was drawn to chia seeds because of their high magnesium content,  which can have a naturally calming effect on horses. And I have now noticed that Mary definitely has lower levels of anxiety and a more even-keel temperament since she began her regime of chia seeds.

Chia seeds are the seeds of the plant Salvia hispanica, which is actually a member of the mint family. The seeds are grown in a variety of different areas, with China and Mexico being some of the largest chia seed producers. The seeds are known to be a superfood and have a wide number of benefits for horses and humans alike. Chia seeds have been consumed since ancient times, they are a whole food source of vitamins, minerals, and omega oils. They are high in antioxidants, which help to mitigate the effects of free radicals in the body. Typically horses find chia seeds to be highly palatable, and easily eat the Equine Chia supplement when top-dressed on their grain or on chopped hay, in fact, many horses will eat the chia seeds on their own! The suggested feeding starts at a ⅓ cup daily and increases to ⅔ cup a day for horses in heavy workloads, breeding stock, or horses that are prone to digestive issues. I feed Mary the recommended 1 scoop maintenance dosage (⅓ of a cup).

Behavioral regulation is only the beginning of the benefits that I saw from feeding Mary chia seeds. Putting Mary on chia seeds from Equine Chia has made a world of a difference both internally and externally for her body. Chia seeds aid in maintaining a healthy gut by helping the digestive tract be more efficient and keeping foodstuffs moving due to the seeds high fiber content — there is also some evidence that feeding chia seeds can help to prevent sand colic. Many equestrians have as well found that they are wonderful for soothing ulcers in horses. With that said, I have noticed that Mary is much more comfortable in her hindgut because she seems to be less girthy and is less sensitive in the stomach and flank area, while also being more willing to step underneath herself with her hind legs and use herself correctly while being ridden. I take comfort knowing that this supplement is helping to safeguard her against digestive upset. Many studies have shown that supplementing your horse with chia seeds helps to build a stronger immune system and gastrointestinal tract.

The natural, anti-inflammatory effect of the omega fatty acids in chia seeds has also had a positive effect on Mary’s joints. She moves comfortably and freely throughout all of our training sessions. Mary and I compete in eventing, so I like knowing that I am supporting her joints as much as possible because she works hard for me under saddle. Chia seeds are also a complete protein source, which has helped Mary to build muscle, particularly over her topline.

Chia seeds are very high in both omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which has thoroughly improved Mary’s skin, coat, and hoof quality. My farrier cannot say enough good things about her hooves. They are in the best condition they have ever been within the seven years I have owned her. Also, her coat has become so soft, shiny, and glossy! It feels like silk and she radiates health from the inside out. You can learn more about the benefits of omega fatty acids as well as what they are by reading our blog post, Essential Omega Fatty Acids. 

Additionally, chia seeds have a number of benefits for horses with metabolic disorders. I am fortunate that Mary has a normal metabolism and can process sugars correctly, but is it good to know that chia seeds promote healthy blood sugar levels. Because of this, many horses who are prone to laminitis or insulin resistance do well on chia seeds to help prevent laminitic events.

Historically, Mary had also been a horse that has been really difficult to keep weight on, but since putting her on chia seeds she is now one of the easiest keepers in the barn. I attribute this to many essential minerals in chia seeds, including manganese, phosphorus, copper, selenium, iron, magnesium, and calcium, as well as her healthier digestive tract. I know that this supplement will be a part of Mary’s diet for years to come!

I am overall thrilled with the outcome that I have received from this product! I recommend Equine Chia to anyone who is looking to increase their horse’s well-being. Chia seeds from Equine Chia have many benefits that will promote a happy and healthy horse.

Kate Blanchard is a Sales Associate at The Cheshire Horse. She has been with us for seven years and is known for her positive demeanor and deep knowledge of the horse industry. She enjoys spending time with her family and horse, Mary, as well as her two dogs, a Chocolate Lab named Custer and a Cavapoo named Luca.