Flaxseeds are a wonder food for horses. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, soluble fibres, and tons of nutrients, flaxseeds make an excellent supplement for horse nutrition. At Kitchenhutt, our large section of customer base consists of horse keepers who regularly buy flax seeds online at wholesale prices to feed their equine.

Using flax as horse feed has many benefits, most of which come from the high essential fatty acids (EFAs) content. If you want to ensure your equine's health, flaxseed feed is a way to go. Here, learn some significant health benefits of flaxseeds for horses and how they can improve your health.

Health benefits of flaxseeds for horses

Offers a cool energy source

Fat is regarded as a cool energy because it keeps horses calm. Giving your horse flaxseed feed can help prevent those blood sugar spikes, which may be one of the reasons for their agitated behaviour. Also, fat is a lightly absorbing nutrient for horses' guts and produces less heat than protein and carbohydrates.

Regulates ALA : LA ratio in the diet

Flax seeds are a rich source of Alpha-Linolenic Acids (ALA), Linoleic Acids (LA) or Omega-3 and Omega-6. These are essential fatty acids (EFAs) that a horse's body can't produce. So, adding them to your equine's diet can help increase the ratio of these fatty acids, especially in horses who are on a hay or grain-based diet and don't have access to fresh pasture.

Improves your horse's coat shine

Fat-based diets in horses increase sebum production. Sebum is an oily substance that many mammals' skins produce, including horses. It makes your equine coat shiny and lustrous. Moreover, higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in a horse's diet can also contribute to healthy skin and coat.

Prevents skin allergies in horse

Research suggests that flax's fatty acids can prevent sweet itch or recurrent seasonal pruritus and hypersensitivity from insect bites caused by the Culicoides midge. In the study, horses were fed one pound of flaxseed powder per 1000 lb of body weight for 42 days. Researchers found that this diet helped reduce allergen sensitivity in horses.

Betters nutrition absorption

Initial research in human and animal models suggests that flaxseeds can increase nutrient absorption. It primarily increases the absorption rate of fat-soluble Vitamins like A and D and other substances like curcumin from turmeric. However, whether or not flaxseed and oil's high-fat content would have a similar effect on horses is unknown.

Acts as a protein source

Protein is an essential nutrient for horses. It supports the growth of muscles, improves their function, and builds and repairs tissues. Flaxseeds are considered a protein powerhouse. Whole seeds and ground flax contain about 18% of protein. It has an excellent amino acid profile like Soyabean with high levels of amino acid lysine.

Reduces insulin resistance

Flaxseeds are a safe option for horses with insulin resistance, PPID, and PSSM, who must avoid non-structural carbohydrates like starch and sugar. Moreover, equines with metabolic dysfunction may also benefit from other plant compounds, like phytonutrients, found in flaxseeds.

Aids in better digestion

Flaxseeds are high and soluble and insoluble fibres, including pectin and mucilage. These two fibres bind the substances and add bulk to stool, thus improving digestion. In addition, they also create a soothing gel that soothes the digestive tract and decreases the chances of ailments.

Prevents excessive lactic acid build-up

During intense training and practice, horses must depend on anaerobic glycolysis to maintain high speed. It is a fast way to generate Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) metabolically.

However, anaerobic glycolysis increases high levels of lactic acid accumulation, which promotes fatigue development as muscle pH starts to fall. Flaxseeds help prevent this excessive lactic acid accumulation. And it also regulates enzymes and hormones that increase speed and endurance.

Assist in horse breeding

Omega-3 fatty acids help both broodmares and stallions with reproductive benefits. These EFAs are essential for stallions to increase sperm count. Similarly, Omega-3 improves the consistency of the mare's cycle.

Moreover, due to the enhanced hormonal profile, pregnant mares can also benefit from omega-3, which is also transferred to foals, offering them high infection resistance.

Conclusion

Flax is a wonderful way to increase the nutritional benefits of your horse's diet and boost their health and wellness. If you are looking to source quality flaxseeds, we are here for you.

Kitchenhutt is a leading spice supplier in South Africa, delivering high-quality seeds across the country. Our selection procedure entails strict quality checks, which enable us to procure flaxseeds with higher oil levels, making them a perfectly healthy horse feed for your equine.

Our nationwide delivery services allow you to order your seeds from any corner of the country and deliver them to your doorstep. So, visit our website and get a quote right now.