Chia seeds
Salvia hispanica
Mechanism
Chia seeds supply alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid, as well as swellable mucilage and dietary fibre. Omega-3 fatty acids are discussed in connection with coat/skin quality and the balance of inflammatory mediators. To assess this honestly, the conversion of ALA into the longer-chain EPA/DHA is only limited in the horse; marine sources supply EPA/DHA directly. Controlled equine studies specifically on chia are rare.
Cautions
- · ALA-to-EPA/DHA conversion is limited in the horse — for direct EPA/DHA consider a marine source
- · Swellable mucilage: offer sufficient water/moisture
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Is Chia seeds a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?
Equiterna classes Chia seeds as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.
Is Chia seeds allowed at FEI competitions?
In the profile, Chia seeds is listed with the FEI status “Not listed”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.
Which dosage do the sources give for Chia seeds?
Stated in the profile: approx. 50–100 g seeds/animal/day (large horse), with sufficient water/moist feed, introduce gradually. This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.
Which sources are there for Chia seeds?
The profile cites: NRC 2007, PMID:19395432, and EFSA FEEDAP.
Usage note
This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.
“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”
Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.