Phytotherapy

Sunflower seeds

Helianthus annuus

Mechanism

Sunflower seeds are fat- and energy-rich and supply predominantly the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid as well as appreciable amounts of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol). Traditionally they are fed to support coat shine and as an energy carrier. From a nutritional physiology standpoint, the omega-6 weighting must be noted: a favourable ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 in the overall ration should be maintained, which is why a high dose alone without omega-3 compensation is not recommended.

Cautions

· Strongly omega-6-weighted — keep an eye on the omega-3:omega-6 ratio of the overall ration
· High fat/energy content — dose cautiously in overweight/EMS-prone horses
· Hulls can impair acceptance/digestion in sensitive horses (use hulled if needed)

Sources

NRC 2007NRC — Nutrient Requirements of Horses (Fett/Energie, Fettsäuren)

GfE 2014GfE — Empfehlungen zur Energie- und Nährstoffversorgung von Pferden

EFSA FEEDAPEFSA — Bewertung von Sonnenblumenprodukten als Futtermittel

Equiterna Score

57/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety7/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

Dosageapprox. 50–100 g/animal/day (large horse) as a supplement, account for fat/energy in the ration

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyWith caution

Evidenceemerging

Frequently asked questions

Is Sunflower seeds a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?

Equiterna classes Sunflower seeds as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.

Is Sunflower seeds allowed at FEI competitions?

In the profile, Sunflower 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 Sunflower seeds?

Stated in the profile: approx. 50–100 g/animal/day (large horse) as a supplement, account for fat/energy in the ration. This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.

Which sources are there for Sunflower seeds?

The profile cites: NRC 2007, GfE 2014, 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.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

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.

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