Nutrition
The name Chia is derived from the Aztec word, chian, meaning oily. It is an ancient grain being rediscovered with balanced nutritional components. These tiny seeds are highly palatable. Chia is easy to feed, Horses love it.
Chia has a proper 3:1 ratio of omega-3 oil to omega-6 oil; with 20-30% protein, 35% oil, 25% fibre. Unlike flaxseed, chia seed has it's own antioxidants which enable storing for long periods without becoming rancid and don't require grinding (whole flaxseed is tough to digest). Chia provides fibre (about 2 tablespoons—20 g—gives 8.25 g of fibre) as well as important minerals, including a proper ratio of calcium to phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, niacin, zinc and boron, a catalyst for the absorption of calcium.
Chia is an oil seed: two-thirds of Chia oil is Omega-3 essential fatty acid (polyunsaturated). In addition to Chia's high Omega-3 content, Chia has vitamins for balanced nutrition: vitamins B1, B2, B3.
Chia and Omega Oils
Chia is high in the magic Omega's. Chia seeds contain 32-34% oil. Even more important is the crucial balance of 3 times more Omega 3 than Omega 6 in Chia. Two-thirds of Chia oil is Omega-3 essential fatty acid (polyunsaturated) while only 10% are saturated fatty acid. Because Omega-3 sources are becoming increasingly scarce in the world, we need to turn our attention to Chia.
Fresh green grass, a horse's natural diet, is very low in fat at only 4% to 6%. But horses do require a dietary intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fats because the body can't manufacture them.
Grasses contain anywhere from four to six times as much omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid as they do omega-6 alpha-linoleic acid. This means that a horse would normally take in a much higher level of omega-3s than omega-6s. Unfortunately, omega-3 fats are very fragile. When grass is cut, the omega-3 content is rapidly lost. The omega-6 fatty acids are a bit more resistant to breakdown. Hay, therefore, is lower in omega-3 compared to omega-6 than fresh grass.
The situation just gets worse if you feed vegetable oils, grains, seeds, or high-fat seed meals. These are also high in omega-6 fatty acids. In comparison, Chia oil is 62-64 percent, flaxseed oil is 58 percent, menhaden fish oil is 29 percent.
The only readily available feed ingredient, high in omega-3 fatty acids—without processing—is Chia seed.
Chia and fibre —
Chia is hydrophilic; the gelatinous property of the seeds (upon getting wet in the gut) clears grass colic more effectively than expensive psyllium products. It has the capacity to absorb large amounts of liquid, increasing the volume passing through the digestive tract, stimulating the intestinal transit. This important feature clears grass and debris out of the horse's gut naturally, assists with regulating stool movement, helps prevent colic and diverticulitis.
Because Chia is a natural seed, and easily digestible, it can be safely fed daily. This virtually eliminates the need for psyllium products. Chia is a safe and natural way to clear colic.
Chia is high in fibre, providing 27.6 grams of fibre for every 100 grams of seed.
Chia and Protein
Chia Seeds contain all the essential amino acids. Chia has 19-23% protein content, which is more protein than traditional grains such as wheat (13.7%), rice (6.5%), corn (9.4%), barley (12.5%) and oats (16.9%). Research performed on Chia's digestibility and biological value has proven that Chia is an excellent protein source.
There are no limitations in Chia's amino acid content, therefore, it can be included in the horse diet to improve protein balance by itself or when mixed with other grains.
Chia Vitamins and Minerals
Chia Seed is an ancient wonder food—a whole food source of balanced ratios of vitamins, minerals and Omega oils.
Chia seeds are an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, and copper.
Chia is a rich source of Vitamin B, with a higher niacin content than corn, rice or even soy. Its thiamine and riboflavin content is similar corn and rice.
