Stomach ulcers are sores that form on the stomach lining. Stomach ulcers are a concerning issue, occurring in an estimated 50%-90% of horses. These sores on the lining of the stomach may affect horses at any age but most frequently occur in athletic animals that take part in racing, endurance, and showing activities. Gastric ulcers can be accurately diagnosed with stomach scoping by a veterinarian.
What are Some of the Common Signs in Horses with Stomach Ulcers?
Some of the common signs of stomach ulcers in horses are:
- Declining performance
- Irritability
- Girthiness
- Mild recurrent colic
- Weight loss
- Dull coat
- Teeth grinding
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy
While stomach ulcers are just one of the many equine health issues to consider, the good news is that natural supplements like Crooked Lane’s Chia Seeds may make a difference. Let’s take a closer look at chia seeds for horses in Australia and their potential benefits.
What are Chia Seeds?
Chia seeds have been touted as an equine superfood packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Chia seeds come from the desert plant Salvia Hispanica, a member of the mint family found in Mexico and the southwest United States. The seeds are very small, measuring just 2mm, but the nutritional content is high. By weight, they are 6% water, 46% carbohydrates (of which 83% is fibre), 34% fat, and 19% protein, and they are well-known for being rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, too.
Can Chia Seeds Prevent Equine Stomach Ulcers?
Chia seeds contain mucilage and quercetin that may help prevent stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal issues in horses by helping to protect and benefit healing the mucosal lining within the stomach and digestive tract. Mucilages, gums and pectin are water-soluble fibres found in chia seeds, and form a gel in water. This significantly benefits horses in two ways: It lowers circulating insulin by reducing glucose absorption. It reduces the incidence of sand colic by facilitating sand removal from the cecum. It works by increasing bloodflow and natural mucus production to protect the lining of the stomach and intestines. Crooked Lane Harvest chia seeds can help support healthy digestion for horses, dogs and cats, making them a popular choice for animal owners looking for premium human-grade food.
Other Health Benefits of Chia Seeds for Horses
While chia seeds for horses are linked to stomach ulcer prevention, there are other health benefits to consider when deciding what to feed horses. Chia seeds have strong high nutritional content which can support equine vitality, including the high-fat content and calories that help horses gain weight. At the same time, chia seeds may help overweight horses as they have been shown to be effective at lowering insulin levels, reducing inflammation, and supporting leptin resistance for weight loss.
One of the unique characteristics of chia seeds is their high content of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. About 75% of the fats in chia seeds consist of the omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), while about 20% consist of omega-6 fatty acids. In fact, chia seeds are the best-known plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids — even better than flaxseed.
Buy Black Chia Seeds for Horses in Australia
Black chia seeds for horses may help prevent stomach ulcers and other health problems. Stock up on premium chia seeds for horses Australia from the trusted team at Crooked Lane.
