19/03/2025
It’s all in the Flax 🦄
Is flaxseed better than flax oil ❓
Personally I think it is, and here is why.
(But like I always say feed what you like)
✔️ There is more nutrients available in flax seed it contains -protein fiber and natural antioxidants
✔️ Flax seeds are more stable than oil, oil can turn rancid quickly.
✔️ Flax seed support the gut with fiber which helps digestion and support a healthy microbiome.
✔️ Flax seeds naturally are slow release fat, since fat is within the seed it's released more gradually making it easier to digest and pure oil.
Let's look at the different flax seed options.
✨WHOLE FLAX
It is more stable but harder to digest, it can be fed whole as most horses do digest the whole flax seed well or it can be soaked for 10 minutes in cold water before feeding or it can be ground freshly daily.
✨GROUND FLAX
It is more digestible, easier to absorb the nutrients but it needs to be stored correctly to prevent it going rancid it needs to be used up quickly.
✨STABILISED GROUND FLAX
It is processed to prevent rancidity low heat is used to deactivate it and added antioxidants slow down the oxidisation there is a longer shelf life on it 6 to 12 weeks and more. Compared to one to two weeks for freshly ground flax. Stabilised flax is easy to store and there's no grinding needed.
👉Whichever flax you decide to use let's look at the benefits.
*Antiinflammatory
*Coat and hoof health
*Helps to balance a high omega 6 intake
*Support healthy weight gain
*Support energy requirements
Daily feeding is recommended as omega trees are not stored in the body long term.
🚨All new foods need to be introduced slowly gradually over 7-10.
👉Amounts to be fed
For coat and hoof support 2 to 4 ounces daily.
For anti-inflammatory purposes 4 to 8 ounces daily.
For weight gain 8 to 6 ounces daily.
From metabolic support 4 to 6 ounces daily.
No need to boil flax seed research shows cyanide compounds are not a concern in reasonable feeding amounts.
If you are concerned about your horses health always contact your vet.
R. Kelly Equine Herbalist
Keep it real.