Triple Crown Flax Seed Benefits: Better Horse Feed

Flax Seed Benefits: Benefits of Feeding Ground Flax Seed to Horses

by Amy M Gill, PhD

The idea of feeding flax seed to horses is not new. Many generations of horse men and women have recognized the outward signs of health exhibited by horses fed a ration that contains flax seed. On the back side of racetracks and in many feed rooms, flax seed can be found in various forms. Cooking flax is a common practice as is grinding it and then mixing it into the horse feed. Because the Omega 3 fatty acids are very unstable, they must be handled with extreme care or they become oxidized and rendered ineffective. Heat, light and oxygen will rapidly cause oxidation of an Omega 3 fatty acid. Until recently, any product that contained high levels of Omega 3’s had to be manufactured with minimal processing and then refrigerated and kept from light and oxygen. Triple Crown Nutrition is changing that by introducing into the market a new form of stabilized flax seed called Omega Max that can be stored for up to two years without becoming oxidized.

Benefits of Flax Seed

How exactly does flax seed benefit the horse? There ARE actually several health benefits derived from flax seed when added to horse feed on a regular basis. One clear benefit is the soluble fiber or mucilage contained in the seed. This fiber holds a lot of water which helps to keep the digestive tract hydrated and be useful therefore in preventing impaction colic. Soluble fiber is also a very good source of fermentable material for the microbial population that resides in the equine digestive tract. Keeping the microbial populations stabilized and in high concentrations is paramount to keeping the horse healthy.

Perhaps more important is the dramatic effect of Omega 3 fatty acids on many physiological systems of living creatures. Studies in humans have indicated that the inclusion of omega 3 fatty acids in the diet are helpful in controlling high blood pressure, heart disease and ulcers and could potentially assist in the strengthening of a weak immune system. The impact of omega rich oils on the horse is under investigation and studies thus far have indicated improvements in general health, performance, immune function and reproductive function.

The reason for adding Omega 3 fatty acids to the diet is very simple. Both omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are essential fatty acids (EFA’s). This means that they are not produced within the body and, therefore, must be provided in the diet. EFA’s can be found in varying concentrations within a number of sources. The best sources of omega 3s, or the sources with the highest concentrations, are fish oils (which are often recommended for human benefit) and ground flax seed.

Omega 3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation in the tissues of horses. Inflammation can be a result of too much hard work, illness and disease or fast growth in young horses. Horses in training undergo strenuous exercise on a routine basis. Working at such a physically demanding level will most often lead to a degree of inflammation, particularly of the joints and other structures within the leg. Omega 3 fatty acids also help reduce inflammation in the body by helping the body to produce compounds called prostaglandins which play a regulatory role in the inflammatory process.

Prostaglandins are responsible for functions such as

• Reducing pain


• Dilating or constricting blood vessels


• Maintaining the fluidity of cellular membranes


• Transporting oxygen from red blood cells to tissues


• Decreasing inflammation

All cells, including red blood cells, have a membrane that regulates movement of materials into and out of the cell. Omega 3 fatty acids help to make the membrane more permeable which helps to move nutrients into the cell and waste products out of the cell much easier.

Other Benefits of feeding supplemental EFA’s include:

• An increase in strength and stamina, due to positive effects on the endocrine system producing the hormones and enzymes necessary for enhanced athletic performance.


•  Increased insulin sensitivity and efficiency, promoting the synthesis of muscle, and the ability of cell to utilize nutrients efficiently.


• Improved ability to transport and utilize oxygen, hence improved stamina.


• Increased elasticity of connective tissue and bone density


• Improved recovery time from exercise and injury will be shortened because of the factors listed above and due to the enhanced immune system. The immune system is suppressed by intense exercise and plays an important role in recuperation. A suppressed immune system leads to over training, injury, and poor performance.


• Improved permeability of cellular membranes, allowing improved nutrient uptake and removal of toxic metabolites resulting from intense bouts of exercise

Feeding EFA’s  HAS  also been shown to improve respiratory conditions and help accelerate the healing of quarter cracks and other skin and hoof disorders. Several studies have also shown improved quality of semen characteristics in stallions supplemented with omega 3 fatty acids. The addition of EFA’s to the diet will help to not only keep horses healthier and performing well, and may help contribute to reduced veterinary costs.

So check out the new stabilized flax seed product from Triple Crown Nutrition called Omega Max. Flax seed is great to add to your horse’s feed and now it is easier to use and store!

Fish Oil, a direct source of both DHA and EPA is also available from Triple Crown.