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 Expert
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Location: IL | thoughts on feeding flaxseed?? Experiences with it?? |
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 Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
Location: North Dakota | Every horse should have it! Good for skin hair hooves. Extra fat for shine! |
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 Good Grief!
Posts: 6343
Location: Cap'n Joan Rotgut.....alberta | if i could only pick one thing to feed it would be whole flax for sure....
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 I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | I use to feed it all the time but quit when I added Renew Gold to my feeding program. |
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Good Grief!
Posts: 6343
Location: Cap'n Joan Rotgut.....alberta | we cant get renew gold up here.....
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 Namesless in BHW
Posts: 10368
Location: At the race track with Ah Dee Ohs | Our feed store has a mix they developed that they add flaxseed to. |
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Expert
Posts: 2335
Location: IL | I can get Renew gold ordered in, but it is just to expensive. I want to add whole flaxseed to our horses' diet. I have read good things about it.  |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 477
Location: Lost in the swamps | Love flax!! My horses look like a million bucks on it! |
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Veteran
Posts: 111
| Ive used it for years! love it! |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 528
Location: Its Freaking Freezing Up Here... | Probably one of the best, and cheapest products you can feed. Full of Omega 3's. |
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Expert
Posts: 1207
| Has anyone tried the Omega Horseshine? Also should flaxseed be given to an overweight horse if you are trying to get the weight off? |
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Veteran
Posts: 242
Location: Nowhere Land | Im curious if you were to feed real Flax to a horse, milled or unmilled.. what would the dosage be? Does anyone have experience with this? Omegas play a big roll in recovery for horses, and has anti inflammatory properties. All around a great supplement to have your horses on.. however I was wondering about the dosage of real flax... |
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Expert
Posts: 2335
Location: IL | I'm going to start feeding whole flaxseed. It's not getting grinded or boiled. It is supposed to be 1 cup a day. You work your way up to a cup. Do not feed more than 1 cup. |
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Expert
Posts: 1611
| merdth6 - 2015-02-17 2:12 PM
I'm going to start feeding whole flaxseed. It's not getting grinded or boiled. It is supposed to be 1 cup a day. You work your way up to a cup. Do not feed more than 1 cup.
I want to start doing just full seeds as well! I'm tried of paying for stabilized flax that costs so much you can't feed a full cup to the whole barn. |
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Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
Location: North Dakota | fyi, my mill grinds (rolls) flax here a couple days a month, I buy a ground flax most of the time (especially in the wintertime). I have always fed it up before it went rancid, I have 5 horses and feed a cup of the ground per day. I also keep my feed in an old freezer for freshness. |
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  Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | THE has it in their supplements. I think Flax or Flax products are the best thing out there. |
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Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | I wouldn't hesitate to feed it. I feed Renew Gold because I like the benefits of coconut and rice bran as well. |
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Expert
Posts: 2335
Location: IL | wyoming barrel racer - 2015-02-17 3:48 PM THE has it in their supplements. I think Flax or Flax products are the best thing out there.
So if you were feeding THE products would you add flaxseed to this, or will it be too much? |
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Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | merdth6 - 2015-02-17 2:59 PM wyoming barrel racer - 2015-02-17 3:48 PM THE has it in their supplements. I think Flax or Flax products are the best thing out there.
I stopped feeding it myself. If you want some added shine to the coat just add their hair & coat blend. I don't think it would be too much, but I feel it has enough myself. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 600
Location: Oklahoma & Texas | I love it.. can see a difference in coats/hooves/manes/tails.. and I feed it both in an all around supplement and I feed Renew Gold.. |
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 ...Dot Dot Dot...
Posts: 2062
Location: SW New Mexico | I feed it whole, barely a half a cup twice a day,and mix 1 cup rice bran, and 1/2 cup rolled oats .
That's all he gets. 2 x daily, with free choice Bermuda and alfalfa 2 x day.
It has made a difference in Brother Dave's coat, mane, tail, feet, and his well being.. he feels good. :)
Edited by jettster 2015-02-17 10:14 PM
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Forever Tan
Posts: 2925
Location: Wisconsin | I've got a question, do you feed ground up flax or whole seeds? I've heard stories not to feed the whole seeds and then some do? I know ground flax doesn't have as long as a shelf life. Curious if it's ok or not to feed whole? |
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Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | painthorse7796 - 2015-02-18 3:21 PM I've got a question, do you feed ground up flax or whole seeds? I've heard stories not to feed the whole seeds and then some do? I know ground flax doesn't have as long as a shelf life. Curious if it's ok or not to feed whole?
some say the whole seeds get wasted and come right out whole in the manure. But the shell of the seed itself has many benefits and I am the only one that clean pens/stalls and I don't see the seeds when I clean pens. |
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Regular
Posts: 82
| Where do you all purchase your flax seed? I've seen it in grocery stores but it doesn't look like TSC carries the seed - just oil. Do I need to try a local feed mill or is the stuff you buy in the grocery store the same thing? Is there a specific brand you recommend? |
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 It's not my fault I'm perfect
Posts: 13739
Location: Where the long tails flow, ND | I get mine at local elevators, varies from 10-20 dollars for a 50lb bag in my area  |
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...Dot Dot Dot...
Posts: 2062
Location: SW New Mexico | I buy from the local feed store.
It comes in #50 bags..... about $30 bucks a bag here..
I store it in a barrel. It lasts about 6 months for 2 horses!
:) |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 396
| I feed whole. I'm feeding 1/2 cup this winter but will increase the 1 cup this summer.
Mine is $39 for 50lb sack from a local feed mill. |
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 Expert
Posts: 5290
| You can also feed BOSS which is readily available at tractor supply. |
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 Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | FLITASTIC - 2016-01-20 11:19 PM You can also feed BOSS which is readily available at tractor supply.
BOSS has a drastically different fatty acid profile. If you're looking for omega 3, that's not a good choice. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 413
| so more than 1 cup is "too much"?
I'm just asking because I feed 2/3 of a cup, I grind myself, right before feeding. but they also get probably 5 pounds of Omnis cubes. Trey Dove, this would be a good question for you! how much flax would be in that little of Omnis? I wouldn't imagine I am "over feeding," flax in this scenario. |
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 Total Germophobe
Posts: 6437
Location: Montana | Does it help keep weight on besides the other benefits? Been looking into rice bran products that are cost effective. I want to feed good stuff, but I also have to budget. And, like others have mentioned, does the flax seed oil do as good of a job? As it is more readily available for horses rather than flax seed (at least where I am). Has anyone used Omega Horseshine? It is a flax supplement (ground flax seed and oats as its main ingredients). I mostly want to know if it helps with weight besides rice bran? Also, are there any feeds that have rice bran and flax besides Renew Gold? It is out of my budget and I don't know that we have a dealer near where I live (I actually haven't been able to find out!). Mostly need a weight/condition builder without adding hotness. Thanks!
Edited by mtcanchazer 2016-01-21 11:31 AM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 672
| Thecowgirlinme - 2016-01-21 10:28 AM
so more than 1 cup is "too much"?
I'm just asking because I feed 2/3 of a cup, I grind myself, right before feeding. but they also get probably 5 pounds of Omnis cubes. Trey Dove, this would be a good question for you! how much flax would be in that little of Omnis? I wouldn't imagine I am "over feeding," flax in this scenario.
I think 8oz is what Tdove said to feed, which is 1 cup. I hope he sees this and can confirm. |
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Expert
Posts: 2335
Location: IL | You can use flaxseed oil. I buy mine at the local feed store for $20 50lb bag. BOSS is also very good for horses. I choose the flax because of the omega 3's. Aids in joints, tendons, recovery. All around good for the horse. If your horse is over weight you don't want to give them a cup because it is additional calories. I feed the flaxseed whole, no grinding. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1066
| I feed 1/2 cup flax, 1/4 tsp organic Turmeric, a few grinds if black pepper, Noni, whole oats, and beet pulp- all that twice daily. My fatty is staying in great shape, and hubby's hard keeping calf horse is keeping weight on. I wouldn't feed more flax because I feel it would be wasteful. If I need to add weight I would add more oats and beet pulp to their diets, and if they're getting too chubby I would cut back on the oats and beet pulp. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1079
Location: MN | cavyrunsbarrels - 2015-02-17 4:58 PM
I wouldn't hesitate to feed it. I feed Renew Gold because I like the benefits of coconut and rice bran as well.
Just a question about feeding renew gold...has it made your feeding program cheaper? im really looking into trying to get it to the small town i live in but i know it is pretty pricey for just a 30lb bag. You can PM me if you want so i dont steal this thread! |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 851
Location: West Texas | Thecowgirlinme - 2016-01-21 10:28 AM
so more than 1 cup is "too much"?
I'm just asking because I feed 2/3 of a cup, I grind myself, right before feeding. but they also get probably 5 pounds of Omnis cubes. Trey Dove, this would be a good question for you! how much flax would be in that little of Omnis? I wouldn't imagine I am "over feeding," flax in this scenario.
Most recommended amounts are 4-8 ounces and some up to 16 ounces (1 lb). 2/3 cup should be about 5-6 ounces and 5 lbs of Omnis would contain about 2 ounces for a total of 7-8 ounces.
Daily I feed 8 ounces to most and some up to 10 ounces or so. |
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Expert
Posts: 5290
| How hard is it to grind flax?? Never used it in its raw form. I called my feed store and they carry it by the 50 pound bag so picking up some to try! |
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It's not my fault I'm perfect
Posts: 13739
Location: Where the long tails flow, ND | FLITASTIC - 2016-01-21 2:34 PM How hard is it to grind flax?? Never used it in its raw form. I called my feed store and they carry it by the 50 pound bag so picking up some to try!
It isn't just buy a little grinder. Just time consuming and it doesn't keep as long ground as it does whole. I feed 5 horses so I just feed it whole and haven't had a problem and am seeing benefits of course ;) |
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Total Germophobe
Posts: 6437
Location: Montana | SmokinGirlie - 2016-01-21 1:39 PM FLITASTIC - 2016-01-21 2:34 PM How hard is it to grind flax?? Never used it in its raw form. I called my feed store and they carry it by the 50 pound bag so picking up some to try! It isn't just buy a little grinder. Just time consuming and it doesn't keep as long ground as it does whole. I feed 5 horses so I just feed it whole and haven't had a problem and am seeing benefits of course ;)
My mom used to grind it for our use with just a coffee grinder. The seeds aren't tough at all. I know they're good for you, just trying to see the best options! |
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Expert
Posts: 2335
Location: IL | FLITASTIC - 2016-01-21 2:34 PM How hard is it to grind flax?? Never used it in its raw form. I called my feed store and they carry it by the 50 pound bag so picking up some to try!
You don't have to grind them....I feed them whole. |
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Expert
Posts: 2335
Location: IL | Tys-ol-lady - 2016-01-21 12:17 PM I feed 1/2 cup flax, 1/4 tsp organic Turmeric, a few grinds if black pepper, Noni, whole oats, and beet pulp- all that twice daily. My fatty is staying in great shape, and hubby's hard keeping calf horse is keeping weight on. I wouldn't feed more flax because I feel it would be wasteful. If I need to add weight I would add more oats and beet pulp to their diets, and if they're getting too chubby I would cut back on the oats and beet pulp.
I would watch adding more oats. Oats can make them pretty hot. I experienced this with my gelding and it took a good week for him to go back to normal. There is alot of starch in oats and the stomach can only break down so much. Then what is left over moves into their hindgut and causes problems with acidosis. Just an FYI If you are trying to put weight on I would add more flaxseed and give more better quality hay. |
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Expert
Posts: 5290
| merdth6 - 2016-01-21 1:10 PM
FLITASTIC - 2016-01-21 2:34 PM How hard is it to grind flax?? Never used it in its raw form. I called my feed store and they carry it by the 50 pound bag so picking up some to try!
You don't have to grind them....I feed them whole.
Whole it is!!!! |
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Veteran
Posts: 169
| I took an equine nutrition course and horses can not digest whole flax seeds. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 851
Location: West Texas | You might could ask for your money back. Respectfully, it probably wasn't the only misinformation they taught. I've been learning that for some time now.
Edited by Tdove 2016-01-21 8:34 PM
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Expert
Posts: 3300
| Grind It with a coffee grinder... They can't digest it fully whole |
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| Yes, they can digest it. I could tell a big difference in my horses after I started feeding whole flaxseed. They used to say horses couldn't digest whole oats, you needed to feed crimped oats, but that wasn't right either . |
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Expert
Posts: 5290
| I just started with a 1/4 cup last night!! My horses LOVE IT... I put some in my mouth and chewed... Very soft outer shell. IMO if your horse can't chew a flax seed, you have BIG PROBLEMS> |
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Expert
Posts: 3300
| It's not chewing it its digesting it completely...they can eat it whole but they can't completely digest it whole... |
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 Expert
Posts: 1857
| I just grind it in KRUPPS spice grinder. I don't know if they can or can't, so I just grind it to be safe. Its the last thing mixed in the bucket and fed immediately because it does start to loose nutritional value when it is ground and reaches oxygen. |
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Expert
Posts: 5290
| aqhabarrelchic1 - 2016-01-22 10:25 AM
It's not chewing it its digesting it completely...they can eat it whole but they can't completely digest it whole...
OK, so my question would be, if you grind the flax and feed it to the horse they CAN digest it... What is the difference in a horse chewing it themselves? I mean those are some big teeth and some little soft seeds. I just don't see how a horse would not be able to grind it themselves. Now with something like Whole oats or even better, Whole BARLEY, I can totally see it. Barley is HARD. Oats medium.. lol But seems like lots of folks are doing fine with it whole so I am not going to go buy a grinder quite yet.. lol |
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Expert
Posts: 1857
| FLITASTIC - 2016-01-22 12:35 PM
aqhabarrelchic1 - 2016-01-22 10:25 AM
It's not chewing it its digesting it completely...they can eat it whole but they can't completely digest it whole...
OK, so my question would be, if you grind the flax and feed it to the horse they CAN digest it... What is the difference in a horse chewing it themselves? I mean those are some big teeth and some little soft seeds. I just don't see how a horse would not be able to grind it themselves. Now with something like Whole oats or even better, Whole BARLEY, I can totally see it. Barley is HARD. Oats medium.. lol But seems like lots of folks are doing fine with it whole so I am not going to go buy a grinder quite yet.. lol
Maybe because the seeds are so small they get missed by the teeth and swallowed whole....  |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 851
Location: West Texas | I think flax is the least understood feed source in the equine world. Probably the least researched as well. There are myths and old wives tales. These are spread and reported by nutritionists and even feed textbooks.
My experience is feeding them in Omnis cubes and I can tell you they are digested whole, at least when included in the cube. They also are not going to give your horse cyanide poisoning. Horsemen for hundreds, if not thousands of years have been feeding flax whole, with excellent results. That is what matters to me most, results. I have come to the conclusion that nutritionist and feed experts do very little research and mostly reading about and regurgitating other writings, from experts that likely read and learned it somewhere too...and so on.
Feed them whole for a couple months and then tell me they can't be digested. It doesn't take a rocket scientist or even a lowly equine nutritionist to figure this out.
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 851
Location: West Texas | FlyingJT - 2016-01-22 12:37 PM
FLITASTIC - 2016-01-22 12:35 PM
aqhabarrelchic1 - 2016-01-22 10:25 AM
It's not chewing it its digesting it completely...they can eat it whole but they can't completely digest it whole...
OK, so my question would be, if you grind the flax and feed it to the horse they CAN digest it... What is the difference in a horse chewing it themselves? I mean those are some big teeth and some little soft seeds. I just don't see how a horse would not be able to grind it themselves. Now with something like Whole oats or even better, Whole BARLEY, I can totally see it. Barley is HARD. Oats medium.. lol But seems like lots of folks are doing fine with it whole so I am not going to go buy a grinder quite yet.. lol
Maybe because the seeds are so small they get missed by the teeth and swallowed whole....
Correct, that is the theory. I have read so many people feeding it whole with positive results as well as heard about recent studies that show this to be false. I am sure that horses do get slightly better digestion from grinding it. I can say that feeding in the cube, it causes complete chewing and grinding by the horses teeth. I would think it best to feed them mixed with something else, to promote chewing, possible oats or a little chopped hay.
As far as other grains and oats. Here is an interesting read about digestion and processing.
http://ker.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Grain-Processing-Does-It-...
Edited by Tdove 2016-01-22 1:00 PM
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 Ima Cool Kid
Posts: 3496
Location: TN | I have been feeding a yogart cup full to my running horses for years. started on Omega shine but now get the Tractor Supply version for 1/2 the price.
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Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | Tdove - 2016-01-22 11:59 AM FlyingJT - 2016-01-22 12:37 PM FLITASTIC - 2016-01-22 12:35 PM aqhabarrelchic1 - 2016-01-22 10:25 AM It's not chewing it its digesting it completely...they can eat it whole but they can't completely digest it whole... OK, so my question would be, if you grind the flax and feed it to the horse they CAN digest it... What is the difference in a horse chewing it themselves? I mean those are some big teeth and some little soft seeds. I just don't see how a horse would not be able to grind it themselves. Now with something like Whole oats or even better, Whole BARLEY, I can totally see it. Barley is HARD. Oats medium.. lol But seems like lots of folks are doing fine with it whole so I am not going to go buy a grinder quite yet.. lol Maybe because the seeds are so small they get missed by the teeth and swallowed whole.... Correct, that is the theory. I have read so many people feeding it whole with positive results as well as heard about recent studies that show this to be false. I am sure that horses do get slightly better digestion from grinding it. I can say that feeding in the cube, it causes complete chewing and grinding by the horses teeth. I would think it best to feed them mixed with something else, to promote chewing, possible oats or a little chopped hay. As far as other grains and oats. Here is an interesting read about digestion and processing. http://ker.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Grain-Processing-Does-It-...
I only fed it whole when I gave it and it does amazing things to their hair coat. |
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Member
Posts: 25
| Just bought a bag today, can I also feed it to my 8 1/2 month pregnant mare? Shes maiden and young, not very good feet or coat and she can always use weight so I would like to try it on her. I think I'm just going to feed it whole to the others since people haven't really seen a difference it seems like. How much should I start them out on and how much to go up by?
I'll be feeding it to my 8 year old mare who's an easy keeper and has excellent feet and a super long mane, my 13 year old gelding who could use some filling out and has crappy feet, and the pregnant one. |
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flaxseed