5 Superfoods for Horses

What is a superfood? Foods that are exceptionally nutrient‑dense and offer extra health benefits beyond basic nutrition. They are rich in desirable nutrients (like antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, or omega 3 fatty acids). They are linked to disease prevention, or addressing chronic disease, and improving longevity with a better quality of life.

Here are 5 superfoods we love, what the science says — and when they’re most useful.

One: Chia Seeds

Chia is high in omega‑3 fatty acids, fibre, and mucilage (forms a gel). Studies highlight their role in gut motility, neurological function, anti‑inflammatory support, anti-oxidants, improved coat, calmer behaviour, heart health, and nerve health. Chia is helpful in managing sand colic risk (thanks to mucilage), it also supports hydration in hot climates.

Why Chia Seeds Matter for Neurological Health

Chia seeds are one of the best plant sources of alpha‑linolenic acid (ALA), an omega‑3 fatty acid. Omega‑3s are linked to improved nerve cell membrane fluidity, neurotransmitter function, and reduced inflammation in the nervous system. Chia helps regulate mood and calm behavior.

Antioxidant Protection: Chia seeds contain polyphenols and antioxidants that may protect nerve tissue from oxidative stress, which is linked to neurological decline.

Indirect Benefits: By stabilising blood sugar and metabolic stability, supporting gut health, chia may reduce stress responses that affect the nervous system.

We include chia seeds in two of our supplements:

Chia Trace Mix is optimal amounts of copper, zinc, iodine and a selenium in a chia base, which is primarily for improved coat condition, and is perfect for performance/competition horses in work.

Turmeric Joint Mix is chia blended with MSM, glucosamine, turmeric (see below), and pepper for anti-inflammatory properties. This mix is best for senior horses, or older performance horses as a preventative for joint pain.

You can feed one or both of these supplements simultaneously.

Two: Linseed (Flaxseed)

One of the richest plant sources of omega‑3s; improves coat quality, immune function and reduces inflammation. Linseed meal is more digestible than whole seeds, however it does have a shorter shelf life.

Benefits: Skin and coat health, joint support, immune function.

Best used for horses with dull coats, itchy skin - including Queensland Itch, underweight horses, or needing anti‑inflammatory support (e.g., older horses, performance horses).

Linseed is an optimal source of safe, dense calories

Linseed is an excellent way to help senior or underweight horses maintain or gain weight because it provides safe calories from fat, quality protein, and omega‑3 fatty acids without adding excess starch or sugar.

Why Linseed Works for Weight Maintenance

High calorie density: Linseed is ~40% oil, making it a concentrated energy source. Fat provides ~2.25x more calories than carbohydrates, so it helps horses gain weight without the risks of grain overload.

Quality protein: Contains essential amino acids that support muscle maintenance, especially important for older horses with reduced digestive efficiency.

Low sugar/starch: Safe for metabolic horses (EMS, PPID) who cannot tolerate high‑NSC feeds.

Read this article for more information on research about linseed, including links to relevant journal articles. 

We supply linseed as a single ingredient in 4kg pouches. You can purchase either whole linseeds to grind at your leisure, or linseed meal which we encourage you to use immediately.

Both linseed meal and chia are high in omega 3s and have similar properties. If you are feeding our linseed meal, you don’t need to also feed one of our chia-based mixes.

Linseed also works in combination with spirulina (see below) for managing Queensland Itch. 

If your horse normally suffers from the Itch - don't wait for lesions to develop - start now! 

Three: Turmeric

Curcumin has documented anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Equine studies show reduced inflammatory cytokines and improved joint mobility.

Benefits: Joint comfort, reduced stiffness and gastric support.

Best used for: performance or working horses to prevent arthritis, horses with arthritis, stiffness after work, or prone to inflammatory conditions.

We have an article which goes into detail about the research supporting turmeric use in horses, which you can find here.

We supply turmeric in our Turmeric Joint Mix, which is primarily for joint health, but turmeric also has solid research as supporting digestive health. Research from 2019 out of Charles Sturt University suggests turmeric may reduce gastric ulcer severity and improve gut health by calming inflammation in the digestive tract.

We offer turmeric in our Turmeric Joint Mix, which is a combination of chia, MSM, glucosamine and turmeric, which all have anti-inflammatory properties. You can feed this alongside any Sound Advice supplements.

Four: Spirulina

Spirulina (a blue‑green algae) is gaining attention in equine nutrition for its role in allergy management, thanks to its immune‑modulating and anti-inflammatory properties. While research is still emerging, there’s enough evidence and practical use cases to make it a valuable supportive feed ingredient.

Protein‑dense algae (55–60% protein) rich in vitamins and minerals. Studies support immune modulation and allergy management.

Benefits: Respiratory health, immune support, allergy relief.

Best used for horses with Queensland itch or other skin allergies, respiratory allergies, or metabolic issues needing immune balance. We also have many clients who are feeding it for head-shaking.

Why Spirulina Helps with Allergies

Immune modulation: Spirulina contains phycocyanin and polysaccharides that regulate immune responses, reducing over‑reaction to allergens. It helps lower inflammatory cytokines, which are often elevated in horses with respiratory or skin allergies.

It protect cells from oxidative stress linked to allergic reactions.

Broad Applications for Allergy Management

Respiratory allergies (RAO/“heaves”): Spirulina may reduce airway inflammation and mucus production, supporting easier breathing.

Skin allergies (sweet itch, insect hypersensitivity): Its immune‑modulating properties can lessen itchiness and skin irritation.

Seasonal allergies (pollen, dust, mold): Horses exposed to environmental allergens may benefit from spirulina’s calming effect on the immune system.

Metabolic horses with immune stress: Spirulina supports overall immune balance, which is often compromised in EMS/PPID horses.

We supply spirulina as a single ingredient in 500g pouches, although you can purchase multiples of 500g and we can put that in one larger pouch at your request.

You can feed spirulina in combination with any of our supplements, however research indicates that spirulina, fed alongside linseed (above) assists with managing Queensland Itch.

Five: Fenugreek

Fenugreek contains fibre, protein, and bioactive compounds with prebiotic and appetite‑stimulating effects. Rich in flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, which reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

Helps coat the gut lining to reduce the risk of ulcers.

Fenugreek is so much better for your picky eater than adding fillers like molasses - or other empty calories! 

Research shows that fenugreek is consistently ranked as one of the most preferred flavours by horses, often even more appealing than traditional favourites like carrot, apple or liquorice. Controlled taste‑preference studies in the UK and elsewhere have confirmed this repeatedly.

Best used for: fussy eaters, horses recovering from illness, or those needing gut support during feed changes. 

We supply fenugreek in 500g pouches we call “Sounds Yummier”. Usually we suggest horse owners of fussy eaters start by adding 10g into well-mixed damp feed to encourage them to finish their meal containing other less palatable supplements. 

Most horse owners can phase it out after one bag, which supplies 50 days, once their horse has become accustomed to finishing their meal. You can continue to feed “Sound Yummier” if you want to, as it has other benefits apart from palatability. You can feed it alongside any of our supplements, but if you are targeting gut health for horses suffering from or recently recovering from GI issues like ulcers, consider feeding it alongside our prebiotic/probiotic bundle.