Benefits of Flaxseed for Horses: A Simple Guide

Is your horse constantly rubbing on fences from itchy skin? Do they seem a bit stiff after a workout or when getting up in the morning? These common issues can often be traced back to inflammation and nutritional gaps in their diet. Before reaching for complex solutions, it’s worth looking at a simple, natural ingredient: flaxseed. Its high concentration of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids makes it a fantastic tool for soothing skin, supporting joint mobility, and promoting a healthy coat. This guide will walk you through the specific benefits of flaxseed for horses, showing you how this one ingredient can help solve several problems at once.

Key Takeaways

• Flaxseed delivers powerful omega-3s: These healthy fats are key for reducing inflammation, which helps soothe joints and skin allergies, creates a brilliant coat, and provides a safe, cool source of energy.
• Feed ground, stabilized flaxseed for best results: Your horse cannot break down whole seeds, so grinding is necessary for them to absorb the nutrients. Using a stabilized product is the most convenient way to ensure the healthy fats stay fresh and effective.
• Integrate flaxseed into a balanced diet: Flaxseed is a great tool for specific goals but it is not a complete vitamin and mineral supplement. To ensure your horse gets everything they need, pair it with a comprehensive supplement that covers all their foundational nutritional requirements.

Why Add Flaxseed to Your Horse's Diet?

You’ve likely heard the buzz about flaxseed, but what does this tiny seed actually do for your horse? It’s more than just a simple feed additive. Flaxseed is a nutritional powerhouse packed with healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants that can support your horse’s health from the inside out. Whether you're looking to improve coat shine, support joint health, or provide quality protein, flaxseed offers a range of benefits that make it a valuable addition to almost any feeding program. Let's look at the three main reasons why you should consider adding it to your horse's diet.

The Power of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

One of the biggest benefits of flaxseed is its high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Horses can't produce these essential fats on their own, so they must get them from their diet. Omega-3s are fantastic for reducing inflammation throughout the body. Research shows that feeding ground flaxseed can significantly reduce skin sensitivity in horses with issues like sweet itch. Beyond skin health, these fatty acids contribute to a shinier coat, support the immune system, and promote healthy joints and circulation. If you're dealing with persistent skin issues or want to give your horse an extra layer of anti-inflammatory support, you can always ask our equine nutritionist for tailored advice.

A Great Source of Protein and Fiber

Flaxseed isn't just about healthy fats; it's also packed with high-quality protein and fiber. Protein is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle function, and maintaining overall body condition. The protein in flaxseed provides essential amino acids that your horse needs to thrive. Additionally, flaxseed is a safe energy source for horses that need a diet low in non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs), like those with metabolic concerns. The high fiber content also supports a healthy digestive system by helping to move food through the gut efficiently, which is always a plus for preventing digestive upset. You can find supplements that support both digestive health and body condition in our online store.

The Antioxidant Benefits of Lignans

A lesser-known but equally important benefit of flaxseed comes from its lignans. These are unique plant compounds that act as powerful antioxidants. So, what do antioxidants do? Think of them as your horse's personal defense squad. They work to neutralize harmful free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells, proteins, and DNA. This cellular stress can happen due to normal metabolic processes, exercise, and aging. By providing a rich source of antioxidants, lignans help protect your horse's body from this daily wear and tear, supporting long-term health and wellness. Our commitment to science-backed ingredients is at the core of what we do, and you can learn more about our story and approach to equine health.

Improve Your Horse's Coat, Skin, and Hooves

A horse’s outward appearance often reflects their inner health. A dull coat, itchy skin, or brittle hooves can be signs that something is missing from their diet. While grooming plays a part, true radiance comes from within. This is where targeted nutrition makes all the difference, and flaxseed is a fantastic ingredient for supporting these key areas.

The secret lies in its high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). These healthy fats are essential for building strong cell membranes, which form the foundation of healthy skin, hair, and hoof tissue. By adding flaxseed to your horse's diet, you provide the nutritional building blocks they need to look and feel their best from the inside out. It’s a simple way to address common issues and help your horse achieve a healthy, vibrant appearance.

Achieve a Shinier, Healthier Coat

Every horse owner loves to see their horse with a gleaming, soft coat. If your horse’s coat looks dull, dry, or coarse, it might be a sign that their diet is lacking in essential fatty acids. Flaxseed is one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids for horses. These fats help nourish the skin and hair follicles, promoting a coat that is not only shiny but also healthy and resilient.

Think of it as conditioning your horse’s coat from the inside. The oils help seal in moisture, creating a natural luster and a soft, supple feel. A well-nourished coat is also a healthier barrier against the elements. Adding a source of omega-3s, like flaxseed, is a straightforward step toward achieving that deep, healthy shine that speaks to your horse’s overall well-being.

Soothe Skin and Relieve Allergies

Is your horse constantly rubbing on fences or showing signs of skin irritation, especially during bug season? Skin allergies, like sweet itch (insect bite hypersensitivity), can make a horse miserable. The anti-inflammatory properties of the omega-3s in flaxseed can offer significant relief. By helping to calm the body's inflammatory response, flaxseed can reduce the intensity of allergic reactions and soothe irritated skin.

In fact, research shows that supplementing with flaxseed can make a real difference. In one study, horses fed flaxseed for 42 days showed reduced skin sensitivity to common allergens. This means less itching and discomfort for your horse and less worry for you. If you're dealing with seasonal skin problems, incorporating flaxseed into your horse's diet is a practical strategy for providing comfort and support.

Build Stronger, More Resilient Hooves

"No hoof, no horse" is a saying for a reason. Strong, healthy hooves are critical for soundness and performance. Nutrition is the foundation of good hoof quality, and the same nutrients that give a horse a shiny coat also contribute to hoof health. The essential fatty acids, amino acids, and minerals found in flaxseed help build strong, flexible hoof walls that are less likely to crack, chip, or break.

By supporting healthy tissue growth, flaxseed helps your horse grow a higher quality hoof from the coronary band down. While it won’t fix existing cracks overnight, consistent supplementation supports the growth of a stronger, more resilient hoof over time. If you have questions about your horse's specific hoof needs, you can always ask our equine nutritionist for personalized guidance on building a complete nutritional plan.

Flaxseed and Joint Health: What Do Omega-3s Actually Do?

When we talk about joint health, we often hear about omega-3 fatty acids, and for good reason. Flaxseed is one of the best plant-based sources of an omega-3 called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Your horse’s body converts ALA into other powerful omega-3s that play a huge role in keeping their joints comfortable and mobile. Think of these healthy fats as your horse's internal maintenance crew, working to soothe inflammation and support the structures that keep them moving smoothly. Adding flaxseed to their diet is a simple, effective way to provide the raw materials for this essential process, supporting everything from post-workout recovery to long-term joint integrity.

Reduce Joint Inflammation Naturally

Inflammation is a major cause of joint stiffness and discomfort, especially for hardworking performance horses or seniors with arthritis. The omega-3s in flaxseed are fantastic for their natural anti-inflammatory properties. They help balance the body's inflammatory response, which can ease soreness and reduce swelling in the joints. Research shows that the fatty acids in flax are beneficial for a range of inflammatory conditions. The same mechanism that helps soothe skin reactions can also help calm irritation within the joint capsule, making your horse more comfortable and willing to move. This makes flaxseed a great addition for any horse that needs a little extra support for joint wellness.

Support Cartilage and Improve Mobility

Healthy joints depend on healthy cartilage, the smooth, flexible tissue that cushions the ends of bones. Over time, wear and tear can degrade this cartilage, leading to stiffness and pain. The nutritional benefits of omega-3 fatty acids extend to the joints and soft tissues, helping to protect cartilage from breaking down. By supporting these crucial structures, you can help your horse maintain a better range of motion and overall mobility. Whether your horse is navigating a tricky pattern in the arena or simply enjoying a walk in the pasture, healthy cartilage makes every step easier and more comfortable.

Speed Up Post-Workout Recovery

Every workout puts stress on your horse's joints and muscles. A key part of keeping your equine athlete sound is helping them recover efficiently. The anti-inflammatory effects of the omega-3s in flaxseed can help manage the minor inflammation that occurs after exercise, reducing muscle soreness and helping tissues repair more quickly. While research often highlights how adding fat to a horse's diet improves their coat and condition, this dietary fat also provides the energy needed for cellular repair. A horse that recovers faster is not only more comfortable but also better prepared for their next training session.

Support Digestion, Energy, and Weight

Finding the right balance between your horse's energy needs, digestive health, and ideal weight can feel like a constant puzzle. Feeds that provide enough calories for weight gain can sometimes make a horse feel overly energetic or upset their sensitive digestive system. On the other hand, a diet designed for a calm disposition might not offer enough fuel for performance or maintaining condition. This is where flaxseed truly shines. It’s a wonderfully simple ingredient that addresses all three areas at once.

Thanks to its unique profile of healthy fats and high-quality fiber, flaxseed offers a "cool" source of energy and calories. This means it can help a horse gain or maintain weight without the starchy overload that comes from some traditional grains. At the same time, its fiber content works to keep the digestive tract running smoothly. By adding flaxseed to your horse's diet, you’re not just adding a single ingredient; you’re providing a multi-faceted tool that supports their entire system from the inside out, helping them feel and perform their best.

How Fiber Improves Gut Health and Lowers Colic Risk

A healthy gut is the cornerstone of a healthy horse, and fiber is what keeps it that way. Flaxseed is an excellent source of soluble fiber, which helps stabilize the digestive process and supports the beneficial microbes in your horse's hindgut. This creates a healthier, more resilient gut environment, which can lower the risk of digestive upsets. Because it’s high in fiber and low in starch, flaxseed is also a fantastic and safe option for horses that need to avoid excess carbohydrates, including those with metabolic conditions like Cushing’s disease (PPID) or insulin resistance.

Use Healthy Fats for Sustainable Energy

If you’re looking for a steady, reliable energy source without the "hot" behavior associated with high-sugar feeds, the healthy fats in flaxseed are your answer. As a top source of omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed provides cool, slow-release energy that’s perfect for fueling performance and stamina. These omega-3s do more than just provide calories; they improve health at a cellular level. They help make cell membranes more flexible, which allows for better communication between cells and more efficient transport of nutrients. This improved cellular function is one of the key nutritional benefits of flaxseed that supports overall vitality and energy.

Help Your Horse Maintain a Healthy Weight

Whether you have a hard keeper who needs to gain weight or an active horse who needs extra calories for energy, flaxseed is an effective solution. It’s a calorie-dense ingredient that helps you add weight safely, relying on healthy fats instead of overloading your horse with starch. This is a great way to support weight gain without risking the digestive issues that can come with high-grain diets. For performance horses, these extra calories provide the fuel needed for strenuous work. By supporting digestion and providing quality energy, flaxseed helps your horse achieve and maintain an ideal body condition.

Which Horses Benefit Most From Flaxseed?

While just about any horse can benefit from adding flaxseed to their feed, some horses stand to gain even more from its unique nutritional profile. If your horse falls into one of the categories we're about to cover, flaxseed could be a game-changer for their health and comfort. From supporting aging joints to soothing sensitive skin, the omega-3s, fiber, and protein in flaxseed offer targeted support where it's needed most.

We'll look at how it helps performance horses maintain their energy, provides a safe source of calories for those with metabolic issues, and gives senior horses the extra support they need to thrive. Understanding these specific benefits can help you create a more effective and personalized equine nutrition plan for your companion. By identifying your horse's specific needs, you can see how a simple ingredient like flaxseed can make a significant difference in their daily well-being.

Horses with Arthritis or Stiff Joints

If you have a horse struggling with arthritis or general stiffness, flaxseed can offer some much-needed relief. The magic lies in its high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, which are well-known for supporting a healthy inflammatory response. Think of it as helping to calm things down from the inside out. Regular supplementation can help ease joint discomfort and improve mobility, making daily movements more comfortable for your horse. This is especially helpful for older horses or those with a long career of athletic work behind them. Providing this kind of foundational joint support is a simple way to improve their quality of life.

Horses Prone to Skin Allergies or Sweet Itch

For horses that are constantly battling itchy skin, hives, or the misery of sweet itch, flaxseed can be a true ally. Those same omega-3 fatty acids that help with joints also work wonders for skin health. Research has shown that the fatty acids in flaxseed are particularly beneficial for horses with insect bite hypersensitivity. In one study, horses fed flaxseed showed reduced skin sensitivity to allergens after just 42 days. By helping to manage the inflammatory response at the skin level, flaxseed can lead to a calmer, less reactive, and much happier horse during bug season.

Senior and High-Performance Horses

Senior and high-performance horses have unique nutritional demands, and flaxseed is wonderfully suited to meet them. For senior horses, the healthy fats provide a concentrated and easily digestible source of calories, helping them maintain good body condition without the high-starch content of some traditional grains. For the equine athlete, these fats offer a cool, sustainable energy source that can help reduce excitability. A diet supplemented with fat can also lead to a beautiful coat and better overall condition, ensuring your performance horse not only feels their best but looks it, too.

Horses with Metabolic Concerns (Cushing's, Laminitis Risk)

Managing the diet of a horse with metabolic concerns like Cushing’s (PPID) or insulin resistance requires careful attention to carbohydrates. Flaxseed is an excellent addition because it’s a low-starch, low-sugar source of fat and fiber. This makes it a safe way to add calories to the diet without risking a spike in blood sugar. The phytonutrients in flax may also offer additional benefits for horses with metabolic dysfunction. If you have questions about your horse's specific dietary needs, it's always a great idea to ask our equine nutritionist for personalized advice.

How to Feed Flaxseed Safely and Effectively

Adding flaxseed to your horse's diet is a fantastic step, but knowing how to prepare and serve it is key to making sure your horse gets all the benefits. The way you feed flaxseed matters just as much as the decision to feed it in the first place. From grinding the seeds to finding the right serving size, a few simple steps can make a world of difference in its effectiveness and safety. Let’s walk through the best practices to ensure you’re getting the most out of this powerful little seed.

Ground vs. Whole: Which is Better for Digestion?

When it comes to flaxseed, you should always choose ground over whole. A horse's digestive system can't break down the tough outer shell of a whole flaxseed. If you feed them whole, most of the seeds will pass straight through your horse, and all those wonderful nutrients will go to waste. Grinding the seeds breaks them open, making the omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein available for your horse to absorb. Think of it like this: you wouldn't eat a sunflower seed with the shell on and expect to get the nutrients inside. It’s the same principle for your horse and flaxseed.

Raw, Stabilized, or Cooked: What's the Best Method?

Once you’ve decided on ground flax, you have a few options. You can grind the seeds yourself, but you’ll need to feed it immediately. The healthy fats in flaxseed can go rancid quickly once exposed to oxygen. A more convenient and reliable choice is to buy pre-ground, stabilized flaxseed. The stabilization process protects the delicate omega-3s from breaking down, ensuring the product stays fresh and potent for longer. While some people cook flaxseed to create a mash, it’s an extra step that isn’t necessary if you’re using a quality, stabilized product. Stabilized ground flaxseed offers the perfect balance of convenience and nutritional integrity.

Find the Right Serving Size for Your Horse

There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer for how much flaxseed to feed. The right amount depends on your horse's weight, activity level, and what you’re trying to achieve. A general guideline is anywhere from two to sixteen ounces per day. For a horse needing basic coat and skin support, a smaller serving might be perfect. A high-performance athlete or a horse with significant joint stiffness may benefit from a larger amount. If you're unsure where to start, it's always best to begin with a smaller serving and see how your horse responds. For personalized advice, you can always ask an equine nutritionist to help you find the ideal amount for your horse's specific needs.

Introduce Flaxseed into the Diet Gradually

Any time you add something new to your horse's feed, it’s important to do it slowly. Flaxseed is high in fat and fiber, and a sudden change can upset your horse's digestive system. A gradual introduction gives their gut time to adapt. Start by adding just a quarter of the final target amount to their daily feed. After a few days, increase it to half, and continue this process over two to three weeks until you reach the full serving. This slow and steady approach helps prevent digestive issues and ensures your horse can comfortably transition to their new supplement.

Is Flaxseed Really Safe for Horses?

It’s smart to ask questions before adding anything new to your horse’s feed bucket. While flaxseed is incredibly popular for its health benefits, you may have come across some concerns about its safety. Let's clear up the confusion around a few of these topics so you can feel confident about what you’re feeding your horse.

The Truth About Cyanide in Flaxseed

You might have heard that flaxseed contains cyanide, and that sounds alarming. Here’s the reality: raw flaxseed contains compounds that can release cyanide, but this is rarely a problem for horses. A horse's stomach acid is very effective at neutralizing the enzyme that would cause this to happen. To be extra safe, most horse owners feed stabilized, ground flaxseed. The stabilization process deactivates the problematic enzyme. You can also simply add freshly ground flaxseed to your horse's wet feed, like a mash or soaked beet pulp, right before serving. This simple step also prevents any issues, allowing your horse to get all the benefits without the risk.

Does Flaxseed Affect Thyroid Function?

Some have raised concerns that flaxseed could interfere with thyroid function because it contains compounds that, in very large quantities, might act as goitrogens. However, the amount of flaxseed typically fed to a horse is well below the level that would cause any issues for a healthy animal. The benefits of the omega-3s, fiber, and protein generally far outweigh this minimal risk. That said, if your horse has a pre-existing metabolic or thyroid condition, it’s always a good idea to ask an equine nutritionist or your veterinarian before making any dietary changes. They can help you make the best decision for your horse's specific needs.

How to Store Flaxseed to Prevent Spoilage

The healthy omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed are delicate. Once the seed is ground, these fats are exposed to oxygen and can go rancid quickly. Rancid fats not only lose their nutritional value but can also cause digestive upset and inflammation, which is the opposite of what you want. If you grind whole flaxseeds yourself, be sure to feed them right away. A more convenient option is to buy a commercially prepared, stabilized ground flaxseed product. The stabilization process protects the fats from spoiling, ensuring your horse gets all the anti-inflammatory goodness and giving the product a much longer shelf life.

Know the Signs That Flaxseed is Working

One of the first things you’ll likely notice after adding flaxseed to your horse’s diet is a beautiful, glossy coat. But the benefits go more than skin deep. Research has shown that the fatty acids in flaxseed are particularly helpful for horses with skin allergies like sweet itch. In one study, horses with insect bite hypersensitivity were fed ground flaxseed for 42 days. The results showed their skin had a significantly reduced allergic response to allergens. So, if you have an itchy horse, pay close attention to their comfort level after a few weeks on flaxseed. You might see less rubbing and a much happier horse.

How Does Flaxseed Compare to Other Omega-3s?

When you start looking into omega-3 supplements, you’ll quickly find that flaxseed isn’t the only option on the shelf. Understanding the key differences between popular sources like fish oil, chia seeds, and flaxseed oil can help you make the most informed choice for your horse’s specific needs. While all can be beneficial, they each bring something unique to the feed bucket. Let's break down how they compare so you can feel confident in the supplement plan you build for your horse.

Flaxseed vs. Fish Oil

The biggest difference between flaxseed and fish oil comes down to the type of omega-3s they provide. Flaxseed is a fantastic plant-based source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Fish oil, on the other hand, contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are the "active" forms of omega-3s known for their powerful anti-inflammatory effects.

While a horse's body can convert some ALA into EPA and DHA, the process isn't very efficient. This may limit the direct anti-inflammatory impact you're looking for. So, if your primary goal is to support a shiny coat and overall wellness, flaxseed is an excellent choice. If you need more targeted support for significant joint inflammation, fish oil delivers those ready-to-use omega-3s more directly. Thinking about your specific goals is key when deciding on the right supplement for feeding flaxseed to your horse.

Flaxseed vs. Chia Seeds

Flaxseed and chia seeds are often seen as interchangeable, but they have a few important distinctions. Both are great plant-based sources of ALA omega-3s, but flaxseed generally contains a higher concentration of this essential fatty acid. This gives it a slight edge if maximizing your horse's omega-3 intake is the goal.

Beyond that, one of the standout nutritional benefits of flaxseed is its high level of lignans. These compounds are powerful antioxidants that help protect the body's cells from damage. While chia seeds also contain antioxidants, they don't offer the same unique lignan profile as flaxseed. For a well-rounded supplement that delivers both high levels of omega-3s and potent antioxidant support, flaxseed is a superior choice.

Flaxseed vs. Flaxseed Oil

You might wonder if it’s better to feed the ground seed or just the oil. Flaxseed oil is a concentrated source of omega-3s and healthy fats, making it an easy way to add calories and support coat shine. However, the oil is missing some of the key components that make the whole seed so beneficial.

When you feed ground flaxseed, your horse gets the complete package: the omega-3-rich oil plus the fiber and protein from the seed meal. This fiber is incredibly valuable for supporting healthy digestion and gut function. While flaxseed oil provides a potent dose of fats, it doesn't offer the same holistic benefits and uses of flaxseed for digestive health. For most horses, the ground seed provides a more balanced and complete nutritional advantage.

Integrate Flaxseed into a Complete Supplement Plan

So, you're ready to add flaxseed to your horse's feed bucket. That's a fantastic decision. It’s a simple way to support everything from a shiny coat to comfortable joints. But before you start scooping, it’s helpful to see flaxseed as one powerful piece of a larger nutritional puzzle. On its own, it can't build the whole picture. For your horse to truly thrive, flaxseed needs to work alongside a balanced diet that covers all their essential nutrient needs.

Flaxseed is a superstar for providing omega-3 fatty acids, which are incredible for improving skin and hair-coat quality and reducing inflammation. However, it isn't a complete vitamin and mineral supplement. It won’t provide the guaranteed, balanced levels of zinc, copper, and organic selenium that are crucial for immune function, strong hooves, and muscle health. These are key nutrients often missing from hay and pasture alone.

This is where a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement comes in. Think of it as the foundation of your horse's diet, ensuring all the essential building blocks are in place every single day. When you add flaxseed on top of that solid foundation, you're adding a targeted tool to address specific needs. A smart approach is to first ensure your horse's core needs are met with a comprehensive supplement. Then, add flaxseed to provide those beneficial omega-3s. This strategy ensures you're not leaving any nutritional gaps.

If you're ever unsure how to balance everything, it's always a great idea to ask an equine nutritionist for personalized advice. By pairing flaxseed with a complete supplement, you create a synergistic effect where each component can do its job effectively for a truly healthy horse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need to grind the flaxseed before feeding it? Yes, absolutely. A horse’s digestive system cannot break down the hard outer shell of a whole flaxseed. If you feed the seeds whole, they will likely pass right through your horse, meaning all the valuable omega-3s and other nutrients are lost. Grinding the seeds makes these nutrients available for your horse to absorb. For convenience and to ensure freshness, using a commercially stabilized, pre-ground flaxseed product is often the easiest and most reliable option.

How much flaxseed should I give my horse? The right amount really depends on your horse’s individual needs, including their weight, workload, and what you hope to achieve. A general guideline is anywhere from two to sixteen ounces per day. For general coat health, a smaller serving is usually sufficient. For a performance horse or one needing significant joint or skin support, a larger amount may be more effective. It's always a good idea to start with a small serving and gradually increase it over a couple of weeks.

I've heard flaxseed can be dangerous. Is it actually safe? This is a common concern, but yes, flaxseed is very safe when fed correctly. The worry about cyanide comes from compounds in raw flax that can release it, but a horse's stomach acid typically neutralizes the enzyme responsible. Using a commercially stabilized ground flaxseed completely deactivates this enzyme, removing any risk. When fed in normal amounts, flaxseed does not pose a threat to thyroid function in healthy horses.

Is feeding flaxseed oil just as good as feeding the ground seed? While flaxseed oil is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, it’s missing some of the key benefits of the whole ground seed. When you feed ground flaxseed, your horse gets the healthy fats plus the high-quality fiber and protein from the seed meal. This fiber is incredibly beneficial for supporting a healthy digestive system. For most horses, the ground seed provides a more complete nutritional package than the oil alone.

Can I use flaxseed to replace my horse's regular vitamin and mineral supplement? No, you shouldn't. Think of flaxseed as a powerful addition to your horse's diet, not a replacement for their core nutrition. Flaxseed is fantastic for providing omega-3s, but it is not a balanced source of essential vitamins and minerals like zinc, copper, and selenium. A high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement creates the foundation for your horse's health, while flaxseed can be added on top to provide targeted support for skin, joints, and energy.