Are sunflower seeds for horses? The answer is yes, although ideal feeding rates have not been studied. Small amounts (2-4 oz/day, about 56-133 grams) are typically consumed by horses without complications and can provide some supplemental calories. BOSS are even included as an ingredient in some commercial horse feeds.
Compared to other oil seeds, BOSS do not contain any anti-nutritional factors that would reduce nutrient utilization, making them safer and more digestible in general.
BOSS contain 40-50% oil and are rich in omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids are important for the inflammatory immune response and for cell integrity, the latter of which may support skin health. Because modern diets, especially those that contain concentrates, tend to be already high in omega-6s, the addition of omega-3s will help bring the balance of omegas into desirable proportion. To keep the omega-6 and omega-3 ratio in balance, an uptick in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids can be achieved through the addition of fish oil, like EO-3, to the diet. EO-3 contains direct sources of DHA and EPA, two important omega-3s.
The additional fat may help improve coat condition. In addition, sunflower oil is a rich source of vitamin E, a potent antioxidant. For horses that are not allowed to graze fresh pasture, it is always best to supplement with a natural-source vitamin E product, like Nano-E.
BOSS has become popular for supporting shiny coats and overall condition. In moderation, BOSS can be a supplemental part of a balanced diet for the horse.
