Interesting Horse Feed

Feeding Black Oil Sunflower Seeds (BOSS)



BOSS is the same seeds you would feed your pet birds. It contains a variety of vitamins, minerals and nutrients that is good for the horse, making it a good natural supplement.

Vitamins it contains:Vitamin A, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Thiamin, Niacin, Vitamin C, Folate and Pantothenic Acid

Minerals it contains: Calcium, Iron, Manganese, Potassium, Sodium, Copper, Magnesium, Phosporous, Selenium and Zinc.

Nutrients it contains: Carbohydrates, Sugars, Water, Omega- 6 Fatty Acids, Protein, Fibre, Fat and Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

BOSS is also very high in amino acids which are necessary for muscle building and maintenance.

Other benefits

BOSS gives a shiny coat and helps with weight gain. Fed in small amounts your horse will get the shiny coat without weight gain. Some owners claim that BOSS also improves hooves.

How to feed it

It can be fed whole mixed into the horse's feed. It is advised to start feeding it in very small amounts and gradually increasing the amount to help customize the horse to its taste. However, never feed it at a rate higher than 900g (2 pounds) a day (don't know why).

HYPP horses

If your horse is HYPP positive don't feed BOSS to your horse. It contains high levels of sodium that can bring about an attack. If you don't know if your horse has HYPP, it is best to have it tested before feeding it BOSS.

Omega Fatty Acids

Some owners worry about the high levels of Omega-6 Fatty acids and low levels of Omega -3 Fatty Acids of BOSS. Why? Well, Omega- 6 Fatty Acids are slightly more inflammatory than Omega-3's which have anti-inflammatory properties. The concern is that this will promote infammation in horses.

However, no research has been done to prove what the ideal omega-6: omega- 3 ratio is in horses.

This all that is known so far:

1.Omega-6 Fatty Acids causes inflammation. This is necessary to a small degree for a healthy immune system.
2. It is unknown how much omega- 6 is too much for the horse.
3. Horses do not need omega-6 supplementation.
4. The negative affects of omega- 6 supplementation is not known.

If your horse has any inflammatory conditions (such as arthritis) you should carefully assess your horse before adding it to your horse's diet.

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