Black Sunflower Seeds

[SecretSquirrell379]

I have seen in the posts below re supplements that quite a few of you feed a mug of black sunflower seeds a day for coat and feet. I've never heard of this before. Does it really work and where do you get them from?

Thanks

Tricksy

 

[greynightmare]

We've been using these on our yard for a while and yes it has worked, but like anything new introduce slowly because some of the horses came out in a protein rash so couldnt continue, but many of us have had good results. Hope this helps.

 

[carthorse]

My feed merchant won't sell them for horses as he says the outer shell may damage the gut , they can't digest whole oats properly so they can't digest outer shell. He sells them already shelled for horses and I have fed them.
I don't know about the research into digesting them but I would rather be safe than sorry

 

[SecretSquirrell379]

ok, thanks for the warning. I will have to get in touch with a local feed merchant and see if they sell them, unshelled. How long was it before you saw an improvment? and silly question but are they pure protein?

 

[carthorse]

I think it is the oil in them that is beneficial

 

[SecretSquirrell379]

so would it be just as beneficial to feed sunflower oil?

 

[jenbleep]

probably, id say using an oil as apposed to seeds you will see results quicker xx

 

[Theresa_F]

I have fed black sunflower seeds for over a year and the boys coat and feet are far better since they have had them. Had no problems with them digesting them.

 

[tiga7592]

I feed them...they come in a sack marked 'Bird Seed'. I have found them very beneficial and have had no gut problems.

 

[SecretSquirrell379]

The only worry I have with feeding the oil is I don't want her to have an upset tummy. She is on Linseed oil during the winter for her joints but Ive had to stop it as she is only on a token amount of chaff a day so that she can have her hoof supplement and the oil is too much and makes her a bit loose!!

Where do you get your seeds from?

 

[merlinsquest]

The man from the shop will be trying to sell you the hearts only, great if you want to spend 5 x the amount for the same thing without the husks.

I have checked merlins poo (how sad am I) and there are no husks or any sign of the seeds in it!!!

He has a lovely shiny coat, but too early to tell on the feet. Mind you he has good feet anyway!! And his coat is usually shiny... so maybe dont need them in the first place :-/

 

[SecretSquirrell379]

I think I will give them a go then and just keep an eye on her poo!

 

[Tia]

[ QUOTE ]
so would it be just as beneficial to feed sunflower oil?

[/ QUOTE ]
No because all oil is refined.

You want pure sunflower seeds, no chemicals etc. The shells are a great form of fibre and minerals so sunflowers should really be fed whole in their shells.