Q: How much is shipping?
We offer free shipping to U.S. address. For shipments to Alaska and Hawaii, there is a shipping charge for sizes larger than 20 lbs.
Q: Do you ship internationally?
We do ship products internationally and will charge the lowest cost possible for shipping.
Q: How long does shipping usually take?
Orders placed during Monday through Friday will most likely be sent within 24 hours. Weekend orders are all processed on the following Monday. Most deliveries are via USPS or FedEx and will be delivered within a week.
Q: Can I have my chia seeds auto-shipped?
Yes! US Chia offers a subscription service to have your chia orders auto-shipped. Check out our Subscription Service page to learn more.
Q: Can I buy bulk quantities of chia seeds not listed on this site?
We've got you covered with our wholesale program! Contact us today by emailing manager@uschia.com or filling out our Contact Us form to get a quote for your chia seed needs.
Q: Do I have to soak, grind or cook the seeds before feeding?
Chia seeds have a soft seed coat, meaning they require no soaking, grinding or cooking prior to feeding and are very palatable for for horses. You can feed the seeds dry as a top dressing with your current feed.
Q: What is the serving size for horses?
A maintenance dose is just 1/4 cup (1 scoop) of US Chia Seeds each day. If your horse has not been on a supplement program, you can feed a loading dose of 1/2 cup (2 scoops) of US Chia Seeds each day for 2 weeks.
This dose is based on an average horse of 1,000-1,200 pounds. If you have a pony, you can feed a slightly smaller amount, or slightly more for a larger horse or draft. For miniature horses, feed 1/8 cup (1/2 scoop).
Here are quick references on how much to feed your horse, and how long each bucket should last:
Horse Size |
Scoops/Day |
| Under 800 lbs. | 0.5 |
| 800-1200 lbs. | 1 |
| Over 1200 lbs. or extremely active horse | 2 |
Bucket Size |
# Of Servings (1 scoop = 1 serving) |
Estimated time for horse under 800 lbs. |
Estimated time for horse 800-1200 lbs. |
Estimated time for horse over 1200 lbs. |
| 5 lb. | 44 | 3 months | 1.5 months | 3 weeks |
| 12 lb. | 106 | 7 months | 3.5 months | 1.75-2 months |
| 25 lb. | 222 | 15 months | 7.5 months | 3.75-4 months |
| 50 lb. | 444 | 30 months | 15 months | 7.5 months |
Q: What is the serving size for cats and dogs?
The recommended maintenance dose for cats and dogs is 1/2 teaspoon for every 5 lb.
Q: I have a picky eater. What if my horse doesn't like US Chia Seeds?
You're in luck. With their mild, nutty flavor, most horses seem to love US Chia Seeds. Some customers have reported feeding chia seeds as a treat, and their horses eat it them straight from bucket.
Q: Can US Chia Seeds be fed to a horse that is on other supplements?
Yes. Chia seeds are a natural food additive and will not conflict with other supplements. Because it contains many of the same nutrients as other supplements, it may actually replace several supplements in your current feeding program.
Q: Are US Chia Seeds safe for other animals?
Chia seeds are safe for cats, dogs and most other wild or domestic animals. They are becoming frequently incorporated into existing animal feeds for their many benefits. If you want to add chia to your pet's existing food, the recommended dosage is 1/2 tsp of chia gel for every 5 pounds your animal weighs.
Q: Are your chia seeds Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)?
No. Unlike more popular crops (corn, soybeans and wheat) there are no known varieties of chia seeds that have been genetically crossed with other species of plants.
Q: Are your chia seeds organic?
All of our chia is guaranteed to be produced without the use of chemical pesticides and herbicides. However, it is not certified organic.
Q: What is the difference between imported and domestic US Chia Seeds?
Chia seed grown in the US is the freshest chia seed available. Many believe that fresher seeds offer higher nutrient values. Our domestic chia seeds are grown in the United States and they ship straight from our farm to you without any middle men. Our imported seeds come from South and Central America depending on the growing season.
Q: Will US Chia test positive for the USEF?
According to the USEF, "Chia is permitted under the Therapeutic Substance Provision of the USEF Equine Drugs and Medications Rule. A medication report form does not need to be filed in connection on its use." More information on rules and regulations can be found here.
Q: Are chia seeds safe for pregnant women and/or animals?
Yes, chia seeds are completely safe during pregnancy, in fact they are actually beneficial. Chia helps replenish lost nutrients during gestation, as well as boost energy. Additionally, it provides many of the nutrients critical to the healthy development of babies.
Q: What is the full nutritional breakdown of US Chia Seeds?
Our label can be found on our Benefits for Horses page. For even more nutritional information on the content of US Chia Seeds please contact us.
Q: What is the calcium to phosphorus ratio in chia seeds? Should this be a concern?
There are 2 parts calcium for every 3 parts of phosphorus.
All seeds are higher in phosphorus than calcium. The good news is that most forages (hay and/or pasture) are considerably high enough in calcium to keep the Ca:P ratio at a good level. Analyzing one's hay is the best way to know the exact numbers, but as long as the diet is not overly high in phosphorus from other sources, such as wheat or rice brans that are not fortified with calcium, it is reasonable to assume that the calcium content of the diet is suitable. If in doubt, add some alfalfa or beet pulp to the diet, since they are both high in calcium.
Q: Are US Chia Seeds low in starch?
Yes. Chia seeds are OK (and encouraged) for insulin resistant horses, horses with PSSM, Equine Cushings Syndrome or other metabolic disorders.
Q: Would US Chis Seeds help a horse that is tying up?
For a horse with RER (recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis, also known as "tying up"), the most important part of their diet is having adequate electrolytes, vitamin E and selenium. In recent studies, increasing dietary fat consumption and decreasing starch has proven beneficial to horses with RER. Chia seeds are very low in starch, and contain approximately 20-21% crude fat. The high concentration of alpha-linolenic acid can help to reduce systemic inflammation and may support horses prone to RER.
Another cause of tying up is Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM), which is managed entirely by diet and exercise. In short, the diet must be very low in starch and sugar (ideally less than 15%), with fat used as a major energy source. Exercise is important, but changes must be made very slowly. When a horse has time off from exercise, reintroduction to a work routine should be done cautiously and subtly. While scientific studies in horses are limited, Omega-3 fatty acids, such as that found in chia seeds, are often recommended for the anti-inflammatory properties to help support muscle condition in the case of PSSM, and can be part of an overall balanced diet.
Studies show chia seeds have antioxidant capacity and may be supportive of horses with any sort of muscle myopathy.
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