Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
Welcome to my forum.
Here you will find more than 6 years of questions and my answers. It is searchable and offers a great deal of information.
Currently, I am discontinuing new questions. This may change in the future, but in the meantime, please know that It has been a true pleasure serving you.
Take a look at my Nutrition Library and Tips of the Month for a variety of answers on selected topics. Be sure to sign up for my monthly e-newsletter, Forage for Thought.
I also have a growing number of recordings on "Teleseminars on Nutrition Topics that Concern You" as well as the new, Spotlight on Equine Nutrition Series -- printed versions of favorite teleseminars.
And finally, look for my articles in a variety of local publications and online newsletters, as well as the Horse Journal, where I am the Contributing Nutrition Editor.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Zoe!
Thanks for writing about this very relevant topic. Flaxseeds should not be soaked or boiled because of the reasons you mentioned -- the fatty acids that they contain can easily be destroyed by moisture and heat. The result would be rancidity, which in lay terms, results in free radicals. Free radicals are highly destructive molecules that can cause tissue damage throughout the body. So, why would anyone feed them to a horse?
Now, if you grind the flaxseeds yourself, you run into the problem of calcium to phosphorus ratios. Flaxseed meal is naturally inverted when it comes to these minerals, meaning it has more phosphorus than calcium. This is not a good thing. So, it is best to purchase a commercial flaxseed preparation that has added calcium to correct this problem.
Nutra Flax is a product I offer because it contains the proper calcium to phosphorus ratio. Plus, it is stabilized. They use a microlysing process that does not rupture the cell wall, thereby keeping the vulnerable fat protected. The shelf life is 6 months. And, I can ship it to Canada (additional shipping). So, if you have an interest, let me know.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO