Best Selenium-Rich Foods for Horses

Ranked by selenium content among foods safe for horses in the Creature Feast catalog.

Oats per 100g: approximately 28-45mcg selenium (varies by region) Oats provide moderate selenium, though the actual content depends heavily on the soil where they were grown. Oats from selenium-adequate soils are a meaningful dietary contributor.

Barley per 100g: approximately 20-40mcg selenium (varies by region) Barley contains selenium at levels that vary with soil conditions. Like all cereal grains, it reflects the mineral content of the soil it grew in.

Sunflower Seeds per 100g: approximately 53mcg selenium Sunflower seeds provide moderate selenium and are a palatable addition to feed. The selenium content varies by growing region but is generally reliable.

Brown rice per 100g: approximately 10-20mcg selenium Brown rice contains selenium at moderate levels. Not a traditional horse feed but can contribute to selenium when included in formulated feeds.

Alfalfa Hay per 100g dry matter: varies widely (0.05-0.5mg/kg) Alfalfa hay provides some selenium, generally more than grass hay due to its deeper root system accessing mineral-rich subsoil. Content varies by region.

Timothy Hay per 100g dry matter: varies widely (0.02-0.3mg/kg) Timothy hay contains variable selenium depending on soil conditions. In selenium-deficient regions, hay selenium may be negligible, making supplementation essential.

Lentils per 100g: approximately 6mcg selenium Lentils contain moderate selenium and protein. Not commonly fed to horses, but can be part of a formulated feed that includes legume-based ingredients.

Broccoli per 100g: approximately 2.5mcg selenium Broccoli provides some selenium as a treat. While not a primary dietary source for horses, it contributes trace amounts when offered occasionally.