What oil should I feed my horse?
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When discussing oils, you will hear the term Omega-3 and Omega-6 a lot; these fatty acids are important inclusions in the horse’s diet. While Omega-3 fatty acids aid the anti-inflammatory response in the body and have positive health benefits, Omega-6 fatty acids aid the pro-inflammatory processes. Some human medical research suggests that excessive levels of Omega-6, relative to Omega-3, may increase the probability of a number of diseases. Therefore, it is advisable that while shopping for an oil suitable for your horse you look for one with at least twice as much Omega-3 as Omega-6.
There are many advantages to feeding oil to horses. The energy content of oils is greater than that of cereals. Therefore, for those horses that are in hard work, have reduced appetite or need additional calories may benefit from an inclusion of oil in the diet.
Advantages to feeding an oil
Skin and Coat – feeding an oil is excellent for skin and coat condition, it is advisable for an oil to be fed to horses who suffer from conditions such as dry, flaky skin or a dull coat. Omega-3 supplementation is thought to be beneficial with some allergy related conditions such as sweet itch, while the oil helps to avoid the irritated skin from drying out.
Respiratory Health – research proved favourable for the inclusion of Omega-3 in the diet for horses who suffer from inflammatory airway disease. The additional benefit of adding an oil to the feed resulted in the feed being coated by the oil reducing the inhalation of excess dust.
Digestive Health and Gastric Ulcers – including an oil in a horses diet is not only of benefit to help digestive transit digestive transit, but it may also prove helpful for horses who suffer from gastric ulcers, where a total diet low in starch and high in oil is advised.
Tying Up – recommendations for feeding horses who suffer from Tying -Up/PPSM include a low starch high oil diet, the inclusion of an oil in the ration of these horses can help in the management of these conditions without having to reduce calorie intake for performance horses.
Joint Health – there are multiple studies in both human and animal promoting the inclusion of a balanced omega oil in the diet to help with joint inflammation.
Fertility – the inclusion of Omega-3 in the diet for both mares and stallions is of benefit for reproductive health.
Linseed oil is a great source of both Omega-3 and Omega-6 and in the correct ratio; the omega balance in linseed oil is 4:1, which is the same ratio as in fresh pasture grass. This natural balance of omega oils is different in preserved forages such as hay, where Omega-6 levels are higher. In stabled horses supplementing with linseed oil helps redress the omega 3:6 imbalance associated with reduced pasture turnout.
Foran Equine Kentucky Karron Oil is a high-quality linseed emulsion, emulsification improves the bioavailability of the Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. This increase in bioavailability allows for better absorption and utilization within the body.
To find out more contact a member of our team:
T +353 (0) 1 6268058 / E info@foranequine.com