Whether it comes from feed or a bottle, linseed oil for horses is a valuable dietary addition. Below, we explain the benefits of feeding oil and share tips on safely introducing it into your horse's diet.
Did you know?
Although nothing replaces a balanced diet and good grooming, linseed oil for horses can be the finishing touch for a shiny coat. Just 30-50 ml of oil daily may be all you need to make your horse's coat look wonderful.
Fats are broken down into fatty acids, which are susceptible to oxidation. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage caused by oxidative stress.
For this reason, the total diet should supply an additional 100iu of vitamin E for every 100 ml of oil fed. Consult a nutritionist before feeding more than 100 ml of oil daily to ensure your horse's basic diet provides sufficient vitamin E.
High-oil feed or bottled oil
Adding oil to your horse's feed can be easy and cost-effective, particularly in small amounts. In larger quantities, bottled oil can be a useful way to provide extra calories without increasing meal size.
• Make sure it is fresh. Oil goes rancid easily, especially in hot weather.
• Consult a nutritionist before feeding more than 100 ml of oil daily.
• If you compete, make sure the linseed oil for horses (and any other feeds or supplements) you use are free from prohibited substances.
What is linseed oil for horses and what does it do?
Oil for horses certainly adds calories. In fact, 300 ml of oil provides roughly the same energy (calories) as 1 kg of oats. However, unlike cereal grains, linseed oil for horses contains no starch, making it a safe and desirable option for excitable horses or those prone to laminitis, colic or digestive ulcers. An excellent choice for horses is TRM Carron Oil, which contains not only omega fatty acids but also calcium hydroxide to buffer stomach acid.Did you know?
- All oils contain the same amount of energy (calories) - around 3.5 MJ DE per 100 ml
- Horses may need up to 12 weeks to adapt to a high-oil diet
Oil for horses and a shiny coat
Although nothing replaces a balanced diet and good grooming, linseed oil for horses can be the finishing touch for a shiny coat. Just 30-50 ml of oil daily may be all you need to make your horse's coat look wonderful.
Linseed oil for horses - how to use it
As a rule, horses and ponies fed a low-oil feed (less than 4%) can receive up to an additional 100 ml of oil per 100 kg body weight daily (500 ml for a 500 kg horse). However, if your feed is already high in oil, consult a nutritionist before adding bottled oil.Oil and vitamin E
Fats are broken down into fatty acids, which are susceptible to oxidation. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage caused by oxidative stress.
For this reason, the total diet should supply an additional 100iu of vitamin E for every 100 ml of oil fed. Consult a nutritionist before feeding more than 100 ml of oil daily to ensure your horse's basic diet provides sufficient vitamin E.
High-oil feed or bottled oil
Adding oil to your horse's feed can be easy and cost-effective, particularly in small amounts. In larger quantities, bottled oil can be a useful way to provide extra calories without increasing meal size.
Oils in horse nutrition - safe feeding tips
• Introduce any additional oil for horses gradually - around 100 ml per week as a guide.• Make sure it is fresh. Oil goes rancid easily, especially in hot weather.
• Consult a nutritionist before feeding more than 100 ml of oil daily.
• If you compete, make sure the linseed oil for horses (and any other feeds or supplements) you use are free from prohibited substances.
