5 Reasons To Feed Your Horse Camelina Oil

Horses require essential fatty acids that the body does not naturally produce, meaning these nutrients must be absorbed through their diet. Unless your horse has consistent access to graze in a pasture, which isn’t always the case due to climate, your horse most likely needs a supplement in order to avoid a deficiency that can cause a variety of health issues. Oil supplements are commonly added to horses’ feed, and while there’s quite a few oils to choose from, camelina oil proves to be one of the best equine supplements. Below are 5 reasons to feed your horse camelina oil.

1. Camelina Oil Contains High Amounts Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Typically, camelina oil is frequently bought because it’s a rich source of essential omega-3 fatty acids. A horse needs omega-3 fatty acids along with omega-6 fatty acids to maintain healthy functioning of the cell. It’s widely known that horses need a higher amount of omega-3 fatty acids than omega-6, which is why camelina oil is a great supplement choice to add to a horse’s feed. 

2. Camelina Oil Is High In Vitamin E

Vitamin E deficiencies can cause a variety of equine diseases including equine neuroaxonal dystrophy (eNAD), equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM), and equine motor neuron disease (EMND). Vitamine E, along with selenium, aids in supporting equine muscle function and fighting muscular diseases. 

3. Camelina Oil Helps Horses With Skin Allergies

The omega fatty acids found in camelina oil contribute to a healthy immune function and reduce inflammation, thus working to alleviate equine allergy symptoms. Specifically, the omega-3 fatty acids in camelina oil strengthen cell membranes which is critical to overall skin health. 

4. Camelina Oil Can Improve Equine Endurance

Camelina oil is a rich source of fat that can help your horse’s stamina. Fat contains over double the amount of calories as carbohydrates, making it a great source of energy and weight gain for a horse that is struggling with recovery or muscle tone.

5. Camelina Oil Is A Plant Based Supplement

Fish oil is another common source of essential fatty acids for horses. Even though horses are herbivores, fish oil is fine to use as a supplement. However, camelina oil has a subtle, almond-like flavor that many horses tend to prefer over fish oil. Camelina oil also has a much longer shelf life than fish oil and many other oils.