Omega Fatty Acids Your Horse Needs
Just as humans do, horses need omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in their diet because these are essential nutrients that our bodies do not produce. It can be difficult to create a balanced diet of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, because they are needed in disproportionate quantities. While there’s no exact ratio, it’s widely known that horses need more omega-3 than omega-6 fatty acids. One is not more important than the other, but because they work together, having too much omega-6 or not enough omega-3 can result in inflammation, increased risk of blood clotting, and constricted blood vessels.
Ensure Your Horse Is Getting Enough Omega-3 Fatty Acids
It’s important for horse owners to keep in mind that most horses already consume the essential amount of omega-6 fatty acids through their feed. If a horse is fed cured hay and grain based feed, then their diet consists of enough omega-6 fatty acids but most likely lacks omega-3, meaning they would benefit from a supplement.
The Benefits
Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for many reasons. Mostly, they aid in the production of eicosanoids, which are essential in the functioning of the cell. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids benefit cell membranes’ structure, building immunity, endurance, and recovery. They also are useful in regulating sensitivity to insulin and improving male fertility. Overall, omega-3 fatty acids are essential in a horse’s diet for optimal health. Wild Gold’s cold-pressed camelina oil contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, and is more palatable than other supplement oils so it can be easily incorporated into your horse’s diet. Shop our camelina oil products here.