Which Oil Should I Feed My Horse?
The type of oil that your horse needs is dependent on their current diet and what you are trying to adjust. Two common reasons to feed a horse oil is to improve energy by increasing fat/calorie intake and to increase a horse’s omega-3 levels. It’s widely known that horses need a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. An exact ratio of the two fatty acids hasn’t been established, though it is known that horses need more omega-3s than omega-6s, otherwise an improper balance can cause inflammation amongst other health issues. Horses cannot produce these fatty acids themselves, and therefore rely on their diet to provide them, which is why it’s one of the most prominent reasons people purchase oil for their horses.
FlaxSeed Oil
FlaxSeed Oil contains a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. However, many horses don’t like the flavor and it can quickly become rancid.
Corn Oil
Corn Oils contain a much higher amount of omega-6 acids than omega-3. Remember that a horse needs more omega-3 fatty acids than omega-6, and horses generally get enough omega-6 fatty acids through their normal feed.
Fish Oil
Fish oils are rich in omega-3 fatty acids as well. However, it is common for horses to not like the taste and refuse to eat it.
Camelina Oil
Camelina oil is a great equine omega-3 supplement. It is produced under cold compression to maintain all beneficial nutrients, and contains natural vitamin E that promotes strong topline and muscle tone. It does not easily become rancid, is more palatable than other oils, and is easily digestible.
Our Top Pick: Camelina Oil
Overall, pretty much all oils can be beneficial to horses. Again, when choosing which oil to feed your horses, you have to consider what you’re wanting to change in their diet. For many, the goal is to improve energy and increase omega-3 levels, which is why we believe camelina oil is the best option. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, has an almond-like flavor that makes it palatable, and has a longer shelf life than most other oils. Additionally, camelina oil does well in extreme cold and does not denature if kept out of the sun and in room temperature. Wild Gold’s camelina oil is a high quality equine supplement that benefits horse joint mobility, horse skin/coat, endurance, and more. Shop our plant based camelina oil as well as other products here.