Vegetable oil is an easy and safe way to increase the energy density of the diet, so we can reduce the amount of concentrate fed, and above all the amount of cereals. What is more, a diet rich in fats places a smaller heat load on the body, because digesting oil produces less heat than digesting feed. This reduces electrolyte losses and the amount of sweat produced. And that is not all. Oil is a source of what is called slow-release energy. That means it does not cause excitability and it increases the horse’s stamina in work. Every oil, however, has different health properties and, above all, a different ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids…
Both of these fatty acids have to be supplied in the food, because the horse’s body cannot make them itself. An unfavourable ratio between them can lead to health problems, so when choosing an oil you should look at the diet as a whole and at the horse’s particular problems. For example, later-cut hay, all cereals such as oats, barley and maize, and oilseed cakes (except linseed cake) are low in omega-3 fatty acids. Most horse diets are made up of these ingredients, which leads to a marked predominance of omega-6 over omega-3. Horses that spend a lot of time at pasture do not have a problem with omega-3 deficiency, because grass is very rich in them. So which oil should you choose?
By far the most popular oil in horse feeding is linseed oil. Why? It is the only vegetable oil with a predominance of omega-3 fatty acids and, as we have already mentioned, a shortage of these is common in horses, especially outside the grazing season. This very favourable fatty-acid ratio also means that linseed oil has an anti-inflammatory effect, so it is used to support the musculoskeletal system, ulcers and inflammation of the airways. Another benefit is an improvement in the condition of the skin, coat and hooves.
Maize oil is being used more and more often, even though it is the opposite of linseed oil, because it is very rich in omega-6 fatty acids. It has become popular in the feeding of horses with ulcers. It has been shown scientifically that supplementing maize oil at about 50 ml a day leads to lower production of gastric acid and therefore to a more normal pH. Maize oil also supports regeneration and increases the elasticity of the skin.
And what about other vegetable oils? Rice oil deserves a mention; it is often found in concentrates in the form of rice bran. It is known for the substance “gamma-oryzanol”, which supports muscle development and recovery. Another supplement worth mentioning is black cumin oil. It is particularly suitable for horses with lowered immunity and for those with allergies, both of the skin and of the respiratory tract. Milk thistle oil, in turn, is recommended for horses after drug treatment or food poisoning, because it supports liver regeneration. Hemp oil, meanwhile, can be added to the diet of horses that are prone to stress. Remember, however, that it must not be used in horses that compete.
As you can see, vegetable oils have a very wide range of uses. You do not have to limit yourself to one. A combination of linseed oil and black cumin oil is very beneficial to health and has a therapeutic effect. For horses in intense work, linseed oil combined with rice oil works very well. This mix will support your horse’s muscles. When introducing oil into the diet, it is best to start with 30 ml and increase it gradually. Adding oil too suddenly can cause diarrhoea!