Linseed oil for horses

Olej Lniany has long been used in horse feeding because of the beneficial effect of the biologically active substances it contains. It works very well as an addition to the basic feed or to oats adding variety to the feed ration.

Replacing cereals with linseed oil is a way to raise the energy density of the diet while reducing the amount of starch. It is a source of slow-release energy and is especially recommended for horses with gastric ulcers and those with poor capacity for work.

Linseed oil is rich in omega-3, -6 and -9 fatty acids and in valuable vitamins A, E and D, and feeding it regularly improves the condition of the coat and hoof horn. It also increases the digestibility of dry matter in the diet and, thanks to its nutritional properties, helps the horse regain energy quickly after hard training.

The advantage of linseed oil over other vegetable oils comes from its high content of polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (PUFA), especially alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), of which it is the richest plant source. Linseed oil also has a very favourable ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, no higher than 2:1. Enriching the diet with omega-3 fatty acids may help to limit inflammatory and allergic reactions, improve the blood lipid profile and increase the sensitivity of tissues to insulin. Besides its high ALA content, linseed oil contains other beneficial compounds, such as phytosterols with an anti-atherosclerotic effect, and carotenoids and phenolic acids with an antioxidant effect.

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