Omega-3 for Horses: Benefits, Sources and Feeding Tips

Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Why They Matter in Your Horse's Diet

When it comes to feeding our horses, we often focus on protein, energy, vitamins and minerals. But what about essential fatty acids?

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids play important roles in maintaining your horse's overall health, from supporting healthy skin and coat condition to normal immune function and the body's inflammatory response.

While research into omega fatty acids in horses is still developing, studies suggest that increasing omega-3 intake may offer benefits for certain horses, particularly those with limited access to fresh pasture or diets containing higher levels of omega-6.

So, what's the difference between omega-3 and omega-6, where do horses obtain them, and should you consider adding a supplement to your horse's diet?

Understanding Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 and omega-6 are types of polyunsaturated fatty acids that contribute to numerous functions within the body.

Both are important for maintaining healthy cell membranes, supporting normal growth and development, and producing compounds that help regulate inflammation and other physiological processes.

The two main essential fatty acids relevant to horses are:

- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): An omega-3 fatty acid found primarily in fresh pasture, linseed and certain other plant sources.
- Linoleic acid (LA): An omega-6 fatty acid found in grains, seeds and many vegetable oils.

There are also two important long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are found predominantly in marine sources such as fish oil and algae.

Horses can convert some plant-derived ALA into longer-chain omega-3 fatty acids, but this conversion is limited. Consequently, different omega-3 sources may offer different nutritional benefits.

Why Is the Omega-3 to Omega-6 Balance Important?

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are both essential components of a healthy diet. However, they can influence inflammatory processes in different ways.

Omega-6 fatty acids participate in pathways involved in inflammation, immunity and tissue repair. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, can influence the production of compounds involved in regulating and resolving inflammation.

This doesn't mean omega-6 is bad for horses. Inflammation is a normal and necessary part of healing and immune defence, and both types of fatty acids have important functions.

What matters is providing an appropriate overall fatty acid intake.

Horses evolved to consume forage-based diets that naturally contain relatively high levels of omega-3. However, modern feeding practices can alter this balance, particularly when horses receive large amounts of cereal grains or omega-6-rich vegetable oils.

Although researchers have not established an ideal omega-3 to omega-6 ratio for horses, ensuring adequate omega-3 intake is a sensible consideration when evaluating their diet.

Where Do Horses Get Omega-3 and Omega-6?

The fatty acid content of your horse's diet depends largely on the type of forage, concentrates and oils being fed.

Fresh Pasture

Fresh green pasture is naturally rich in the omega-3 fatty acid ALA.

Horses with consistent access to good-quality pasture may already receive a useful supply of omega-3 through their normal diet.

However, pasture quality and availability can vary considerably throughout the year, particularly during Western Australia's hot, dry summers.

As pasture matures, dries off or becomes sparse, the amount of omega-3 available to grazing horses may decrease.

Hay and Conserved Forage

Hay also contains omega-3 fatty acids, although generally at lower levels than fresh green pasture.

The drying and storage processes can reduce the concentration of these fatty acids over time.

For horses relying predominantly on hay, particularly during summer or when pasture access is restricted, it may be worth considering whether their diet provides sufficient omega-3.

Grains and Vegetable Oils

Cereal grains such as oats, barley and corn generally contain a greater proportion of omega-6 relative to omega-3.

Some commonly fed oils, including corn, sunflower and soybean oil, are also relatively high in omega-6.

This doesn't make them unsuitable for horses, but it does mean the type of oil added to the ration can significantly influence the overall fatty acid balance.

For horses requiring additional calories, choosing an oil that also provides omega-3 may be a useful alternative.

Choosing an Omega-3 Source for Your Horse

There are several ways to increase omega-3 intake, ranging from whole seeds to concentrated oils.

The most appropriate option depends on your horse's existing diet, workload, body condition and nutritional requirements.

Linseed: A Rich Plant-Based Omega-3 Source

Linseed, also known as flaxseed, is one of the richest commonly available plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

It contains high concentrations of ALA and is a popular addition to equine diets, particularly for horses with limited access to fresh pasture.

Whole linseeds provide fat alongside other nutrients, including protein and fibre. However, crushing or grinding linseeds improves access to the nutrients within the seed. Ground linseed should be stored carefully to minimise oxidation, and commercially stabilised products can offer a convenient alternative.

For owners who prefer adding oil rather than seeds, AHS Raw Linseed Oil and CEN Oil provide concentrated plant-based omega-3 options.

CEN Oil is produced from cold-pressed flaxseed and contains a high proportion of ALA. It can be particularly useful for horses requiring extra dietary energy without increasing their grain intake.

Linseed oil can also be a practical addition to the diets of horses in regular work or those needing additional calories, although the amount fed should be adjusted according to body condition and overall energy requirements.

Unlike whole or ground linseed, linseed oil contributes almost entirely fat, without the fibre and protein found in the seed.

Fish Oil: A Direct Source of EPA and DHA

While plant-based sources supply omega-3 primarily as ALA, fish oil provides the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA directly.

These fatty acids are of particular interest because of their roles in regulating inflammatory processes.

Equine studies have investigated EPA and DHA supplementation in relation to joint health, respiratory inflammation, reproduction and metabolic function.

Some results are promising, although benefits vary between studies and omega-3 supplementation should not be considered a treatment for these conditions on its own.

For horse owners interested in a concentrated source of EPA and DHA, KER EO-3 Oil is specifically formulated for horses.

Unlike conventional fish oil, KER EO-3 is refined and flavoured to improve palatability, making it easier to incorporate into a horse's daily feed.

It may be worth considering for performance horses, horses receiving high-grain diets, or those for which additional long-chain omega-3 supplementation has been recommended.

For owners who prefer to avoid animal-derived ingredients, plant-based omega-3 sources remain an option, although they do not supply equivalent amounts of EPA and DHA.

Hemp Seeds and Hemp Oil: A Blend of Essential Fatty Acids

Hemp is another plant-based source of essential fatty acids that has become increasingly popular in equine nutrition.

Unlike linseed, which contains substantially more omega-3 than omega-6, hemp generally contains more omega-6 than omega-3.

However, hemp provides both essential fatty acids, as well as smaller amounts of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid involved in normal inflammatory regulation.

Provex Equine Hemp Hulls and Hearts offer a way to incorporate hemp-derived nutrients into the diet. Hemp hearts contain fat and protein, while the hulls contribute fibre.

For owners preferring a liquid supplement, Provex Premium Hemp Seed Oilprovides a concentrated source of hemp-derived fatty acids that can be added directly to the daily feed.

Hemp oil is often selected to support general skin and coat condition while contributing additional dietary energy.

Although hemp products are sometimes promoted for anxiety, stamina, hoof health and behaviour, there is currently insufficient equine-specific evidence to confidently attribute these benefits to hemp supplementation.

Its established nutritional value lies primarily in its fatty acid content and, in the case of hemp hearts, its contribution of protein and other nutrients.

Chia Seeds: Another Plant-Based Alternative

Chia seeds are another useful source of ALA, making them an alternative for horse owners looking to increase their horse's omega-3 intake.

Alongside their fatty acid content, chia seeds provide dietary fibre and some protein.

Their ability to absorb water and form a gel has attracted interest, particularly in discussions surrounding digestive health.

However, while chia seeds can form part of a balanced equine diet, there is currently insufficient evidence to support claims that they prevent gastric ulcers, treat allergies or resolve metabolic conditions.

For owners who prefer feeding whole food ingredients, chia seeds can be a convenient addition to the ration.

As with any fat-rich feed ingredient, the amount should be determined by the horse's overall diet rather than a standard feeding rate applied to every horse.

What Does the Research Say About Omega-3 Supplementation?

Research into omega-3 supplementation in horses has expanded considerably, with studies investigating potential benefits across several areas of equine health.

Skin and coat condition

Essential fatty acids contribute to normal skin barrier function and coat health. Adequate dietary fat and essential fatty acid intake are important for maintaining healthy skin, although supplementation will not necessarily resolve skin conditions caused by allergies, parasites or other underlying problems.

Joint health and inflammation

Some studies have reported changes in inflammatory markers following omega-3 supplementation, particularly when EPA and DHA are provided.

However, findings are not entirely consistent, and improvements in inflammatory markers do not always translate into noticeable improvements in movement or comfort.

Respiratory health

Research suggests that long-chain omega-3 supplementation may help support the management of inflammatory airway conditions in horses.

These benefits are most relevant as part of a broader management plan that also addresses dust exposure, forage quality and veterinary treatment where necessary.

Metabolic health

Researchers have also investigated the influence of omega-3 fatty acids on insulin regulation and metabolic function.

Some studies have produced encouraging findings, while others have demonstrated little or no improvement.

For horses with metabolic concerns, appropriate body condition, controlled energy intake, suitable forage and veterinary guidance remain the priorities.

Reproductive health

Omega-3 supplementation has also been studied in breeding horses, with research suggesting potential benefits for semen quality, the fatty acid composition of mares' milk and aspects of foal development.

While these findings are promising, the optimal supplementation strategies for different classes of horses have yet to be fully established.

Overall, omega-3 fatty acids are important components of equine nutrition, but supplementation is most beneficial when it addresses a genuine nutritional need.

Does Your Horse Actually Need an Omega-3 Supplement?

Not every horse requires additional omega-3.

A horse receiving adequate quantities of quality fresh pasture may already consume a reasonable amount through its normal diet.

However, supplementation may be worth considering for horses that:

- Have limited access to fresh green pasture.
- Rely heavily on hay or dried forage.
- Receive grain-based concentrates or oils relatively high in omega-6.
- Require additional calories from fat rather than starch-rich feeds.
- Have specific nutritional requirements for which their veterinarian or equine nutritionist has recommended additional omega-3.

Before adding a supplement, it's worth examining the complete ration. Many commercial feeds already contain linseed, stabilised oils or other omega-3 ingredients.

For horse owners who prefer a convenient prepared supplement, products such as Equine Vit and Min Omega 3 Plus Premium may offer alternative ways to incorporate fatty acids into the feeding programme.

However, it's important to compare the actual fatty acid profile and recommended daily serving rather than relying on the product name alone. A blend containing omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 is not necessarily a better choice than an omega-3-rich oil.

A Few Things to Remember When Feeding Oils and Seeds

Adding an omega-3 source to your horse's diet can be relatively straightforward, but there are some practical considerations.

1. Introduce new supplements gradually. Sudden changes in dietary fat can cause digestive upset. Start with a small amount and increase progressively according to the manufacturer's instructions.

2. Consider the additional calories. Oils are energy-dense, making them useful for horses requiring extra condition but potentially unsuitable in large amounts for overweight horses or easy keepers.

3. Store oils and seeds correctly. Polyunsaturated fats are susceptible to oxidation when exposed to heat, light and air. Store products according to their label instructions and avoid feeding oils that have developed a rancid smell.

4. Don't overlook vitamin E. Increasing dietary fat, particularly polyunsaturated fats, can increase the importance of adequate antioxidant nutrition. Horses consuming predominantly stored forage may also have lower vitamin E intake than those grazing fresh pasture.

5. Keep forage as the foundation. Omega-3 supplements are not a substitute for appropriate forage intake, a balanced ration or good management.

Most importantly, there is no single omega-3 feeding rate suitable for every horse. Requirements depend on the source being fed, the amount of omega-3 it supplies and the horse's individual circumstances.

Finding the Right Balance

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids both have important roles in maintaining your horse's health. Rather than trying to eliminate omega-6, the aim should be to provide a balanced diet containing appropriate sources of essential fatty acids.

For many horses, fresh pasture will supply a useful amount of omega-3. For others, particularly those maintained primarily on hay or concentrates, adding linseed, chia, hemp or a marine-derived omega-3 supplement may be worth considering.

The best option is not necessarily the product with the longest list of claimed benefits, but the one that provides the most appropriate fatty acids for your horse's existing diet.

At Oakford Stockfeeds, we stock a range of omega-3 oils, seeds and supplements to suit different feeding preferences and nutritional requirements.

If you're unsure which option is right for your horse, visit our friendly team in-store or browse our range online at www.oakfordstockfeeds.com.au.

We're always happy to help you make informed choices about your horse's nutrition.