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Are you skeptical about using oil for your horse? We are not talking about the cheap cooking oil from the supermarket, which many give in the feed to get the horse to put on weight. Oils are not just essential for the body to absorb nutrients and vitamins; they cleanse, nourish and protect the skin. We have found three of the most effective ones that you can consider giving your horse.
Flaxseed oil is known for its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which have a beneficial effect on animal fur and the immune system. This oil contains on average 40% fat and is one of the few vegetable sources of omega-3 fatty acids, mainly alpha-linolenic acid. It also contains about 30% easily digestible fiber and 20% protein.
0.5 kg of ground flaxseed can reduce allergic reactions associated with recurrent itching, such as summer eczema. Omega-3 fatty acids also appear to have a beneficial effect on horses suffering from inflammatory diseases, such as allergic respiratory diseases and osteoarthritis.
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This type of oil is particularly suitable for lubricating dry and exhausted hooves in the summer. Unlike salmon oil, cod liver oil and fish oil do not smell as much of fish. So, if you are delicate, go for these types of oils.
Fish oils are in the category of essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are fatty acids that humans and animals must consume to get good health. Because the body requires them but cannot get them from other food components. The term refers to fatty acids that are necessary for biological processes in the body, and not those that act only as fuel.
Salmon oil and cod liver oil are especially suitable as hoof oil and as a supplement to the diet to prevent dry skin. Plus it provides a nice and shiny coat.
Argan oil is vegetable and is squeezed from the seeds of the fruit from the argan tree. The oil is not only used for us humans. It is just as good and effective for animals, especially dogs, cats, and horses. They have both fur and challenges, which are partly reminiscent of those we humans have. Just remember to use a variant that is fragrance free.
It can however get a bit expensive if you have to lubricate the whole horse in argan oil. A small tip is therefore that you add argan oil to the shampoo that you wash the horse in. That way you get to care for all the fur at a cheaper cost amount.
The horse's mane can easily be cared for with argan oil, even without becoming too expensive. You just need to dose the oil correctly. Spread a small amount of argan oil in the palm of your hand and rub your hands against each other so that the oil heats up. Then start massaging the oil into the mane. Start from the center of the hair strands and massage out towards the tip. You will find that the mane gets a completely new and natural shine. You can do this care weekly or every two weeks.
Another thing that we suggest you use argan oil for is to relieve mosquito bites or insect bites. It itches, and it is bothersome to the horse, as there is nothing it can do about it except roll on the ground or rub against an object. By lubricating these bites in argan oil, it is our experience that you can reduce the itching and irritation and the horse will no longer be so bothered by it.
The horse's muzzle can also be lubricated in argan oil for a moisturizing and refreshing effect. It is especially good if the muzzle is dry or if it has had too much sun. Oil can also relieve wounds that the horse may have contracted, as argan oil is soothing and has a healing effect. Just like in humans, where it can be used against wounds and inflammation.
Dango Nordic: Is your horse deficient in omega-3?
Consumption guide: Flaxseed oil
Netdoktor.dk: Fish oils
Wikipedia: Argan oil
