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What your horse consumes in its daily diet has a significant impact on its health—both mental and physical. However, if the intake is not properly balanced, it can disrupt or diminish the horse's health and well-being. Omega fatty acids play a crucial role in equine nutrition and can have numerous positive effects across various areas of health.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to joint, skin, hoof, and overall health, making them highly beneficial for your horse's well-being. It might be the missing piece when it comes to your horse's performance or attitude.
READ ALSO: Feeding for optimal mental health
In the scientific community, it is a well-established fact that omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the health of both horses and humans. Since horses are unable to produce omega-3 or 6 on their own (while omega-9 is synthesized in their bodies from other fats), it is essential that they regularly consume omega-3.
All three omega types are often found in the same food sources, and understanding the ratio of omega-3, 6, and 9 in supplements is critical. Excessive amounts of omega-6 in a horse’s diet can hinder the absorption of omega-3, leading to poor health, inflammation, and even issues like arthritis. Studies on animals and humans have shown that high concentrations of omega-6 fatty acids increase inflammatory processes by promoting the formation of prostaglandins (fatty acids with hormone-like effects). Fortunately, there are plenty of options available to supplement your horse's diet with omega-3-rich fats.
All products containing omega fatty acids will have a ratio between omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9. Without getting too technical, omega-3 fats are crucial for health, while omega-6 provides the body with energy. It's important to consume more omega-3 than omega-6. Omega-9 are non-essential fats produced in the horse’s body. The omega-3 to omega-6 ratio is an easy way to determine which products are high in omega-3 compared to omega-6. Look for products with a low number on the left side of the ratio (green numbers), such as flaxseed oil at 0.24:1, indicating there is a quarter amount of omega-6 for every unit of omega-3.
Grass and most types of hay naturally contain omega-3, which helps maintain the needs of a horse. However, it is often observed that horses do not get enough omega-3 when stabled and ridden. Currently, there is no recommended daily dose of omega-3, 6, or 9 fatty acids in equine nutrition, but studies show clear benefits when horses are fed 50-200 ml of omega-3-rich oil, such as flaxseed oil.
Omega-3 has been shown to have benefits such as maintaining a normal inflammatory response, minimizing skin irritations, and helping reduce summer eczema. It also improves skin, coat, and hoof condition, as well as aiding in enhanced immunity, brain and eye function, and overall health. Omega-3 is known to support joint, tendon movement, and flexibility. One of the most visible and obvious effects is the shine in the horse's coat and, if applicable, the dapples.
In addition to enhancing shine, an omega-3-based oil supplement is ideal for a horse needing regulated calorie intake. It becomes easier to increase or decrease calorie intake through a pure oil to achieve the desired energy balance.
By providing calories through a fat- and fiber-based diet rather than through sugar- and starch-rich feeds, you improve your horse's gut health, bringing it closer to its natural diet. Horses are originally designed to digest fat and fiber, and by doing so, you’ll have a healthier horse that is calmer, more content, and more reliable. This approach also minimizes the risk of ulcers and other illnesses, especially if your horse has access to hay/wrap or grass around the clock.
Many horse feeds are heat-treated because steam expands the grain, making it more accessible to digestive enzymes and reducing the risk that starch will harm beneficial gut bacteria. However, when oils are heat-treated, it compromises their nutritional value. Therefore, it's best to add oil separately to the feed and use a cold-pressed oil when feeding with an omega-3 supplement.
Ideally, your horse's concentrate feed should not already contain any oils (note that many concentrates already include oil), as this will make it difficult to calculate the amount of omega-3 oil needed. Providing your horse with the correct amounts of omega-3 is vital for its health. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult a professional equine nutritionist before making any changes to your horse's diet. Most feed manufacturers offer a free feeding plan.
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https://ker.com/equinews/omega-3-and-6-fatty-acids-horses-there-ideal-ratio/
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