Adding one of the best oils for horses to your horse’s diet has a wide range of benefits, from providing slow-release non-heating energy to improving coat condition, while they can also be added to the best feeds to aid weight gain. There are a great range of oils that you can feed your horse – while they will all deliver the same amount of energy, each will contain differing amounts of omega fatty acids.
Omega-3 is naturally anti-inflammatory, while omega-6 is pro-inflammatory. A pro-inflammatory isn’t always a bad thing as it can trigger immune responses to help speed up wound healing, for example. However, you definitely want an oil with more omega-3 than -6.
Here’s a round up of the best oils for horses, which includes the cost of each product per day as recommended for a 500kg horse in light work. Cost has been calculated using the RRP of the smallest volume – if you opt for a larger volume, the daily cost will likely decrease.
Best oils for horses
NAF Linseed Oil
Sizes: 1l, 2.5l, 5l, 25l
Feeding rate: 15–45ml
RRP: £12.50 for 1l
Cost per day: From 19p (when buying 1l)
This pure, cold-pressed linseed oil supports general health and helps to maintain a rich, natural shine to the coat. It’s also an ideal form of slow-release energy.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Horse First Omega D Oil
Sizes: 2l, 4l
Feeding rate: 30ml
RRP: £23.75 for 2l
Cost per day: 36p
Described as “liquid sunshine for horses”, this oil contains cold-pressed flaxseed with the correct balance of omegas 3, 6 and 9, which cannot be naturally produced by your horse. It also contains added vitamin D, and supports your horse’s immune system, bone development and strength.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk
Keyflow Key-3 Oil
Sizes: 1l, 5l, 20l
Feeding rate: 30ml
RRP: £16.50 for 1l
Cost per day: 50p
This oil is a blend of cold-pressed British linseed, rapeseed and Scottish salmon oil with garlic. It is scientifically balanced for horses, providing a rich natural source of the long chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in addition to a balanced ratio of omegas 6, 7 and 9.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk
Science Supplements Pure Linseed Oil
Sizes: 5l
Feeding rate: 180ml
RRP: £34.99
Cost per day: £1.25
This oil is high in omega 3 and has added vitamin E. It can aid weight gain, while improving coat and skin condition.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk
Global Herbs Flax Oil
Sizes: 1l, 5l
Feeding rate: 30–50ml
RRP: £15 for 1l
Cost per day: From 45p
Flax oil helps horses maintain strong hooves, glossy coats and good condition. This cold-pressed oil is also a slow-release non-heating energy source, easy to digest and a rich source of omega-3 and -6. It can also help to aid absorption of other supplements.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, globalherbs.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com
Dodson & Horrell Soya Oil
Sizes: 5l
Feeding rate: 75ml
RRP: £28.52 for 5l
Cost per day: 43p
This calorie-dense conditioning oil will promote coat shine and weight gain. It can be added to existing feed without adding extra carbohydrate or protein. Feeding 75ml per day will improve coat condition, while you can feed 300ml per day for weight gain.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Lincoln Omega Gold Rapeseed Oil
Sizes: 1l, 4l
Feeding rate: 50ml
RRP: £10.50 for 1l
Cost per day: 53p
This 100% pure cold-pressed rapeseed oil, provides a balanced source of omega 3 and 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. It maintains and improves body condition and is a good source of non-heating energy.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Synovium Pure Linseed Oil
Sizes: 5l
Feeding rate: 60ml
RRP: £51
Cost per day: 61p
This cold-pressed linseed oil is 100% pure and taken from the first pressing. It contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to support healthy skin, coat and digestive, respiratory and joint health.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
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