Feeding oil
It’s renowned for boosting coat condition and providing energy, but is extra oil in his feed really the right thing for your horse? Nutritionist Nikki Meggison sums up the role it plays in the equine diet
The benefits of feeding your horse oil for energy and a show-winning shine
FAMED FOR ITS energising properties and condition-boosting benefits, oil is often favoured by owners of performance horses to give their steeds the energy they need without relying on starch. But, as independent equine nutritionist Nikki Meggison explains, it’s not just horses at the top of the sport that can benefit from having oil included in their diet.
Why feed oil?
“Oil is fed for a variety of reasons,” says Nikki. “Anything from giving your horse’s coat an extra shine and treating ailments of the skin through to boosting condition and helping with joint problems.” Another popular property of oil is that it can be an alternative energy source to starch. This can be ideal for horses who need a low-sugar, low-starch diet, such as those prone to laminitis and metabolic issues. It can also help horses who are prone to tying up and colic. “Oil is safe to feed to laminitics, providing they are a healthy weight,” explains Nikki. “It can reduce the risk of digestive and metabolic issues associated with high sugar and starch diets. It can also provide an excellent alternative energy source to starch. This makes oil great for horses in hard work as it’s a slow-release energy.” When it comes to absorption, oil is much easier for horses to utilise than some sources of starch, like cereals, making it easier on your horse’s digestive system. “The energy can be extracted more easily from oil than it can from cereals or grain,” says Nikki. “This can be especially beneficial if he’s been suffering from problems like colic or gastric ulcers. “In addition, oil produces less heat when it’s digested compared to starch, so your horse will dissipate heat much quicker during exercise.” Being a fat source, oil is perfect for horses that need to improve their condition as it supplies a large number of calories in a small amount of oil. “Oil builds condition really well, just be aware not to use it as part of an initial feeding programme for a horse that has been starved, as the digestive system and organs will already be compromised,” advises Nikki. “Once he’s back to a healthier weight, though, that’s when you can begin using oil to improve his condition.”
Reasons to avoid it
While oil is wonderful in many ways, it’s not suitable for all horses — especially individuals who are overweight. “Oil is a fat and, while it helps to boost the condition of a horse that needs to put on weight, it will have the same effect on an already overweight horse,” warns Nikki. “It can contribute to weight gain and obesity. Overweight or obese horses are then at risk of developing other debilitating conditions, like laminitis.” Oil is also high in unsaturated fatty acids that are prone to oxidation. This can cause damage to your horse’s body so, when feeding oil, it’s important to balance it with a good level of antioxidants, such as vitamin E.
When it comes to absorption, oil is much easier for horses to utilise than some sources of starch, like cereals, making it easier on your horse’s digestive system
“Vitamin E is an excellent antioxidant,” says Nikki. “A lot of suppliers of good-quality oil will actually include vitamin E within the oil — you just need to check the bottle or contact the supplier if you’re unsure.” If the oil doesn’t have vitamin E included, feeding a balancer can help. The amounts of vitamin E in each balancer can vary, though, so read the packaging to make sure it’s suitable. Contact an equine nutritionist at a feed company if you’re unsure.
Oil choices
When it comes to choosing an oil, it’s important to remember that, while the energy levels are relatively similar from all sources, it’s the different amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 to look out for. “Omega-3 promotes anti-inflammatory responses in the body and can aid immune function,” says Nikki. “Omega-6 isn’t bad as such, but it can promote inflammatory responses. Your horse needs more omega-3 than omega-6. With this in mind, it’s better to look for oils that have higher levels of omega-3, compared to omega-6.” “Linseed oil is my preferred choice,” explains Nikki. “Its ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 is 4:1, making it the best vegetable source of omega-3. “It’s also very palatable and contains a small amount of vitamin E.” The amount of oil that you feed your horse will depend on the condition your horse is in, what he does work-wise and what benefit you’re hoping to obtain from the oil. There may be guidelines on the packaging of the oil itself, but if you’re ever unsure then contact an equine nutritionist who can point you in the right direction. Introducing any oil should be done as gradually as possible, over the course of between seven and 14 days. “Never make any sudden changes to your horse’s diet,” states Nikki. “If you change too suddenly it can cause digestive upset and may give your horse problems such as diarrhoea. He may also reject the oil if it suddenly appears in his feed bowl, as it’ll change the palatability of his food.” Benefits of feeding oil may take up to 12 weeks, but it is possible to start noticing changes after week four.