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
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Georgia is Horse & Hound’s deputy website editor and equestrian products expert. She curates content across the website with a particular focus on upcoming equestrian events horse care and buying advice. She also manages all the ecommerce opportunities that allow us to give you easy access to the best products at the lowest prices via our buying guides. Georgia has first-hand knowledge of all the equestrian brands and their ever-evolving product lines, having been working with them closely since she started in equestrian media in 2015.
