Why winter is the ideal time

Winter is the perfect time to help your horse lose weight. Horses naturally gain weight in the summer and then use those reserves in the winter. In nature, this serves as a kind of detox. The fat tissue that is broken down also stores waste products. Because we feed our horses throughout the winter, many horses go into the grass period too fat. And in the spring, the grass is full of sugars. Is your horse overweight? Then winter is the right time to start with a modified diet.

What does Omega-3 do?

Omega-3 fatty acids consist of ALA, EPA, and DHA. They have a powerful antioxidant (anti-inflammatory) effect and play a role in the development of a strong and healthy nervous and skeletal system. Another important feature is their role in hormone balance and fatty acids in the blood of horses. In a study with horses in training that were supplemented with Omega-3 from fish oil, these were the results:

• After 4 weeks: lower percentage of fats and cholesterol in the blood.
• After 9 weeks: lower level of free fatty acids in the blood.
• During training: lower heart rate and decreased blood sugar levels after the training.

Horses cannot produce essential fatty acids themselves and must consume them daily through their diet. Horses get Omega-3 from fresh grass, which modern horses do not get as much of nowadays, especially in the winter. So don't forget these essential fatty acids when your horse is on a diet.

Where else is Omega-3 recommended?

• Sweet itch
• Skin allergies
• Wound healing
• Insulin resistance
• Respiratory problems
• Digestive issues

Wait, won't a horse gain weight from oil?

No, contrary to what many horse owners think, this is not the case when a horse receives daily exercise. It actually helps with metabolism. Multiple studies have shown that Omega-3 improves the burning of body fat when coupled with increased physical activity. This is because it improves blood flow to the muscles, allowing the body to burn fat more efficiently. It also lowers the percentage of fatty acids and cholesterol in the blood. It is important that the horse is in motion/training.

Which Omega-3 source should I choose?

Flaxseed is one of the most well-known sources of Omega-3. The disadvantage of flaxseed is that it only contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which the horse's body still needs to convert to animal-based Omega-3 (EPA and DHA). However, only 5% to 10% is converted. It is precisely these EPA and DHA that the body needs for membrane function. EPA- and DHA sources are limited, with the most common sources being algae or salmon oil (fish oil). Algae mainly provide DHA, while salmon oil provides both EPA and DHA. Therefore, salmon oil is the best choice. Salmon oil is an animal product, so the Omega-3 in fish oil does not need to be converted in the horse's body, making it much easier and in much larger quantities to be absorbed. Salmon oil has the best ratio between Omega-3 and Omega-6, namely 6:1 (ratio of Omega-3:Omega-6). In flaxseed oil, this is 1:2. Salmon oil might sound like a strange supplement for horses, but it is becoming increasingly popular. Did you know that horses in Iceland have been fed herring for years?

Conclusion: Omega-3 improves fat burning

Omega fatty acids should not be missing from a horse's diet, especially when the horse needs to lose weight. This is because it has a positive effect on blood sugar levels and the percentage of fats and cholesterol in the blood. It is important that the horse is in motion/training. The combination of Omega-3 and exercise leads to the best results. But as you probably know, a horse that needs to lose weight will also need additional exercise. Salmon oil (fish oil) is the best source for complete Omega-3 fatty acids. This is because it contains all three forms ALA, EPA, and DHA. A plant-based source like flaxseed oil only contains ALA, which the horse's body then needs to convert into EPA and DHA. Only 5 to 10 percent of flaxseed oil is converted, which is not effective enough for horses needing to lose weight.