Salmon oil for horses: Are horses fish eaters? The advice and information platform for all horse and dog enthusiasts.

Did you know that horses in Iceland are often fed herring in winter since it's a good source of protein and fat? This used to be very common because obtaining a good protein source was challenging. So, it's not unusual to feed fish to a horse, however, nowadays you see that fish is not given fresh but in supplement form. More is also known about the benefits of fish oil and why salmon oil is an added value for the horse.

Why would you feed salmon oil to horses?

There are several reasons to give salmon oil. Firstly, many horses find it very tasty, making it a healthy treat for the horse. But the main reason is the type of omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon oil and for example not (or little) in most vegetable oils.

There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids that the horse needs:

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): plant-based
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): found almost exclusively in fatty fish
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): found almost exclusively in fatty fish

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids. This means that the horse needs to obtain them through diet because the horse cannot produce them in the body. Horses that have access to fresh grass get omega-3 (ALA) in this way, the amount of omega-3 in hay is very limited. With the drying of the grass and during storage, hay loses the majority of its omega-3. For horses that are only on a hay diet, it is important to add omega-3 to the diet. Also during the winter period, when grass intake is limited, adding omega-3 is advisable.

Difference between flaxseed oil and salmon oil

Flaxseed oil contains a lot of omega-3 and is therefore widely used in horse feeding. But it contains (just like most other vegetable oils) ALA and almost no EPA and DHA. The body can convert ALA to EPA and DHA, but this is very limited. Only 5-10% of the ALA can be converted to EPA and DHA by the horse. And only EPA and DHA can be used by an animal in the body. Salmon oil, on the other hand, is rich in EPA and DHA, making it directly absorbable for the horse. EPA and DHA are important for the body's anti-inflammatory processes and have a positive effect on the neurological and immune systems. In addition, DHA fatty acids are also known to support memory and psychomotor performance. A study has shown that it has a positive effect on the brain development of foals when given to pregnant mares.

Research on the effects of salmon oil

In American research with 13 horses, the effect of salmon oil on performance and blood values was studied. It was found that the heart rate during training was lower, but also that cholesterol and glucose levels in the blood were lower in horses that were given salmon oil. Researchers have concluded based on the results that salmon oil can have a positive effect on horses that are insulin resistant.

Recommended for summer eczema

The American study found that salmon oil positively influenced the glucose level in the blood. This makes it extremely suitable for horses with insulin resistance. But salmon oil is also recommended for summer eczema, as it is said to reduce the itching reaction to mosquito bites, resulting in less rubbing.

Conclusion

Salmon oil is a very suitable omega-3 dietary source for horses. Horses not only find it very tasty, but it also has a therapeutic effect. It has anti-inflammatory properties and a positive effect on the neurological and immune systems. Because salmon oil is rich in EPA and DHA, the horse can use it directly. This makes salmon oil a more efficient omega-3 source than vegetable oil such as flaxseed oil.

Salmon oil is suitable for all horses, but especially for horses with summer eczema or insulin resistance, salmon oil can have a positive effect.

Salmon oil for horses: Are horses fish eaters?

Salmon oil is a well-known dietary supplement for dogs. But in the horse world, there seems to be still a "taboo" on salmon oil. Because horses are not fish eaters, right? But salmon oil has very positive properties which make it a good addition for horses as well.