Salmon oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids. This means that the horse needs to get them through its diet because the horse cannot produce them in the body. There are 3 types of omega-3 fatty acids:

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

Horses that have access to fresh grass get omega-3 (ALA) 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 omega-3.

Horses can only directly absorb EPA and DHA fatty acids well into the body. ALA fatty acids must first be converted to EPA and DHA by the horse in the body, and this is a very inefficient process. Salmon oil is rich in EPA and DHA fatty acids and therefore a very efficient source of omega-3 fatty acids for the horse.

Salmon oil can support a horse with sweet itch

Salmon oil has an anti-inflammatory function and also supports the immune system due to the large amount of omega-3 fatty acids. Sweet itch is an allergic reaction to the proteins in the saliva of midges, and these allergic reactions cause small inflammations. By adding salmon oil to the diet, you boost the horse's immune system. The horse becomes more resilient to external influences. The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon oil have an anti-inflammatory effect, helping to resolve the inflammations under the skin caused by sweet itch faster.

Conclusion:

There is no miracle cure for sweet itch, but by adding salmon oil to the feed, you can help your horse resolve allergic reactions faster. Salmon oil is therefore part of the overall approach against sweet itch. Take as many measures as possible to limit sweet itch.

Source: Equinews