Omega 3 Sources for Horses

Omega 3 is a beneficial supplement for humans that also has healing properties when fed to horses. Omega 3 can make a horse's coat shinier and help them ward off infections and colds. Ensure that your horse is getting enough Omega 3 supplement from oils and foods.

  1. Linseed Oil

    • Some scientists believe Linseed oil, or flax seed oil, is the best supplement to administer to a horse to ensure their Omega 3 intake is sufficient. Linseed oil is most commonly ingested in pill form. If your horse has trouble swallowing tablets, you can add Linseed oil to its food or water.

    Marine Oils

    • Marine oils are found in capsule pills and have been taken as an Omega 3 supplement for decades. Marine oils include cod liver oil and other fish-derived oils, and come in both liquid and pill form. Some veterinarians hesitate to administer marine oils to horses because they are widely thought to be vegetarian animals. They believe feeding horses Omega 3 in the form of a fish oil goes against that natural inclination. It is, of course, a personal decision.

    Sunflower Seeds

    • Sunflower seeds are a great source of Omega 3 and are often eaten by humans as a tasty way to get a daily dose. A horse's diet consists of several types of seeds, oats and hays, and the sunflower seed is an easy addition. Feed your horse sunflower seeds by the handful, or give the supplement in the form of sunflower oil through a liquid or capsule dosage.