Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Reduced joint inflammation, increased joint health from a decrease in the enzymes that break down joint cartilage, healthy coat, healthy hooves, improved immune function and increased stallion fertility are just some of the many benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids in the equine diet.

Omega-3 fatty acids work in conjunction with Omega-6 fatty acids. The ideal ratio is three Omega-6 fatty acids to every one Omega-3 fatty acid. When the horse is receiving more Omega-6 fatty acids and fewer Omega-3 fatty acids, common symptoms are a dull coat with dry itchy skin, skin allergies, cracked hooves, stiff joints and a tendency to be "hot."

While there is no question that horses receive many benefits when supplemented with Omega-3 fatty acids, finding the best source of those acids can be confusing.

The most popular form of supplementation used for horses to gain Omega-3 fatty acids in their diets is flax seed. People usually supplement their horses with whole flax seed, ground flax seed or flax seed oil (also known as linseed oil). There are two basic forms of flax seed--yellow and brown. (Note: Solin is a type of yellow flax seed that is very low in Omega-3 and should be avoided).

Although popular, flax seed is not the best source of Omega-3 fatty acids. When the horse is fed flax seed or another plant source of Omega-3 fatty acids, the horse gains ALA, or alpha-linolenic acid, a precursor to Omega-3. The ALA needs to be converted in the horse's body to EPA (or eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (or docosahexaenoic acid). EPA and DHA are the biologically active forms of Omega-3 that the horse's body actually uses.

When the horse's body attempts to convert the plant source of Omega-3 to the forms it can use, there is only about a 5 percent conversion rate. In reality, a horse may not gain many Omega-3 fatty acids after the conversion of flax seed or other plant sources.

Recent research shows that the best source of EPA and DHA is fish, especially anchovies, sardines, salmon and mackerel. Flavored liquid fish oils found on the market today are a start, but powdered and flavored versions currently under development have the most potential as effective Omega-3 equine supplements.