How much linseed oil can a horse have per day?
Typical amounts are about 5–25 ml of linseed oil per 100 kg body weight per day, so for a 600 kg horse that is around 30 to 150 ml. This is the range given by the manufacturer St. Hippolyt. Pavo states that for a 600 kg horse 40 ml per day is already sufficient as an energy source.
As a permanent upper limit, Pavo gives 200–250 ml per day, the magazine Cavallo 160 ml. The Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture (LfL) limits the fat content of the entire ration to 0.1 kg per 100 kg body weight. According to Pavo, linseed oil can be fed continuously. Introduce it slowly, spread it over the meals and use up an opened bottle within 6 to 8 weeks.
By Julia Lühr, Ahrens Reitsport in Tangstedt · Updated
For most horses, around 5–25 ml of linseed oil per 100 kg body weight per day is sufficient. This is the range given by the manufacturer St. Hippolyt for its cold-pressed linseed oil. For a 600 kg horse, this is around 30 to 150 ml. The feed manufacturer Pavo states that for a 600 kg horse 40 ml per day is already sufficient as an energy source.
What maximum quantities do specialist sources give?
The figures differ because some sources only consider the oil and others the total fat content of the ration. The following overview summarises the documented values.
| Source | Figure | Refers to |
|---|---|---|
| St. Hippolyt (manufacturer) | approx. 5–25 ml per 100 kg body weight per day | linseed oil |
| Pavo (manufacturer) | 40 ml per day for a 600 kg horse, never more than 200–250 ml per day in the long term | total oil |
| Cavallo (specialist magazine) | no more than 160 ml per day | cold-pressed linseed oil |
| Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture (LfL) | at most 0.1 kg per 100 kg body weight per day, maximum 0.5 kg per horse | crude fat of the entire ration |
| German Equestrian Federation (FN) | 1 g per kg body weight per day as the limit | oil |
The high limits apply to horses with a high energy requirement. For a leisure horse that receives linseed oil because of the fatty acids, the usual amount is significantly lower.
How do I introduce linseed oil correctly?
Start with a small amount and increase it by a few millilitres each day until you reach the desired quantity. This is how St. Hippolyt and Pavo describe it. The LfL recommends a very slow introduction, careful mixing in and dividing into at least three meals for larger amounts of oil. Pavo also advises distributing the daily amount across all meals.
Do I need to feed additional vitamin E with linseed oil?
For larger quantities you should keep an eye on the vitamin E supply. The LfL points out that linseed oil contains many unsaturated fatty acids, but only a little vitamin E to protect them. The declaration will show whether your mineral feed supplies enough vitamin E. If in doubt, a ration calculation can help.
How do I store linseed oil?
Store linseed oil in a cool, dark place and use it up quickly after opening. Pavo specifies 6 to 8 weeks for this. Because linseed oil contains a very high level of omega-3 fatty acids, it is sensitive to heat and light. If the oil smells rancid or bitter, you should not feed it any more.
When should I seek advice in advance?
For horses with liver disease, digestive problems or severe obesity you should only feed oil after consulting your vet. Oil is very energy-dense and can contribute to weight gain in good doers.
