Question 1

Why do you feed oil to a horse?

Julia Lühr · Accepted Answer

Oil is above all a very concentrated energy source for horses that need to gain weight or that do a lot of work. According to Pferderevue, one kilogram of oil provides around 40 megajoules, cereals or mixed feed only about 10 to 12.

Depending on the type, oil also provides valuable fatty acids. Linseed oil contains a lot of omega-3 in the form of alpha-linolenic acid. If there are health issues, for example liver disease, discuss the feeding with your vet.

Question 2

How much linseed oil can my horse have per day?

Julia Lühr · Accepted Answer

As a guideline for linseed oil, about 10 ml per 100 kg bodyweight per day is usual, so a 500 kg horse receives around 50 ml. According to common recommendations it should not be more than about 20 ml per 100 kg.

Get your horse used to the oil slowly over about two weeks. Start with small amounts and increase gradually so that the digestion can adapt.

Question 3

What is the difference between linseed oil and rice bran oil?

Julia Lühr · Accepted Answer

Linseed oil is mainly fed because of its high proportion of omega-3 fatty acids, rice bran oil because of vitamin E and gamma-oryzanol. Gamma-oryzanol is only found in rice bran oil and is used to support muscle development.

Rice bran oil is therefore often used for sport horses and lean horses. For both oils the same applies: introduce them slowly and adjust the amount to need and weight.

Question 4

How do I store feed oil correctly?

Julia Lühr · Accepted Answer

You should store feed oil in a cool, dry and dark place in a well sealed bottle. Transparent containers and warm, sunny spots speed up oxidation, and rancid oil can harm your horse’s health.

Opened linseed oil should be used within about four to six weeks. Smell it briefly before feeding: if the oil smells rancid or altered, it no longer belongs in the feed trough.

Question 5

Does my horse need more vitamin E when fed oil?

Julia Lühr · Accepted Answer

Yes, when feeding oil the requirement for vitamin E rises significantly. An expert in Pferderevue points this out and adds that many horses are already only just adequately supplied.

You should therefore check together with your vet or a feeding consultant whether a supplement makes sense. You are very welcome to come into our shop in Tangstedt with your questions for our feed and care advice.

Feed Oils

Stiefel Black Cumin Oil

Stiefel Black Cumin Oil

Lexa Rice Germ Oil 1 L

Lexa Milk Thistle Oil 1 L

Lexa Hemp Oil 1 L

Ahrens Reitsport Linseed Oil 1 L

Ahrens Reitsport Linseed Oil 2.5 L

Ahrens Reitsport Linseed Oil 5 L

Why do you feed oil to a horse?

How much linseed oil can my horse have per day?

What is the difference between linseed oil and rice bran oil?

How do I store feed oil correctly?

Does my horse need more vitamin E when fed oil?

Guides on this topic