Flaxseed vs Fish Oil for Horses
Both are sold as omega 3 sources but the horse has to convert one of them. Palatability, cost per useful dose and what each is realistically for.
The short version
Fish oil supplies EPA and DHA directly, which are the fatty acids most of the research on inflammation actually uses. Flaxseed supplies alpha linolenic acid, which the horse must convert into EPA and DHA, and that conversion is limited. So fish oil is the stronger choice if the goal is an anti inflammatory effect, while flax is cheaper, easier to feed, well accepted, and a perfectly reasonable way to add fat and improve coat condition. Many horses on a forage based diet do not need either. Fix the forage and the mineral balance before adding oils.
Kentucky Equine Research EO-3 Omega-3 Supplement
About $135
Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| SmartEquine Smart and Simple Ground Flax | Kentucky Equine Research EO-3 Omega-3 Supplement | |
|---|---|---|
| Fatty acids supplied | ALA, needs converting | EPA and DHA directly |
| Cost per useful dose | Lower | Higher |
| Palatability | Good | Some horses refuse it |
| Storage | Goes rancid, keep cool | Keep sealed and cool |
| Best for | Coat, condition, added calories | Inflammatory conditions |
| Evidence for anti inflammatory effect | Weaker | Better |
Choose the SmartEquine Smart and Simple Ground Flax if…
Choose flax if the goal is coat quality, a modest fat top up, or a cheap everyday omega source for a horse in reasonable health. Buy ground or stabilised ground flax and store it cool, because ground flaxseed oxidises and a rancid supplement is worse than none. Whole flaxseed passes through largely undigested. Introduce it gradually over a week or two, and count it in the daily ration rather than treating added fat as free.
Check SmartEquine Smart and Simple Ground Flax on Amazon
Choose the Kentucky Equine Research EO-3 Omega-3 Supplement if…
Choose marine oil if your vet has recommended omega 3 for an inflammatory condition such as arthritis or airway disease and you want the fatty acids the research used. Introduce it slowly, since some horses reject the smell outright and a full dose on day one is the fastest way to get a bucket refused for a fortnight. Keep it sealed and cool. Check the label for the actual EPA and DHA content per serving rather than comparing bottle prices.
Check Kentucky Equine Research EO-3 Omega-3 Supplement on Amazon
Related
Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and the general consensus of owner reports. We have not tested these products side by side. Confirm current specifications and prices before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
We review one of each: Omega Horseshine for the plant route, and Kentucky Equine Research EO-3 for the marine one, including the palatability problem that decides it for a lot of horses.
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Cosequin ASU for the Older Horse
The joint supplement with the most research behind it in horses, combining glucosamine and chondroitin with avocado and soybean unsaponifiables. Worth starting before an older horse is visibly stiff rather than after.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my horse need an omega supplement at all?
Many do not. Fresh grass is naturally rich in omega 3, so a horse on good pasture is already well supplied. The horses most likely to benefit are those on preserved forage year round with little or no grazing, which describes a lot of stabled older horses in winter. Look at the whole diet first, since a supplement rarely fixes a ration that is short of forage or unbalanced in minerals.
Will oil help my horse gain weight?
Added fat is a useful way to increase calories without increasing starch, which matters for a horse with metabolic disease or a history of laminitis. But if an older horse is losing weight, the question is why, and the usual answers are dental disease, PPID, parasites or an inability to chew long stem forage. Ask your vet for an examination including a dental check before adding calories on top of an undiagnosed problem.
Can I use vegetable oil from the supermarket?
You can add calories that way, and some owners do, but common vegetable oils are high in omega 6 rather than omega 3, so they do not do the job people are usually buying oil for. They also go rancid, and horses often tire of them. If your aim is calories, discuss the options with your vet or a nutritionist, because there are feeds designed for the job that come balanced.
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