A horse’s natural forage-based diet is very low in fat, yet their digestive system can handle and absorb oil well when it’s introduced gradually. Adding oil as an energy source offers several advantages — but it should not be given to overweight horses or ponies.
• Lower heat production compared to starch in exercising and performance horses
• High energy density for picky eaters or horses with high energy demands
• Glossy coat and healthy skin
• Omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation and protect joints
• More digestible energy source compared to cereal-based feeds
• Boosting calorie intake in underweight or low-appetite horses by top-dressing feed with oil
• Possible glycogen sparing in hard-working horses fed oil long-term
• Anecdotal evidence suggests reduced risk of certain skin issues like sweet itch
As with all diet changes, oil should be introduced gradually to avoid digestive upsets such as diarrhea, bloating, or disruption of hindgut bacteria.
For a leisure horse at a healthy weight, around 150 g per day is ideal. Performance horses with higher calorie needs can be fed up to 300 g per day.
For “good doers” that maintain weight easily, a maximum of one tablespoon twice daily is sufficient for coat shine.
Oil turns rancid when exposed to air and light, which reduces palatability, destroys vitamins, and produces pro-inflammatory compounds.
All oils provide the same number of calories, but their fatty acid composition — particularly the omega-3 to omega-6 ratio — varies and should guide your choice.
• Cod liver oil: Rich in vitamins A, D3, and E; very high in omega-3
• Linseed (flaxseed) oil: Best plant source of omega-3; high in vitamin E; ideal for plant-based feeding
• Soybean oil: Palatable, contains vitamins E and K; higher omega-6 but some omega-3
• Sunflower oil: Very high omega-6; not suitable for high-grain diets already rich in omega-6
For horses sensitive to cereals, oil is a safer energy source that won’t trigger excess stomach acid production, thus reducing the risk of gastric ulcers.
Oil intake should be limited. A general rule is no more than 1 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. Exceeding this can overwhelm small-intestine digestion, allowing oil to enter the hindgut, disrupting cellulose-digesting microbes, reducing fiber digestibility, and causing gut flora imbalance.
• Linseed oil: High in unsaturated fatty acids; energy-dense and anti-inflammatory
• Fish oil: Packed with omega-3; supports gastric lining, reduces joint and respiratory inflammation, boosts immunity
• Black cumin oil: Traditionally used for horses with respiratory issues
• Milk thistle oil: Supports liver health and detoxification, useful after medication
• Rice bran oil: Often used in training for muscle development (check anti-doping rules before feeding)
+Hyper Oil Supplement, developed by Hemand, is a natural and reliable source of essential fatty acids (Omega-3 & 6) and
Vitamin E.
Concentrated and healthy energy source
Promotes shiny coat and healthy skin
Improves digestion and appetite
Reduces joint inflammation and boosts immunity
Ideal for performance and high-energy horses
+Hyper — a smart choice to enhance your horse’s health and performance.
When used correctly, oil can be a valuable addition to a horse’s diet — providing concentrated energy, supporting coat and skin health, and reducing inflammation. The type and amount should be tailored to each horse’s body condition, activity level, and overall diet balance, especially the omega-3 to omega-6 ratio.