Is your animal companion getting enough omega fatty acids?
Omega fatty acids support equine wellbeing in many ways. They reduce inflammation and help maintain the health of joints, the digestive tract, the respiratory system, and the skin. But which omegas does your animal companion need, and where can they be found?
What wellbeing benefits do omegas provide?
Horses need dietary fats to support the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and to provide essential fatty acids that the body cannot synthesise in sufficient amounts.
The range of benefits provided by omega fatty acids is broad. They support overall bodily health, and one of their most important and well-studied benefits is their ability to reduce inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids can be beneficial in the management of osteoarthritis and lameness. Several studies have shown that after adding omega-3 fatty acids to the diet, horses of different ages have lower levels of inflammatory mediators in joint fluid and blood compared to control groups. This suggests that omega-3 supplementation may help prevent inflammation-related cartilage wear caused by exertion and may also support horses already affected by osteoarthritis.
Omega fatty acids also support heart function, enhance digestion, and promote the health of tendons, skin, and coat. In addition, they help maintain normal immune defence, reduce allergic reactions, support good muscle condition, and aid recovery after intense training.
Omega fatty acids can also benefit breeding animals. In stallions, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to improve sperm quality and motility. In broodmares, omega-3 fatty acids reduce uterine inflammation, increase follicle size, and improve the viability of the egg and embryo. Recent studies also indicate that horses with inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic syndrome, or laminitis may benefit from omega-3 supplementation.
The most important omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have a positive effect on the entire body. They keep cell membranes flexible and support cardiovascular health. Omega-3s also reduce inflammation, making them an excellent addition to the diets of animals suffering from joint, digestive, skin, or respiratory issues.
The most important members of the omega-3 group are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
Animals cannot produce sufficient alpha-linolenic acid on their own, but plants can. Therefore, it is essential that horses and dogs receive adequate amounts from their diet.
ALA is found in flaxseed, chia, hemp, and fresh grass. In contrast, dry hay contains very little of these fatty acids.
Preformed EPA and DHA are found in significant concentrations only in fish, which is nature’s richest source of these fatty acids. However, it should be noted that fish oil rich in EPA and DHA does not contain ALA, which horses also require.
In addition, a small portion of ALA is converted in the body into EPA and DHA.
Linoleic acid is the most important omega-6
Omega-6 fatty acids support cardiovascular health, immune function, and metabolic processes.
The most important omega-6 fatty acid is linoleic acid (LA), which animals cannot synthesise themselves. Linoleic acid is particularly important for protecting the skin, as deficiency can lead to skin problems such as dryness and flaking. A lack of linoleic acid can also cause hair loss and increased susceptibility to bacterial and yeast infections.
Linoleic acid functions as a key skin fatty acid and helps maintain the integrity of the skin’s natural protective barrier from within, which helps prevent excessive moisture loss and skin dryness.
Linoleic acid is abundant in grains, oats, hemp and hemp oil, soy, and corn oil—meaning that many commercial concentrates are often very high in omega-6 fatty acids.
Balancing fatty acids
It is important to remember that while linoleic acid is essential, excessive amounts can promote inflammation in the body.
This risk exists especially in horses fed large amounts of concentrates, which may result in excessive omega-6 intake and insufficient omega-3 intake.
Therefore, it is important to ensure that horses receive both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in appropriate amounts and ratios. This helps maintain balanced fatty acid levels in the body. Omega-3 fatty acids are found especially in chia and flaxseed, while hemp contains higher levels of omega-6.
Good sources of omega fatty acids for horses: chia, hemp oil, milled hemp, hemp seeds.
Sources:
https://www.veteq.fi/elainlaakarin-asiatekstit
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