Linseed Oil contains an essential fatty acid known as alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA. This fatty acid belongs to the omega-3 group of lipids. Linseed Oil is unusual among oils as it contains considerably more Omeg-3 than Omega-6, therefore is fantastic in helping to address the imbalance of the ratios of Omega-6 to Omega-3, which in the modern horses diet is a common problem.
Linseed Oil, is obtained from the gentle cold pressing of the dried ripe seed of the flax plant. Of all vegetable oils, Linseed oil (or Flaxseed Oil) has the highest levels of Omega-3 fatty acids. The Omega-3 acid in Linseed Oil (ALA), has been shown in research to help tackle stiffness, the circulatory system and aid ability to fend off immune disorders, making it ideal as a nutritional supplement. Horses diets have changed over the years as much as human diets have, and Omega-3 and 6 are not always as balanced as they should be, many contain high levels of cereals or added vegetable oils, which are high in Omega-6. Any imbalance can affect the general well-being of your horse.
The essential fatty acids (EFA) contained in Linseed Oil ensures basic cellular health, and is important to the health of our horses as vitamins and minerals. EFAs help cells form and function correctly and they are responsible for helping the body perform biological functions. Your horse cannot produce EFAs in their body, so it is essential that they get them through the diet.
Linseed Oil is beneficial for their coat and skin. If your horse suffers from a dry or very dull coat, fatty acids help to improve the texture of the coat, making for a fuller, shinier appearance. While it may seem superficial, a dull coat can often be a sign of other health problems, or a lack of essential nutrients.
Linseed Oil will not only improve your horses coat and produce a gorgeous shine, but it can also help with skin problems, Linseed Oil has even be shown to help with Sweet Itch.
Linseed Oil has been shown to reduce the build-up of lactic acid in muscles, which is a common cause of fatigue in performance horses, our Linseed Oil is regularly used by top competition riders.
Research has indicated that supplementing a horse daily with Linseed Oil will, over time, have a beneficial effect on horses with stiff joints, helping mobility.