Oat oil, rapeseed oil or algae oil – what should I choose for my horse?

Oils are often used as an extra source of energy for horses – but which oil is actually best? Many have heard of oat oil, some choose rapeseed oil, and more have started using algae oil. Here is a simple overview of the differences so you can choose the right one for your horse.

Oat oil – easily absorbed, but not optimal for horses

Oat oil is sometimes touted as a good choice because it is quickly absorbed. It is a so-called polar oil , which means that the fatty acids are bound in a way that allows them to be easily absorbed in the intestines and used by the body.

But when you look at the fatty acid composition, the picture becomes more critical:

• Very high proportion of omega-6 (35–50%)

• Very low proportion of omega-3 (1–2%)

For horses, this means that oat oil supplies more of the fatty acids they already get plenty of – and almost none of what they often lack. Horses generally need a better balance between omega-6 and omega-3, because it affects both recovery, immune defense and the body's inflammatory processes.

👉 Therefore, oat oil is in practice an expensive choice that rarely provides extra value. If the goal is simply energy, rapeseed oil is a cheaper and more balanced choice - and if the goal is to support the horse's inflammation balance and health , algae oil is far stronger.

Rapeseed oil – the neutral energy source

Rapeseed oil is a good and accessible choice when the horse needs extra energy or, for example, support for skin and coat.

• Predominantly neutral in its composition

• Approximately 2:1 between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids – a balance that resembles the horse's own body composition

• Generally well tolerated and can be used daily

That's why we recommend rapeseed oil when it's primarily about providing extra energy in a simple and economical way.

Algae oil – high in omega-3

Algal oil is the oil that stands out the most. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids , which horses rarely get enough of through roughage. Omega-3 plays a central role in controlling the body's inflammatory processes and supporting skin, coat, joints and recovery.

In practice, we see that horses with, for example, stomach ulcers often recover well when combining:

• Algae oil to provide omega-3 and strengthen inflammation balance

• A balanced feeding plan with protein, vitamins and minerals (e.g. Every Day Happy, Peak Performance or Supreme Minerals)

What does this mean in practice?

• For energy → Rapeseed oil is a good and neutral choice.

• For special needs (e.g. stomach ulcers) → Oat oil can be used, but it does not contribute the fatty acid profile that horses actually need.

• For anti-inflammatory support → Algae oil is clearly the strongest solution because it supplies the omega-3 fatty acids that the horse otherwise lacks.

Brief summary

• Oat oil – easily absorbed, but unbalanced (high in omega-6, almost no omega-3) and therefore not the best choice.

• Rapeseed oil – neutral, cheap and suitable as an energy source.

• Algae oil – rich in omega-3, helps keep inflammation in balance and supports recovery.

👉 That's why we recommend rapeseed oil when it comes to energy - and algae oil when your horse needs more than just calories.