We are being misled and it is time we clear up past misconceptions about flaxseed and Omega 3.
We all know that Omega 3 is important for the horse and helps to address many different health problems such as summer eczema/allergies, skin and coat problems, swollen joints, infections and reduced fertility.
Omega-3 is a controversial topic when we talk about feeding horses, because flaxseed and flaxseed oil are still one of the best-selling Omega 3 supplements. Almost all feed companies have flaxseed/flaxseed oil in their range. Unfortunately, we expose the horse to unnecessary stress if we do not listen to new knowledge, but continue to feed as we have always done.
We are misled by the high content of Omega 3 in flaxseed/oil (50-60%), and mistakenly believe that now the horse gets what it needs. Flaxseed is not suitable for boosting your horse's Omega 3, at the cellular level, in all the tissues that specifically need Omega 3.
Flaxseed is not a good source of EPA/DHA
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential in the diet because the body cannot produce them on its own. There are three main forms of omega-3s: ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
The body converts ALA into EPA and DHA, but this process is not very efficient in mammals. Horses are even worse at converting the oils properly than humans are. Therefore, finding a good source of EPA and DHA is crucial to increasing omega-3 fatty acids in the body.
For a healthy horse, only 1-3% of ALA is converted to EPA/DHA.
Unfortunately, we often only become aware of the horse's need for Omega 3 when there are symptoms of illness that require action. At that time, the horse is no longer healthy and fit, which means that the ability to convert ALA is significantly impaired. You should focus on EPA/DHA. Omega 3 in flaxseed and flaxseed oil is ALA, and is therefore not the right choice in a demanding situation.
Choose the most effective alternative
You should feed the horse directly cellularly absorbable EPA and DHA, so you avoid the inefficient and demanding enzymatic conversion processes from ALA.
EPA and DHA are found in fish or algae oil.
Choose the source with the highest EPA/DHA content, it is the cheapest in the long run. Fish oils contain an average of 22% EPA/DHA, while algae oil has a content of 58% EPA/DHA.
Read more about RC O3 Algae here.
What about the economy?
If you feed your horse flaxseed oil to provide it with Omega 3, it is at least four times more expensive than RC O3 Algae.
A comparison between flaxseed oil and algae oil clearly shows that flaxseed oil is the more expensive option if you want to provide your horse with the same amount of EPA/DHA. We base our approach on the daily dosage for a healthy horse weighing 500 kg:
- 12.5 ml RC O3 Algae gives the horse 7 grams of EPA/DHA - price DKK 5.81
- 388 ml of flaxseed oil converts the horse into the same amount of EPA/DHA - price DKK 25.22 *
*Calculated on an average price for 5 liters from our competitors for an oil with 60% Omega 3/ALA and a conversion of 3%.
The good properties of flaxseed
Flaxseed has many good properties, but don't buy it solely for its Omega 3 content. There are other sources that are stronger.
When you feed according to Regulator Complete's principles, with the right amounts of vitamins, minerals, algae oil and fiber, you meet the horse's needs.
We have flaxseed in Every Day Happy and +Energy Fiber Mash, partly because flaxseed has 28% fiber, of which 2/3 is insoluble fiber, corresponding to most of the fiber in grass and bran. The insoluble fiber ensures flow in the intestine and prevents constipation when the horse both drinks and consumes enough salt. The last third of the fiber in flaxseed is water-soluble and fermentable by intestinal bacteria.
The fibers also contribute to the formation of mucin in the saliva, which covers and protects the mucous membranes in both the intestines and stomach. The fibers thus act as a buffer against acid in the horse's stomach, help regulate blood sugar levels and provide a feeling of satiety.
Flaxseed contains the same form of Omega 3 as grass, namely ALA, and it has a small independent effect, but must be converted into EPA/DHA to have the countless beneficial effects on the circulation, immune system, reduces inflammation and regulates the hormonal system, brain/nervous system (behavior, learning).
Read more about Omega 3 here:
Click here for dosage schedule or to purchase RC O3 Algae
If you have any questions about RC O3 Algae and omega 3 in general, you are very welcome to use the comments field so that others can also benefit from the answer.
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