Phytotherapy

Coconut oil

Cocos nucifera (oil)

Mechanism

Coconut oil consists predominantly of saturated fatty acids with a high proportion of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT, mainly lauric acid). MCT are discussed as a rapidly available energy source and can be used as a palatable energy carrier and for the coat. It provides no omega-3 fatty acids and is therefore not a substitute for linseed, algae or fish oil. Because of the high proportion of saturated fatty acids and its energy density, administration should be introduced slowly and gradually.

Cautions

· High proportion of saturated fatty acids — account for fat and energy intake
· Introduce slowly (tolerance/acceptance)
· No omega-3 substitute — provides no ALA/EPA/DHA

Sources

NRC 2007Nutrient Requirements of Horses — Fette/Energie, gesättigte vs. ungesättigte Fettsäuren

GfE 2014Empfehlungen zur Energie- und Nährstoffversorgung von Pferden — Fett als Energieträger

Equiterna Score

57/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety7/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

Dosageapprox. 20–50 ml or g/animal/day (large horse), introduce slowly

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyWith caution

Evidenceemerging

Frequently asked questions

Is Coconut oil a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?

Equiterna classes Coconut oil as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.

Is Coconut oil allowed at FEI competitions?

In the profile, Coconut oil is listed with the FEI status “Not listed”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.

Which dosage do the sources give for Coconut oil?

Stated in the profile: approx. 20–50 ml or g/animal/day (large horse), introduce slowly. This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.

Which sources are there for Coconut oil?

The profile cites: NRC 2007 and GfE 2014.

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.

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