Linseed oil
Linum usitatissimum (oil)
Mechanism
At around 50–55 % alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), linseed oil is one of the ALA-richest plant sources and shifts the fatty-acid profile of the ration towards omega-3. Contributions to the skin barrier, coat quality and inflammatory balance are discussed. In the horse, however, the conversion of ALA into the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA/DHA is limited — for targeted long-chain omega-3, algae or fish oil are the more direct sources. Linseed oil is sensitive to light and oxidation and should be stored cool and dark.
Cautions
- · Oxidation-/light-sensitive — use cool, dark and fresh
- · ALA-to-EPA/DHA conversion limited in the horse — not a full substitute for DHA/EPA sources
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Is Linseed oil a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?
Equiterna classes Linseed oil as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.
Is Linseed oil allowed at FEI competitions?
In the profile, Linseed 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 Linseed oil?
Stated in the profile: approx. 50–100 ml/animal/day (large horse, ~500 kg), introduce slowly. This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.
Which sources are there for Linseed oil?
The profile cites: PMID:19395432, 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.”
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.