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

PMID:19395432Omega-3-Fettsäuren in der Pferderation — ALA/EPA/DHA-Konversion (Review)

NRC 2007Nutrient Requirements of Horses — Fette/Fettsäuren in der Ration

GfE 2014Empfehlungen zur Energie- und Nährstoffversorgung von Pferden — Fettquellen

Equiterna Score

80/100

high overall

Science7.7/10

Practical experience8.5/10

Safety7.8/10

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. 50–100 ml/animal/day (large horse, ~500 kg), introduce slowly

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyVery safe

Evidencemoderate

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 study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.