Fats are an excellent source of energy in horse nutrition. They are almost completely digested in the small intestine and do not require the amylase enzyme for absorption. They also conserve muscle glycogen stores and do not accumulate painful metabolic products (such as lactic acid) in the muscles when converted into kinetic energy. As good as a fat supplement is, a horse cannot process very large amounts of fat at a time, a maximum of 3-4 dl.

Oils are primarily suitable for feeding racehorses undergoing intensive training, but they are also perfectly fine to add to the feed mixtures of growing foals and, above all, lactating mares, when energy needs are at their highest.

Small amounts of oil also improve the quality of a horse's coat. In addition, the essential fatty acids contained in the oil have been found to be beneficial for the gastric mucosa, so adding oil to the diet of horses suffering from stomach problems is positive.

It is important to remember that oil supplementation increases the horse's vitamin E requirement, and remember to also enhance the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Remember that oil should always be added to the diet slowly, starting with ¼ dl of oil per day and increasing by ¼ dl every fifth day until you reach the full amount you are feeding your horse. It will take at least 3 weeks for your horse to start benefiting from the oil in their diet, and it may take up to three months for the full benefits of the oil to be realized.