27/04/2026
Digestibility and Nutritional Benefits of Omega-3, 6 & 9 Fats in the Equine Diet
In our previous post we discussed the role of fatty acids in the horse’s diet. One of the reasons fats are such valuable nutrients is their excellent digestibility and wide-ranging metabolic benefits.
🐴 Fat is highly digestible for horses
Dietary fat is primarily digested and absorbed in the small intestine, and oils in particular have a very high digestibility — often between 85–100%. This makes fat an extremely efficient way to provide additional calories without increasing starch intake.
Research has also shown that including moderate levels of fat in the diet has minimal negative impact on the digestion of fibre, protein or minerals, making it a safe and practical energy source for many horses.
✨ Why fatty acid type matters
Fats are made up of different fatty acids, each with unique physiological roles.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Often associated with anti-inflammatory effects, omega-3s play an important role in:
• Cell membrane function
• Immune regulation
• Skin and coat health
• Supporting normal inflammatory responses
Fresh pasture and flaxseed (linseed) are naturally rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-6 fatty acids
Omega-6 fats are also essential and contribute to:
• Cell structure
• Hormone-like signalling molecules (eicosanoids)
• Normal immune responses
However, many cereal grains and vegetable oils contain relatively high levels of omega-6, which means diets based heavily on concentrates can sometimes become disproportionately high in omega-6 compared to omega-3.
Omega-9 fatty acids
Omega-9 fats are not classified as essential because horses can synthesise them themselves. However, they still provide a valuable energy source and can support metabolic efficiency and body condition.
💡 Balancing fatty acids
Both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are involved in producing biological compounds that regulate inflammation, blood flow and immune function. The balance between these fatty acids, rather than the amount of one alone, can influence how these processes occur within the body.
For horses consuming good-quality pasture or forage, omega-3 intake is often naturally higher. However, when diets rely heavily on grain concentrates or added oils, omega-6 intake may increase, making it beneficial to include sources of omega-3 fatty acids to help maintain a healthier balance.
🌱 Practical takeaway
Adding digestible fat to the diet can help support:
• Performance and stamina
• Healthy body condition
• Skin and coat quality
• Efficient energy supply
But as with many aspects of equine nutrition, quality and balance of fatty acids matters just as much as the quantity of fat provided.
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