Canola Oil

Canola oil extruded from canola/rapeseed grains can be readily purchased from local grocery stores. It is a cost-effective fat additive for equine diets. It is typically top-dressed or given orally by syringe.

By replacing grains in the diet, canola oil can reduce excitability in horses that are sensitive to high-starch meals. Replacing grains with fat may also reduce the risk of hindgut acidosis, right dorsal colitis, and colic.

Canola oil delivers high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3, -6 and -9 fatty acids. It has a higher proportion of linoleic acid (LA), which is an omega-6 fatty acid. Diets that contain excess omega-6’s can have a pro-inflammatory effect.

Performance horses can tolerate high-oil diets to support exercise endurance and recovery. Unlike starch and other carbohydrates, fatty acids are metabolized slowly and used very efficiently in the performance horse’s body.

Canola oil is a sugar-free source of calories for horses with insulin resistance, Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), or Cushing’s/PPID. By replacing grain in the diet, canola oil helps reduce spikes in blood glucose that can be problematic for metabolic horses.

Fat should be added to the diet gradually over a 2- to 3- week period. The total daily feeding rate should be divided into multiple meals. Oils can be introduced at a rate of 30 ml per day and increased to 100 – 200 ml per day based on caloric need.

Fat should not exceed 8% in the total equine diet.