NOT feeding soya oil to arthritic horses

[FemelleReynard]

I've always thought soya oil was a good oil to feed to any horse.

However, I read this article - http://www.equine-world.co.uk/horses_care/horse_oils.asp

that suggests soya oil shouldn't be fed to horses with arthritis, allergies and laminitis.

Does anyone have any idea why this is? I'm very curious as to the reasons why and a quick Google search hasn't shed any further light.

Thanks.

 

[HufflyPuffly]

From memory it is to do with the type of Omega present? I think the one in Soya oil has been shown to have slight inflammatory properties? I can't remember now, but we went to a Laminitis talk and this was mentioned, so we feed Micronised linseed now.

 

[FemelleReynard]

Thanks, that sounds like a reasonable explanation.

Am I right in thinking that micronised linseed is like a solid food? E.g. not a liquid like other oils?

 

[HufflyPuffly]

Yes its the ground seed I think, I feel you get all the benefits and it works out more cost effective than buying the oil.

 

[supsup]

It's about the ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 fatty acids in the different types of oils. 3s have an anti-inflammatory effect, 6s more a pro-inflammatory effect. So you want more 3 than 6 if you have an arthritic horse. Soya oil has a ratio (6:3) of about 7.5:1. Linseed oil on the other hand has a ratio of 1:3 (i.e. three times more omega 3 than omega 6). It's the only easily available vegetable based oil that has such a beneficial ratio. (Fish oils have too).

 

[FemelleReynard]

Thanks supsup, that's very interesting. My horse does actually have arthritis so I will be sure to stay away from soya. It looks like linseed is my best bet.

It's amazing what you can learn on this forum!