Linseed or cod liver oil?

[Peanut]

I'm trying to decide which oil to give my mare this winter and I wonder if someone could help me with the benefits of linseed and cod liver oil other than just weight gain.

I know that cod liver oil is supposed to be good for joints but I'm not sure what linseed is good for other than being an excellent quality oil.

I am aware that there is some debate about whether a herbavore should be fed cod liver oil but a lot of people swear by it. Would I just do better to swap from Alpha-A to the oil version instead?

[chewitmonster]

Linseed is very good for producing a shiny, healthy coat.

I stole the next bit from Simple Systems :p

'Good levels of omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids. Linseed is also renowned for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. High nutritive value builds condition and improves stamina. Useful source of copper, selenium and phosphate. Very low starch levels so suitable for working horses prone to tying up, laminitics and veterans.'

Can't help on your other question about alpha-a though xxx

[Bay Mare]

I wouldn't use Cod Liver Oil myself as a) it stinks and b) it's an animal product and horses are herbivores. Although they probably wouldn't eat linseed in the wild they sure as heck wouldn't go fishing :)

I use linseed and am impressed. Her coat is fabulous on it.

[Peanut]

Thank you for the info kind courtesy of SS! Think I will probably go with the linseed for its anti-imflammatory and low starch benefits.

[atillathefun]

I bought Linseed oil for my horse a while ago but it said on it it could be heating and as my horse can be a bit loopy I decided against it. :)

[Stella2]

I understood that Linseed isn't heating and that its Soya oil that is heating :confused:

[jovi_y2k2]

oil is a high energy source but horses have to adapt to it to be able to digest it fully many endurance horses are fed on high oil diets for the high content of slow release energy, its not really heating in the sense that most people understand it as its slow release energy unlike oats which are quick release.
with regards to the alpha a oil it is a source of oil but mainly as a substitute for high energy concentrate feeds for competition horses because the forage is so much better for them

[SarahC]

As jovi_y2k2 said, neither oils are 'heating' as such....oil however, is a form of energy in the slow release form. Rather than cereals and starch with are quick release energy.

You can give different amounts depending on what result you want. Soya oil is good for stamina, but can be fed in slightly lower quantites for weight gain for instance. Same for linseed, but slightly lower quantities for coat condition.

You will usually find that linseed oil is the most expensive too.

S