The way horses are fed has changed over the years. The horse has evolved on a diet that was a mix of a variety of pasture species. This has changed and horses now have access to a limited selection of pasture species, and concentrates are added to the ration. Adding feeds such as soybeans, sunflowers and corn that are high in Omega 6 oils has skewed the Omega 3:Omega 6 balance in the horses diet. To correctly balance this ratio, Omega 3 oils need to be added to the ration.



Omega 3 oils are a group of unsaturated fatty acids. They cannot be synthesised by the horse and are needed in the diet. There are three essential omega 3 fatty acids. ?-linolenic acid which is found in vegetable oils such as Canola and Linseed. The other longer chain Omega 3 fatty acids are only found in animal tissue and fish oil. These are Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).



DHA and EPA are in a form that the horse can use immediately. The plant form, ?-linolenic acid, needs to be converted to DHA and EPA before it can be used. This process is inefficient and the most direct way of providing these valuable long chain Omega 3 oils is by supplementation. Performa 3 Oil provides serious levels of DHA and EPA.



Research in human and animal nutrition have provided many benefits for feeding the longer chain Omega 3 rich oils, particularly DHA and EPA:



1. Racing and Performance may benefit as DHA-rich Omega 3 supplements may assist in:

lowering heart rates and lower packed cell volumes during exercise.
It may be beneficial in enhancing red blood cell formation, suppleness and flexibility.
There may be an improvement in blood vessel strength, elasticity of connective tissue and membrane flexibility.
Lung health may improve due to decreased inflammation and improved blood circulation.
Omega 3 supplementation can increase insulin sensitivity, increasing the uptake and storage of glucose and ultimately the energy available to the horse.


2. Breeding may benefit from DHA-rich Omega 3 supplements that may contribute to:

enhanced fertility and improved sperm motility when the sperm has been frozen or chilled in the breeding stallion.
Bone and lipid metabolism is improved when Omega 3 fatty acids are used.
Horses that have cartilage degradation and the pain and inflammation associated with degenerative joint disease such as arthritis, may be improved with Omega 3 supplementation. It has been shown to be reduced with Omega 3 supplementation in humans.
Omega 3 supplementation may be beneficial for joint maintenance in all horses.
If the Omega 3:Omega 6 ratio is out of balance, moving the balance of power from the pro-inflammatory Omega 6 oils to the Omega 3 oils, inflammatory responses may be reduced.
Help to keep the Omega 3:Omega 6 balance right. Performa 3 Oil provides Omega 3 rich, fish and vegetable oils with added garlic to increase immunity.