Horses are often fed diets composed entirely of grain mixes and hay. Such diets are rich in omega-6 fatty acids but extremely low in omega-3 fatty acids. If vegetable oil is added to the ration, it further skews the ratio, with omega-6 fatty acids being overrepresented. To help counteract this imbalance, horses should be supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids, the richest sources of which are fish oils.
Kentucky Equine Research developed EO-3™, a potent marine-derived oil that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. EO-3 is a palatable oil that is top-dressed onto the feed. EO-3 contains the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. KER has shown EO-3 to be highly palatable when compared to other marine-derived oils.
EO-3 is intended to be fed to horses of all classes and working levels to improve the critical omega-3:omega-6 ratio in their diets.
EO-3 supplies omega-3 fatty acids, compounds with positive effects on reproduction, bone development and numerous inflammatory conditions in horses.
- Highly palatable flavoured marine-derived oil
- Strengthens immune function
- Benefits of DHA- and EPA-mediated inflammatory response include reduction in joint inflammation, allergic reactivity, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, and exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage
- Marine-derived long-chain fatty acids DHA and EPA are more efficiently used as precursors of local hormones than plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids
- Provides an anti-inflammatory effect in horses with Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD) and Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (RER), as inflammation is a key part of the disease process
- Improves glucose tolerance
- Increases red blood cell flexibility
- Reproductive benefits include improved fertility, improved colostrum quality, enhanced passive transfer of antibodies to foals, and increased sperm concentration, motility, and viability
- ACVIM consensus statement recommends DHA and EPA supplementation for horses with inflammatory airway disease/equine asthma
- Shown in studies to reduce GGT and inflammatory markers in exercising horses
Feeding Directions
Add 30 ml per day to the feed of 500-kg horses and 15 ml per day for ponies. Recommended daily intake may be increased based on size of horse, blood fatty acid analysis results, or on the advice of your veterinarian or nutritionist. For best results, introduce EO-3 to the ration gradually over a period of 5 to 10 days.
Feeding guidelines for racehorses: Trainers and managers should adhere to the regulations set forth by specific racing jurisdictions prior to using any feed additives or supplements.
| Typical Analysis | Per 30 mL |
|---|---|
| Crude Fat | 98% |
| Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) | 3,200 mg |
| Docosapentaenoic Acid (DPA) | 500 mg |
| Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) | 2,300 mg |
| Total Long-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA+DPA+DHA) | 6,000 mg |
| Omega-3:Omega-6 Ratio | 8:1 |