• 1 December 2025
• Belle Oliver

In the world of horse supplements, oil has long been hailed as a golden ticket for boosting energy and achieving that show-ring sheen. And it’s true—fat is a powerful, "cool" source of calories that can be incredibly beneficial for hard-working horses or those needing to put on a few pounds. But when it comes to adding that slick supplement to your feed bucket, it turns out that too much of a good thing can lead to some truly slippery issues.

While a drizzle of oil can be a great energy booster, pouring it on with abandon isn't a magic fix. A horse’s digestive system is a masterpiece built for one primary purpose: breaking down fibre. When you overload their diet with too much fat, you can accidentally disrupt the delicate balance of their gut microbes, which are essential for properly fermenting that fibre. This can lead to a less efficient digestive system and, ironically, even impair performance and gut health over time.

Think of it this way: Fiber is your horse's number one fuel source, the reliable and steady engine. Oil is more like a turbo boost—fantastic for a specific need, but not meant to be the main fuel. Most horses thrive on a diet with a fat content between 2-10%. For most pleasure horses, this is easily met by a high-quality forage and fortified grain, with perhaps a small, measured addition of oil if extra calories are needed.

So, how do you find that perfect balance? Start with the foundation: a high-quality, free-choice forage. If your horse needs more energy, consider adding a controlled amount of an oil rich in beneficial omega-3s, like flaxseed oil, as a supplement to their existing feed. Remember, the goal is to enhance their diet, not to replace the fundamental components that keep their digestive system running smoothly.