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Why Coconut Oil Is a Superior Energy Source for Horses

Why Coconut Oil Is a Superior Energy Source for Horses

What Makes Coconut Oil Unique? 

 Coconut oil is a stable, palatable source of saturated fatty acids, ideal for horses in performance, breeding, or recovery. Unlike unsaturated oils like soybean, corn, rice bran, or flaxseed oil, saturated fats, especially those from coconut oil, have been shown to positively influence muscle glycogen storage and utilisation, boost energy efficiency, and support gut and immune health. Traditionally, saturated fats were only available from animal sources, which are unpalatable, difficult to handle, and not permitted in horse feeds. Coconut oil, however, offers a clean, natural alternative with a range of proven benefits. 

Key Benefits of Coconut Oil for Horses 

1. Supports Muscle Glycogen Storage and Performance 

 Scientific studies show that saturated fats (like those in coconut oil) can: 

  •  Increase muscle glycogen content 
  •  Spare glycogen during light work 
  •  Enhance glycogen utilisation during intense exercise 

 These effects are not observed with unsaturated oils like soybean, corn, or flaxseed oil. 

A study by Pagan et al. (1993) found that horses fed coconut oil had: 

  •  Lower blood lactate and ammonia levels 
  •  Higher free fatty acid availability during galloping and recovery 

 This suggests that coconut oil can improve performance and delay fatigue. 

 2. Provides Readily Available Energy 

 Coconut oil is rich in medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which: 

  •  Are rapidly absorbed into the portal blood (unlike long-chain fatty acids that go via the lymphatics) 
  •  Travel straight to the liver for immediate energy production 
  •  Are more easily oxidised and used like glucose rather than stored as fat 
  •  This makes coconut oil an ideal energy source for horses in regular training or competition. 

 3. Resists Rancidity 

 Coconut oil is highly stable due to its saturated structure. It: 

  •  Doesn’t go rancid, even in warm or humid climates 
  •  Protects the palatability of feed 
  •  Preserves the integrity of fat-soluble vitamins 
  •  Reduces the risk of oxidative damage to tissues 

 By contrast, unsaturated oils such as linseed, soybean, canola, maize are more prone to spoilage and can degrade nutritional quality over time. 

 4. Supports Gut and Immune Health 

 MCTs in coconut oil, such as lauric, capric, and caproic acids have proven antibacterial and antiviral properties. These fatty acids: Help maintain gut health Support the immune system May assist horses with dysbiosis or bacterial imbalance Have shown potential to control Salmonella in other animals (e.g., poultry) 

 Why Feed Fats and Oils to Horses? 

 Horses in intensive training or breeding require more energy than pasture or hay can provide.

 While cereal grains have been used to meet this demand, they: 

  •  Are not natural to a horse’s digestive system 
  •  Are poorly digested in the hindgut 
  •  Can cause gut upset, behavioural issues, and metabolic disorders 

 In contrast, fats and oils offer: 

  •  High energy density for horses with limited appetite 
  •  Reduced heat load, helping horses stay cool during work 
  •  A calmer energy source, with less impact on behaviour 
  •  Reduced reliance on grain, supporting digestive health 

Are All Oils Equal? No - Here’s Why Coconut Oil Stands Out 

 

Which Horses Benefit from Coconut Oil? 

Coconut oil is ideal for horses in a variety of disciplines and health conditions, including: 

  • Performance horses (thoroughbred racing, eventing, dressage, show jumping) 
  •  Endurance, polo, and trotting horses needing sustained aerobic energy 
  •  Horses prone to tying up (Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis) 
  •  Horses with behavioural issues triggered by grain-based diets 
  •  Underweight or hard-to-keep horses needing safe calories 
  •  Older horses with reduced digestive efficiency 
  •  Horses in sale prep or show condition 
  •  Fussy or finicky eaters 

The Foundation of the Stance Equitec Feeding System 


 At Stance Equtec, copra meal and coconut oil is the cornerstone of our feeding philosophy. It supports: 

  1. Energy efficiency without excess starch 
  2.  Muscle and metabolic function
  3.  Long-term health and performance 

 Our products harness the power of coconut oil to deliver real, research-backed results—safely and naturally. 

 Summary: Why Choose Coconut Oil for Your Horse? 

 If you’re looking for a safe, stable, and highly efficient non glucose energy source for your horse, coconut oil is unmatched. With its unique fatty acid profile, performance benefits, and immune support, it outperforms traditional unsaturated oils—and avoids the risks associated with cereal grain overload or animal fats. Research shows that Copra meal containg coocnut oil does not cause insulin spikes. 

References
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Beynen, A.C., Hallebeek, J.M. 2002, High-fat diets for horses. First European Equine Nutrition and Health Congress Proceedings.
Geelen, S.N.J., Blazquez, C., Geelen, M.J.H., Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan, M.M, & Beyen, A.C. 2001, High fat intake lowers hepatic fatty acid synthesis and raises fatty acid oxidation in aerobic muscle in Shetland ponies.  British Journal of Nutrition, 86 pp. 31-36.
Grimmet, A. 199?, The Good Oil on Fats for Performance Horses ? Amanda ? how do I correctly reference this?
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Meyers, M.C., Potter, G.D., Greene, L.W., Crouse, S.F., & Evans, J.W. 1989, Physiological and metabolic response of exercising horses to added dietary fat. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 9(4) pp.218-223.
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