When it comes to adding fat to your horse’s diet, coconut oil and soybean oil are two widely used options. Both provide concentrated energy without the behavioural effects often seen with high-starch feeds, making them ideal for weight gain, body conditioning, and coat enhancement. But while they may serve similar purposes, the type of fatty acids, digestibility, and nutritional effects of these two oils are quite different.
Here’s a breakdown of how coconut oil and soybean oil compare and which may be the better choice for your horse’s specific needs.
Coconut Oil: A Stable, Fast-Acting Energy Source
Coconut oil is derived from the meat of mature coconuts and is considered a saturated tropical oil. Unlike many plant-based oils, it is made up primarily of short and medium chain fatty acids, especially lauric acid.
Key Benefits of Coconut Oil for Horses:
- Quickly metabolised for fast-release non glucose cool energy
- Naturally stable and resistant to rancidity
- Contains antiviral and antibacterial properties
- Rich in lauric acid, which supports the immune system
- Less likely to disturb the Omega-6:Omega-3 balance
- Does not promote inflammation
- Powdered coconut oil (Powerstance) is easy to feed and easy to mix with other feeds
Because of its unique fatty acid structure, coconut oil is easy to digest and provides a "cool" energy source, ideal for horses in hard work or those needing extra calories without behavioural changes.
Soybean Oil: High Energy with Caution
Soybean oil, derived from soybeans, is a common fat supplement in equine diets. It’s rich in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), mainly Omega-6, which play a role in body condition and coat shine.
Key Characteristics of Soybean Oil:
- High in Omega-6 fatty acids, which may promote inflammation if not balanced
- Often refined and chemically extracted
- Prone to oxidation and rancidity, especially in warm climates
- Provides energy, but slower to metabolise than coconut oil
- Can disrupt the Omega-6:3 ratio, particularly when combined with grain-based diets
Which Oil Should You Choose for Your Horse?
Choose Coconut Oil If:
- You want a cool, fast non glucose energy source to support arobic metabolism
- Your horse has a sensitive metabolism or is prone to digestive upset
- You prefer a natural, shelf-stable product
- You’re looking to avoid excess Omega-6
- Powdered coconut oil (PowerStance) stands out for horses with sensitive metabolisms, poor appetite for oils, or owners looking for a natural, stable, and clean energy supplement that supports both performance and immune health, without tipping the Omega balance.
Choose Soybean Oil If:
- You're seeking a cost-effective energy source
- you are not feeding gain based feeds
- Your horse is not sensitive to inflammation
- You're able to store the oil carefully to prevent spoilage
Feeding Tips for Both Oils
No matter which oil you choose, follow these best practices:
- Introduce oils gradually over 7–10 days
- Feed with ample fibre (at least 1% of bodyweight per day)
- Provide clean water and a balanced vitamin/mineral supplement
- Monitor coat condition, weight, and behaviour for response
Final Thoughts
While both coconut oil and soybean oil can support weight gain, performance, and coat quality, coconut oil stands out for its digestibility, stability, and neutral inflammatory impact.
For horses with high aerobic energy demands, digestive sensitivities, or inflammatory conditions, coconut oil is the superior choice.
