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By Amanda Grimmet (B AgSc (hons), Grad DipApp Sc (Ag))
Oil has long been a minor component of horse diets, but increasing research and practical experience show that horses can thrive on diets with higher oil content. When horses are gradually adapted to a high-oil diet, their digestive systems adjust by increasing bile production and lipoprotein levels in the blood, both essential for transporting and metabolising fats. Unlike other animals, horses continuously secrete bile from the liver directly into the small intestine (duodenum), which helps break down and absorb oils. Once absorbed, oils are used as an efficient energy source through a process known as fatty acid oxidation.
Oils are 2 to 2.5 times more energy-dense than starches or proteins. This makes them a valuable option when:
By providing more energy per gram, oils can reduce the need for bulky feeds and support efficient nutrient intake.
One of the lesser-known benefits of oil in horse diets is its ability to reduce heat production during digestion. Unlike grains and forage, which generate significant internal heat during fermentation, oils produce far less metabolic heat. This can help:
Moreover, the metabolism of oils produces almost twice as much water compared to protein and carbohydrate metabolism, which may benefit sweating horses by helping maintain hydration levels.
Feeding large quantities of grain or starch can lead to hindgut acidosis, starch overload, and so-called "fizzy" behaviour, often associated with nervousness or excitability. Replacing some grain with oil provides a calm and consistent energy source that is:
This makes oil ideal for performance horses, nervous types, or those prone to digestive upset.
Once horses are adapted to higher oil levels, their bodies become more efficient at using fat for energy during submaximal or aerobic exercise (heart rate <160 bpm). This process:
As a result, oil-fed horses may show improved endurance and enhanced performance during events requiring both stamina and speed.
Different types of oils have different absorption and metabolic effects. Most oils, such as vegetable and seed oils, are absorbed via the lymphatic system. In contrast, coconut oil (and copra meal) contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that are absorbed directly into the bloodstream via the portal vein, making them more readily available for quick energy use in the liver.
Examples of Common Oils for Horses:
The seed oils contain high levels of Omega 6 which can cause inflammation. These oils are also unsaturated and can become rancid if not stabilised.
Feeding oil provides numerous advantages beyond simply replacing grain:
Feeding high-oil products like Coolstance copra meal is an easy, clean way to include oil in your horse’s diet while gaining the benefits of improved performance, digestion, and behaviour.
