Advantages of feeding fat as an energy source include:

a) it is more concentrated and contains about 2½ times the energy of grains per weight- so 250ml (1 cup) of oil contains the same amount of energy (calories) as 1.5kg of oats.

b) energy from fat generally has a more calming effect than most grain sources.

c) horses on high fat diets exhibit more endurance.

Dietary fat is mostly added in the form of oils. It is important to note that oils differ hugely in quality, and feeding too much oil with a poor omega-3 to omega-6 ratio could have negative effects.

Therefore, when feeding oils you need to look for those containing more omega-3 than omega-6. Canola, linseed and fish oils are therefore good options, although most horses do not find fish oil very palatable.