Soy-Flax Oil - 4L

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Total Fatty Acids 98% min.

Adding fat to top dress a feeding program is an excellent way to improve body condition for those hard keepers, high performance, special needs and senior horses. Fat is energy dense and provides more than twice the kcals per gram (9kcal per gram) compared to carbohydrates and protein, (both provide 4 kcals per gram). In essence a horse would have to consume more than twice the volume in grain to gain the equivalent calories provided by fat. 1 cup oil (250ml) = 4000kcal, 1cup of oats = 1350 kcal, 1 C commercial feed – 1450 kcal

SoyFlax contains a balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, along with natural stabilizers Vitamin E and Lecithin. The addition of extra fat as a top dressing will also increase the absorption of the fat soluble vitamins, A, D, E and K. Strictly Equine SoyFlax is an excellent fat source that not only improves hair gloss and body condition for all performance and growing horses, but is an excellent source of the essential fatty acids, that has balanced levels of both Omega 6 and Omega3. By adding SoyFlax to feed, less grain is required and improving the digestion and the absorption of all nutrients and fat soluble vitamins, A, D, E and K and slowing down the flow of gastric emptying from the stomach to the small intestines.

By improving nutrient absorption in the small intestines (foregut), less will reach the hind gut (large intestines and caecum), therefore less fermentation, gas, bloating and possible digestive upset. Feeding less grain will also benefit horses prone to tying up who seem to improve with low starch diets and energy supplementation from fat. With a balance ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3, horses will have the added benefit of improved immune response and management of chronic inflammation that can result from hard training, joint and muscle injuries and gastric ulcers.

The horse does not have the ability to synthesize Omega 6 and Omega 3 these fatty acids, therefore must rely on the diet to provide them. These fatty acids have somewhat opposing roles. Omega 6 facilitates the production of Prostaglandins which are potent, hormone-like compounds that regulate many vital body processes, including blood clotting, inflammation and the immune response, whereas omega-3 fatty acids tend to suppress these responses.

Omega 6 is critical for management of acute inflammation such as as a cut or scrape and with any injury, tissue is damaged, bacteria will enter and the immune response begins. Prostaglandins are triggered; white blood cell production will increase and migrate to the injured area causing inflammation, pain and redness. Omega-3 fatty acids inhibit an enzyme that produces prostaglandins, which triggers inflammation. This is how aspirin works.

Although Omega 6 is important for healthy immune systems and is the first stage of fighting infection to promote healing, it is also as important to have adequate levels of Omega 3 to reduce pain and manage chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation, such as “wear and tear” resulting from any high speed events, osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel tissue, gastric ulcers, excess stress, all can be harmful to our horses. Therefore, when choosing a fat, a balance of both Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids will provide additional immune support by helping control the inflammatory response, promote healing and cellular recovery.

Horses fed large grain meals, often have 6-8 times more Omega 6 than Omega 3. This is primarily due to the fact that the essential fatty acids contained in oats and corn is almost exclusively Omega 6, whereas Soybean and Flax contain both Omega 6 and Omega 3. Fresh Pasture is an excellent source of Omega 3, (3-4 x higher than Omega 6.) However, once this grass is cut, dried and stored to make hay, these polyunsaturated fatty acids are destroyed by air oxidation, moisture, and heat. Supplementation of these essential fatty acids would be required.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE (HORSES): Intense Training: 120-240ml per day (4-8oz) Light Work: 60-90ml per day (2-3oz) Hair Gloss: 60ml per day (2oz)