Omega-3 and Net Phos

A grass based diet has an Omega-3 to 6 ratio of about 4:1. Most modern feedstuffs have higher Omega-6 than Omega-3 levels and hay loses most of its Omega-3 content when cured. Many popular "additions" - rice bran, sunflower seeds, grain, etc. have high levels of Omega-6 fatty acids but low levels of Omega-3.

The primary source of Omega-3 fatty acids for horses which don't have access to growing pasture is flax seed or flax oil. Chia seed is becoming a popular (though still expensive) Omega-3 source and many commercial products are adding fish oil (which I haven't included in the calculator here).

Use the "NetPhosPlusOmega3" calculator to see how much Omega-3 you need to add to balance some of the Omega-6 "add-ins" in your horse's diet (or to see how to use feedstuffs to increase the phosphorus level in the ration).

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Selection	File type icon	File name	Description	Size	Revision
Download	A pdf "snapshot" of the Excel calculator.	74k	v. 5	Apr 21, 2012, 6:51 AM	Patricia Woodbury-Kuvik
Download	Calculate the net phosphorus when adding phosphorus using feeds plus Omega-3 and -6 content and ratios of frequently used "add-ins". Excel calculator.	38k	v. 5	Apr 21, 2012, 6:49 AM	Patricia Woodbury-Kuvik
Download	Several sources for Omega-3 products for your horse. The clear winners are "generic" flax seed and oil. Next in line are the three stabilized flax products. A surprise entry is Platinum's oil product, still less than $1.00/day. Chia seed is convenient but pricey.	41k	v. 2	May 18, 2012, 5:30 PM	Patricia Woodbury-Kuvik

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The information provided here is not intended as a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment or ongoing care. I strongly encourage all horse owners to include their veterinarian in reviewing their horse's nutritional program and to advise their veterinarian of all supplements, nutraceuticals and complementary therapies their horse may be receiving.