Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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Hi Again!!
I was wonderingif you had heard anything about this before or if you know if this is true or not:
My friend's mum is a vet (small animals) and she says that you should ONLY feed linseed oil to horses/animals when their coat IS dull and for not more than 6-8 weeks, otherwise white thingys (can't remember what word she used) forms on the retina or cornea (she couldn't remember which one). This would then cause problems with their sight...
Any idea if she's right?
Thanks!!
Where are you from? Ireland
How did you locate this forum? from the website
Hi Leila,
Linseed (flaxseed) oil is not just for a dull coat. In fact, if the coat is dull, it indicates that the body is not healthy on the “inside.” The coat and skin are windows to the functioning of the body where it cannot be seen. So, poor skin, coat, hooves – these things indicate that something is wrong or something is deficient.
Linseed oil is high in omega 3 fatty acids which boost the immune response, aid in reducing inflammation, support bone and joint health, improve disposition, and maintain overall health, which manifests itself as a shiny coat, bright eyes, healthy skin, and strong hooves. I am not familiar with any eye condition that is caused by linseed oil. If anything, there are many studies to suggest that linseed oil actually improves sight. Perhaps you can ask the vet to tell you the exact name of the condition and what specific aspect of the oil she is referring to.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
