Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) Oil

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) oil is a concentrated source of docosahexaenoic acid, a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid naturally found in marine organisms such as microalgae and fish. Most DHA oil used in equine nutrition is derived from cultivated microalgae, providing a sustainable, vegetarian source of this highly bioavailable fatty acid. DHA plays an important structural and functional role in cell membranes throughout the body, particularly in nervous tissue, the retina, and reproductive tissues.

In equine nutrition, DHA oil is used to provide a direct source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids that support a healthy inflammatory response, joint comfort, skin and coat quality, respiratory function, reproductive performance, and post-exercise recovery. Unlike plant-based omega-3 sources such as flaxseed oil, which contain primarily alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), DHA oil supplies preformed DHA that can be readily utilized by the horse. Because horses convert only small amounts of ALA into DHA, supplementation with DHA oil is a more effective way to increase long-chain omega-3 intake when targeted nutritional support is desired.