w-3 Oil

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NEW Larger Size with 2x the DHA sourced from algae and 3x the natural Vitamin E. w-3 Oil is designed as an equine energy and essential fatty acid supplement to support your horse’s cardiovascular function, skin, joint health and weight maintenance. All the omega-3 benefits of fish oil, without the fishy smell and taste.

* Based on a 500 kg (1100 lb) horse at a feeding rate of 100 mL per day
We stand behind our products to provide the best nutrition for your horse. No fillers, just research-backed ingredients. If your horse doesn't love this product, our Customer Happiness team is here to help or give you a refund guaranteed.
w-3 Oil Supports:
  • Weight Maintenance
  • Energy and Performance
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Skin and Hair Condition
  • Joint Comfort
  • Immune Function
  • Reproductive Health
  • Metabolism
  • Mood Balance

Mad Barn’s w-3 Oil is the ultimate essential fatty acid and energy supplement for your horse. Carefully formulated with proven ingredients, this product supports cardiovascular function, immune health, skin and joint health, weight maintenance and more.

w-3 Oil contains both plant and marine sources of natural fatty acids, as well as the essential fatty acid DHA, which is not found in plant sources of oil/fat.

w-3 Oil is one of the only equine supplements made with microalgae-synthesized DHA, which has all the benefits of fish oil but is far more palatable to the horse.

Finally… a high-quality supplemental oil for your horse that goes above and beyond at a great price.

NEW PACKAGING WITH 20% MORE OIL AND 2X MORE DHA:

w-3 Oil is now available in a larger 5 L pouch size with double the amount of DHA and triple the Vitamin E at a slightly lower cost per serving! This change helps to reduce Mad Barn’s environmental footprint, using 60% less packaging.

More value, better health for the horse and less impact on the environment – a major product improvement and no increase in cost.

 

Why Supplement with w-3 Oil?

Supplementing fat in your horse’s diet may be beneficial at all life stages. However, w-3 Oil is more than just an equine fat supplement. It’s an extra-fortified oil that supplies your horse with the essential fatty acid DHA which is not found in plant-based diets. It is further fortified with high levels of Vitamin E.

Horses do not obtain the long chain fatty acid DHA from their diet. They convert the essential fatty acid ALA into DHA, but the conversion is not efficient and may lead to sub-optimal levels. Supplementing can avoid this and enhance cognitive function, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce inflammatory processes.

Cool Energy

w-3 Oil delivers high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).

Unlike starch and other carbohydrates, fatty acids are metabolized at a much slower rate and utilized very efficiently in the horse’s body. The resulting effects of feeding supplemental fatty acids are:

  1. Reduced spikes in blood glucose that can trigger excitability and sensitivity in a horse following a starch-heavy meal
  2. Lowered risk of hind gut acidosis and intestinal discomfort that arises from feeding high-grain diets
  3. Increased muscle glycogen stores that supply lasting energy for high-intensity exercise

Not only is w-3 Oil beneficial as a source of energy, but it will also make your horse’s coat gleam! When the diet is higher in fat, sebum production in the horse’s skin increases, which lends the coat a shiny appearance.

Fight Inflammation with DHA for Horses

w-3 Oil contains high levels of natural DHA, or Docosahexaenoic Acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. DHA is synthesized in the horse’s body from ALA (Alpha-linolenic acid), but the conversion efficiency is extremely low and it must be obtained from dietary sources to elevate levels for improved health benefits.

w-3 Oil contains a supplemental source of DHA derived from marine algae. w-3 Oil is one of the only equine fatty acid supplements on the market to provide DHA from marine algae- a source that is much more sustainable and concentrated than DHA derived from fish.

Better yet, the resulting oil doesn’t smell or taste like fish. Horses love the taste of w-3 Oil!

Increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your horse’s diet can decrease the production of inflammatory molecules in cells. This can result in better regulation of the inflammatory response that stems from conditions such as:

  • Laminitis
  • Equine Metabolic Disorder
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Degenerative joint disease
  • Allergies
  • Chronic lower airway diseases

Antioxidant Protection with Vitamin E

Each bottle of w-3 Oil contains high levels of natural vitamin E, also known as d-alpha-tocopherol. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is often found in very low levels in the modern equine diet.

Studies involving horses show that natural vitamin E is more bio-available and more easily absorbed and retained in tissues than synthetic vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol).

Vitamin E works as an antioxidant alongside vitamin C, glutathione, and selenium to combat oxidative stress. It works by protecting the polyunsaturated fatty acids in cell membrane phospholipids and plasma lipoproteins, contributing to improved cellular membrane integrity.

Supplementing natural vitamin E in the equine diet, in combination with essential fatty acids, can reduce oxidative tissue damage that emerges from:

  • Strenuous exercise
  • Systemic inflammation from metabolic diseases
  • Neurological diseases
  • Muscular disorders such as RER (Recurrrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis)

You should always consult a qualified nutritionist before altering your feed program. Submit your horse’s diet for analysis online and one of our equine nutritionists will be happy to provide a complementary review.

Algal DHA2019-10-24T20:17:08-04:00

LG-MAXAlgal DHA (LG-MAX) is a DHA supplement developed by Alltech that is derived from marine algae. It provides high levels of DHA comparable to fish oil without having a fishy smell or taste, so horses find it extremely palatable.

Sourcing DHA from algae is a more sustainable process than sourcing it from fish. There is estimated to be more than 800,000 species of algae, all with very high genetic diversity and extremely fast growth rates. Producing DHA from algae is also a much more efficient process than producing fish, as algae does not need to be fed animal products in order to grow.

The DHA produced in algae is an Omega-3 fatty acid that functions in the body as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neurogenerative molecule, with increasing amounts of research proving the efficacy of its supplementation in the equine diet.

Docosahexaenoic Acid2022-11-07T11:39:30-05:00

Docosahexaenoic Acid

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) is a polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid.

DHA is an “essential fatty acid” because it is fundamental for bodily processes, yet it cannot be made in the body and has to be obtained from the diet. DHA can be synthesized from alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid found in plant sources. However,  this conversion is poor in all mammals.

DHA can be supplemented directly from marine sources such as fish oil and microalgae.

Flax Oil2019-11-09T10:19:03-05:00

Flax OilFlax oil is a plant oil that is extracted from flaxseed and has the highest concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids of all of the plant oils. Because of its high Omega-3 concentration, palatable taste and wide availability, flax oil is one of the most common Omega-3 fatty acid and energy supplements in horse nutrition.

In addition to Omega-3 fatty acids, Omega-6 fatty acids are also found in flax oil. The combination of Omega-3 and Omega-6 is of particular interest in horse nutrition because of the positive effects they have on inflammation, immunity and cardiovascular health.

Horses are not able to produce Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids themselves, so they must be consumed in the diet, and flax oil is a great choice. Horses may require the addition of fat to their diet to increase dietary calorie density and assist in fighting inflammation, but it can also be used to add a healthy gloss to the hair coat. This might require as little as 80-120 mL of oil per day, up to 500 mL. As with all dietary changes, the addition of supplemental fats in the form of plant oils should be done slowly to allow the horse’s gastrointestinal tract to acclimatize.

Soybean Oil2019-09-05T21:28:41-04:00

Soybean OilSoybean oil is a plant oil that is extracted from the seeds of the soybean and is used as a fatty acid supplement in equine nutrition.

The ratio of linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) fatty acids differ among fat sources, especially plant oils. Soybean oil contains a higher proportion of omega-6, with an omega-6:3 ratio of around 7:1. These fatty acid ratios are of particular interest to researchers because of their effect on inflammation and immunity and also because horses are not able to produce these fatty acids themselves, so they must be consumed in the diet.

Horses may require the addition of fat to their diet to increase dietary calorie density, but it can also be used to add a healthy gloss to the hair coat. This might require as little as 80-120 mL of oil per day, up to 500 mL. As with all dietary changes, the addition of supplemental fats in the form of plant oils should be done slowly to allow the horse’s gastrointestinal tract to acclimatize.

Vitamin E2019-12-11T09:07:33-05:00

Vitamin EVitamin E is the shared name for eight different fat-soluble, naturally-occurring compounds: a, b, g, and d-tocopherol and a, b, g, and d-tocotrienol. These compounds all have vitamin E activity and are comprised of a chromanol ring with differing phytyl side chains. The compound most commonly referred to as vitamin E is a-tocopherol and is widely considered to be the most biologically active form of all the vitamin E constituents.

The most natural form of alpha-tocopherol is d-alpha-tocopherol, and is only synthesized in plants so it must be obtained through the diet. Fresh, grass pasture contains the highest concentrations of d-alpha-tocopherol, however, a large number of horses do not have year-round access to grass pasture and their diets consist mostly of hay, so alpha-tocopherol is often added to most commercial feed formulations or top-dressed as a supplement.

Vitamin E functions as a powerful antioxidant, meaning it protects the body tissue from damage caused by free radicals.  Free radicals are produced during normal cellular metabolism and can harm cells, tissues, and organs if not kept in balance with proper antioxidant levels.

Other functions of Vitamin E:

  • Immune function – important for defense against viruses and bacteria
  • Formation of red blood cells
  • Helps widen blood vessels and keep blood from clotting inside them
  • Used in cellular communication, used to carry out many important functions.

Research confirms that the different forms of vitamin E available to be supplemented can have a significant impact on vitamin E levels in the blood. The most bioavailable forms of vitamin E should only be used in order to properly formulate balanced equine diets, to treat vitamin E deficiency and its associated conditions and aid in exercise recovery.

w-3 Oil energy supplement is designed as an energy and essential fatty acid supplement to support cardiovascular function, skin, joint health, and weight maintenance.

Directions for Use:

Administer orally top dressed on feed.

Product should be introduced gradually and increased as necessary. Total dietary fat should not exceed 8% for equine diets.

Maintenance:

100 mL per day per 500 kg (1100 lb) of body weight

Weight Management:

200 mL per day per 500 kg (1100 lb) of body weight

Storage:

Store inside away from heat, sparks and flame. Protect from freezing temperatures.

Cautions:

Do not use in animals with bleeding disorders, unless directed by a veterinarian.

Active Ingredients:
Per mL serving
Ingredients Per 100 mL
Proprietary Blend of Soybean, flax and DHA Oil 99 mL
DHA (minimum) 1500 mg
Vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) 1000 mg

INGREDIENTS: Soybean oil, flax oil, heterotrophic algae, d-alpha-tocopherol (natural vitamin E) and flavour.

EXCIPIENT INGREDIENTS: Lecithin.

Net Volume: 5 L

Register & manufactured by: Mad Barn Inc., Petersburg, ON, Canada.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by Health Canada or the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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Disclaimer: Recommended feeding rate varies depending on your horse's condition and current diet. Consult with a nutritionist to determine the appropriate inclusion rate for your horse.

Customer Questions About This Product

    How efficiently can horses absorb DHA if it is not normally part of their diet?
  1. 0 votes
    Q How efficiently can horses absorb DHA if it is not normally part of their diet?
    A Fatty acids are all efficiently absorbed. There are a lot of studies in this field.
  2. Can your w-3 oil be given to dogs?
  3. 0 votes
    Q Can your w-3 oil be given to dogs?
    A Our w-3 Oil can be given to dogs.
  4. Is w-3 Oil or Camelina Oil better for horses with arthritis?
  5. 0 votes
    Q Is w-3 Oil or Camelina Oil better for horses with arthritis?
    A Our w-3 Oil is much higher in omega-3 fatty acids than camelina oil. High levels of dietary omega-3 fatty acids can certainly help with arthritis. It will save you money and work better.
  6. Do you sell pumps for the oil jugs?
  7. 0 votes
    Q Do you sell pumps for the oil jugs?
    A Yes, we carry pumps in stock. The cost is $4 and it can be added on to your order.
  8. I am wondering if your W3 oil would also assist with weight gain or maintaining weight?
  9. 0 votes
    Q I am wondering if your W3 oil would also assist with weight gain or maintaining weight?
    A If the goal is just to put on weight, canola oil is the least expensive option. w-3 contains DHA which helps with joints, focus and general health and is not found in any plant based oils. All oil/fat are essentially the same caloric density, so as to the efficacy of weight management, they would all be equal.
  10. How does W-3 Oil compare to Equine Omega Complete?
  11. 0 votes
    Q How does W-3 Oil compare to Equine Omega Complete?
    A Compared to EOC, our w-3 Oil is much more cost-effective (about half the price) and contains a better overall balance of fatty acids, with a blend of soybean and flax oils. It also contains high levels of DHA, which is an omega-3 fatty acid sourced from marine sources. EOC uses fish oil, which can sometimes be hard to get horses to eat. Our DHA source is derived from marine algae, so there is less of a smell and it is generally better accepted.
  12. I have a horse with skin allergies and difficulty gaining weight. Will w-3 Oil help?
  13. 0 votes
    Q I have a horse with skin allergies and difficulty gaining weight. Will w-3 Oil help?
    A Our w-3 Oil will certainly help with your horse's skin issues and will assist with weight gain at appropriate levels. A good strategy to tackle both the skin issues and weight gain, would be to feed a blend of the w-3 Oil with plain vegetable oil. That way, you get the benefits of the omega-3 supplementation and the additional vegetable oil is an inexpensive way to add more energy to the diet without the downsides of feeding higher volumes of commercial grain.
  14. How long does 4 L of w-3 oil last?
  15. 0 votes
    Q How long does 4 L of w-3 oil last?
    A 4 L will last ~ 130 days if you just feed 1 ounce/30 mL per day, ~65 days if you feed 60 mL per day. We generally recommend starting at 30 mL and working up to a maximum of 250 mL per day.
  16. Do you recommend Camelina Oil?
  17. 0 votes
    Q Do you recommend Camelina Oil?
    A As for camelina oil, save your money and use flax oil or ground flax. It's actually higher in omega-3 than camelina oil. Camelina is a close cousin to flax that people are spending significant effort and money to market as some kind of wonder oil, when it's basically just flax oil. If you want to really give a boost of omega-3, we have the w-3 oil which is high in DHA, the omega-3 that you can't get from plant based sources and has many benefits.
  18. How does Camelina Oil compare to W-3 Oil?
  19. 0 votes
    Q How does Camelina Oil compare to W-3 Oil?
    A We don't recommend using camelina oil. Save your money and use flax oil or ground flax. It's actually higher in omega-3 than camelina oil. Camelina is a close cousin to flax that people are spending significant effort and money to market as some kind of wonder oil, when it's basically just flax oil. If you want to really give a boost of omega-3, we have the w-3 oil which is high in DHA, the omega-3 that you can't get from plant based sources and has many benefits.
  20. I'm interested in feeding my horse the w-3 oil, but I'm worried about palatability. I have tried other essential fat supplements and my horse didn't like them due to the smell. What make w-3 oil different?
  21. 0 votes
    Q I'm interested in feeding my horse the w-3 oil, but I'm worried about palatability. I have tried ...... Read more
    A Our w-3 Oil is very palatable, as it contains a DHA source that is not derived from fish. While many horses do not like the taste or smell of fish oil, the microalgea-sourced omega 3's we use are much easier to get your horse to eat.
  22. What is the shelf-life of w-3 oil?
  23. 0 votes
    Q What is the shelf-life of w-3 oil?
    A w-3 Oil has a 12 month shelf life from the date of manufacture and we recommend that it be stored in a dark, cool place.
  24. How does Mad Barn's w-3 Oil compare to Camelina Oil?
  25. 0 votes
    Q How does Mad Barn's w-3 Oil compare to Camelina Oil?
    A Our w-3 Oil has much higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids than camelina and is at a lower price point. w-3 Oil contains the omega-3 fatty acid DHA from a microalgae source. Camelina oil is plant-based and does not contain any DHA. The long chain omega-3s EPA/DHA have good research, much like ALA you get from flax, just better as they are longer chain, more unsaturated and at very low concentration in the body, unless supplemented.
  26. How long does one bottle of W-3 Oil last?
  27. 0 votes
    Q How long does one bottle of W-3 Oil last?
    A One bottle is 4 L. It depends on feeding rate, but typical is around 60-100 ml, so 40 to 70 days.
  28. What are the ingredients in W-3 Oil?
  29. 0 votes
    Q What are the ingredients in W-3 Oil?
    A The ingredients are listed on the product which are soy and flax oil with a high DHA algae and vitamin E added (1,000 IU/L) to it. This supplies 7000 mg/L DHA, which is one of the essential fatty acids found in fish. You get that without the awful smell of fish. The oil provides high levels of ALA and DHA.
  30. How does W-3 Oil compare to regular flax oil?
  31. 0 votes
    Q How does W-3 Oil compare to regular flax oil?
    A Flax oil is a great source of ALA, an essential fatty acid. But it does not contain any of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA and the conversion of ALA to DHA within the body is poor. That's why we've added the DHA to our mix present in W-3 oil. If you are just looking to add some extra energy to your horse's diet, flax oil is a great choice. If you want to add some of the anti-inflammatory properties, among other benefits of DHA, then adding W-3 will give you that.
  32. What is the correct way to calculate the feeding rate for your w-3 oil Omega 3 supplement?
  33. 0 votes
    Q What is the correct way to calculate the feeding rate for your w-3 oil Omega 3 supplement?
    A The feeding rate for our omega supplement is not as precise as the rate for mineral feeding.  We recommend 30-60 ml per day, to get a sufficient amount of DHA (anti-inflammatory, helps with focus etc) into the horse.  After that, it's based on body condition.  If the horse is a little on the light side, then upwards of 250 ml (1 cup) is acceptable. If they are in good flesh, I would not exceed the 100 ml/day. 

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