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Rice bran oil (RBO) is an increasingly popular fat supplement fed to horses for weight management, cool energy, and coat quality.
The oil is derived from the germ and bran of brown rice grains and contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants. [1][3][4][5] Rice bran oil is palatable and provides a dense source of calories for horses.
RBO is primarily composed of monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. [1] It contains 42.6% oleic acid (an omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid) and 28% linoleic acid (an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid). [1]
Continue reading to learn about the benefits of feeding rice bran oil to horses and some considerations when adding fat to your horse’s diet.
Rice Bran Products for Horses
Mainly produced in Japan, Thailand, India, China, and Vietnam, rice bran oil is primarily used in the food industry and for industrial applications. [1][2] RBO has a neutral flavor and high smoke point, which makes it ideal for high-temperature cooking.
The oil is harvested from the bran layer which is between the outer hull and inner germ, which is rich in vitamins and other nutrients.
Compared to many other vegetable oils, rice bran oil contains a higher level of antioxidants, including vitamin E, gamma-oryzanol, and phytosterols. [1][6] These nutrients offer a range of health benefits.
Rice Bran
The bran component of rice kernels is commonly used in horse feeds and retains naturally present fatty acids, so long as the oil is not extracted.
Rice bran contains up to 20% oil and must be heat- and pressure-stabilized before feeding to prevent rancidity and digestive issues.
Rice bran consists of 21% non-structural carbohydrates (primarily starch and sugars). For horses that need to avoid high-NSC diets, the oil is carbohydrate-free and may be a better alternative.
The bran can also be high in phosphorus and low in calcium, or high in both minerals. Calcium and phosphorus levels meet the individual requirement levels and fall within specific ratios to optimize support of metabolic processes.
Rice Bran Oil Extraction
RBO is typically extracted through a solvent extraction process. [1] It can also be cold-pressed to retain more natural flavors and nutrients.
After milling, RBO oil is prone to degrade when exposed to light and air. If the oil is not stabilized through a heat treatment process, it has a shorter shelf life.
Some rice bran oil products are stabilized immediately after production to reduce lipase activity. This is an enzyme that breaks down fatty acid components of the oil.
Like other oils, rice bran oil is low in potassium, which makes it safe for horses with Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis Disease (HYPP).
Both rice bran and RBO contain a high amount of omega-6 fatty acids and a negligible amount of omega-3 fatty acids. [1] Equine diets containing these fat sources should be properly balanced to ensure horses are receiving enough omega-3 fatty acids.
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Nutritional Profile
Digestible Energy
Rice bran oil provides approximately 9.5 megacalories (mcal) / kg of dry matter (DM).
A typical adult horse at maintenance requires 16.65 mcal of digestible energy per day.
Fatty Acid Composition
The fatty acid composition of RBO is: [1]
- 44% monounsaturated fatty acids
- 6% polyunsaturated fatty acids
- 5% saturated fatty acids
Unsaturated fatty acids present in RBO include: [1]
- Oleic acid: 42.6% (omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid)
- Linoleic acid: 28% (omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid)
- Linolenic acid: 0.8% (omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids)
Of the linolenic acid component of RBO, 0.5% is omega-3 fatty acids, and 33.1% is omega-6 fatty acids. [1]
The overall ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in rice bran oil is approximately 56:1.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential for equine health and must be provided by the diet as the body cannot make them. Omega-6 fatty acids are important as they support inflammatory processes that are beneficial for fighting off infections and supporting tissue repair.
However, diets containing excessive omega-6 fatty acids and insufficient omega-3s can promote inflammation.
Nutrients
RBO is high in vitamin E and contains both tocopherols and tocotrienol forms of the nutrient. [4][7]
Unrefined RBO is higher in vitamin E than refined oil and contains approximately 24 to 60 mg of tocopherols/100 g of oil and 71 to 75 mg of tocotrienols/100 g of oil. [8]
Gamma-oryzanol is a group of antioxidant plant chemicals (ferulic acid esters and phytosterols) present in rice bran oil at a level of approximately 1 to 2%. [4][7][9]
Rice bran oil contains approximately 1 to 2% naturally occurring phospholipids, including lecithin. [10] Phospholipids are fatlike, phosphorus-containing compounds that serve metabolic and structural functions in cells. [11]
Benefits of Rice Bran Oil for Horses
Research on the specific effects of feeding rice bran oil to horses is limited. However, several components of rice bran oil have been studied and shown to support health benefits.
There are also general benefits associated with feeding fat in the equine diet.
Source of Antioxidants
Antioxidants combat cell damage due to oxidation. Oxidation occurs when molecules lose electrons, leading to instability or dysfunction. Important molecules in the body, such as cell membranes, proteins, and DNA, are susceptible to oxidative stress from highly reactive and unstable compounds called free radicals.
The generation of free radicals is a normal byproduct of cellular metabolism. However, stress, disease, and exposure to toxins or radiation can increase their production. Antioxidants work to neutralize these harmful free radicals, protecting cells in the body.
Vitamin E:
Vitamin E refers to a group of fat-soluble compounds, including tocopherols and tocotrienols, that serve as powerful antioxidants in the body.
Tocopherols and tocotrienols sacrifice their electrons to unstable free radicals, helping protect cells from damage.
Some of the key benefits of vitamin E for horses include: [12][13][14][15]
- Reduces muscle soreness and stiffness, which helps sustain high levels of activity
- Helps muscles recover after exercise which can support athletic performance
- Boosts the immune response and enhances the capacity of immune cells to kill bacteria. This helps horses recover from illness more quickly
- Enhances antioxidant defenses to help minimize stress and health issues related to travel and competition
- Guards against the development of neurological disorders, such as equine motor neuron disease (EMND) and equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM) from developing
Gamma-oryzanol:
Human research shows multiple health benefits of gamma-oryzanol, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It has also been studied for anticancer, antidiabetic, and cholesterol-lowering effects. [9][16]
In horses, gamma-oryzanol is purported to have an anabolic effect on muscle growth. It is also purported to enhance athletic performance by reducing fatigue and decreasing lactate accumulation in tissues. [9][16][17][18][19]
Gamma-oryzanol is widely available in equine supplements for exercising horses.
Supports Gut Health
Rice bran oil also contains lecithin, which has been shown to support gastrointestinal health and intestinal barrier function in horses. Research shows a combination of lecithin and pectin supports gastric health. [20][21]
The amount of lecithin in rice bran oil is too small to produce the same results seen in research studies, but there could be some gut protective effects conferred by the lecithin content.
Source of Cool Calories
Rice bran oil is a cool energy source that can increase the calories in your horse’s diet without causing excitability or hot behaviour.
Fat is metabolized efficiently and digested slower than carbohydrates, making it an ideal feed to support exercise endurance and recovery. [22]
Unlike grains and starch-based feeds, which can cause hindgut issues, fat does not contribute to a risk of hindgut acidosis, colic, or right dorsal colitis.
Sugar-Free
Rice bran oil does not contain sugar or starch, known as non-structural carbohydrates. This makes it suitable to feed horses with insulin resistance, Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), or Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID).
Replacing high-NSC grain in your horse’s diet with rice bran oil can support normal blood glucose levels and metabolic health.
Cost-Effective
Compared to other oils used in the equine diet, rice bran oil tends to cost less. For example, it is cheaper to feed than flax oil, camelina oil, and coconut oil.
Depending on the supplier, it may cost more than canola oil, corn oil and soybean oil.
Good Palatability
Rice bran oil offers a palatable source of fat for horses as it is neutral tasting and has a pleasant smell.
How to Feed Rice Bran Oil
Before adding rice bran oil to your horse’s diet, assess their body condition to determine whether they need extra calories. Track this on a regular basis so you can make adjustments to your horse’s feeding program as needed.
If your horse is a hard keeper and cannot maintain body condition on forage alone, adding concentrated calories from rice bran oil may be beneficial.
Horses in demanding exercise programs that require additional energy can also benefit from added fat.
Feeding Rate
The feeding rate will depend on whether your horse is underweight and your main reasons for feeding fat. Below are some common feeding rates:
- For coat quality and shine: 30 – 60 mL
- For performance horses: 100 – 200 mL
- For weight maintenance: 100 mL
- For weight gain: 200 mL
Typically, fat should not exceed 8% of the total equine diet. However, horses in heavy work can tolerate up to 20% of their dietary calories provided as fat. [23]
Introduce Gradually
Rice bran oil should be added to your horse’s diet gradually over a period of two to three weeks. This will ensure your horse’s production of bile and digestive enzymes has time to adjust to the higher fat content of the diet.
Start with 30 ml (1 oz) for the first few days and increase incrementally. If feeding high levels of oil, the daily amount should ideally be divided into multiple meals.
Omega-3 to Omega-6 Ratio
Remember that rice bran oil primarily contains omega-6 fatty acids. It has a high concentration of omega-6 linoleic acid and almost no omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid.
Omega-3 fatty acids are important because they support anti-inflammatory processes in the body. Diets that contain excessive omega-6 fats can promote inflammation.
If your horse has health concerns such as joint issues, skin problems, allergies, or other inflammatory conditions, feeding an oil high in omega-3 fatty acids may be more beneficial.
Mad Barn’s w-3 Oil is a fat supplement that contains high levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – an omega-3 fatty acid. W-3 oil also contains high levels of natural Vitamin E.
Feeding w-3 Oil can support the healthy regulation of inflammatory processes in the horse’s body while supplying cool energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about rice bran oil for horses:
Rice bran oil is a fat supplement made from bran and germ layers of brown rice grains. Horse owners commonly feed it to support weight gain, body condition, coat shine, and cool energy without adding sugar or starch to diet. Rice bran oil also supplies antioxidants such as vitamin E and gamma-oryzanol along with essential fatty acids that contribute to overall equine health and recovery.
Rice bran oil adds concentrated calories that can support weight gain in hard keepers and horses with higher energy demands. Fat provides more digestible energy than carbohydrates, allowing horses to consume extra calories without increasing grain intake. Many owners use rice bran oil when forage alone does not maintain body condition or when a horse needs additional calories during training, recovery, or colder weather.
Rice bran oil provides cool energy because fat is metabolized differently than starch and sugar-based feeds. Horses receiving added fat calories often maintain steadier energy levels without behavioral changes associated with high-grain diets. This makes rice bran oil a useful option for performance horses, hard keepers, and horses that become overly reactive when fed large amounts of non-structural carbohydrates.
Rice bran oil feeding rates vary depending on body condition goals and workload. Many horses receive 1 to 2 ounces, or 30 to 60 milliliters, daily for coat quality, while performance or weight gain programs may use 3.4 to 6.8 ounces, or 100 to 200 milliliters, daily. Oil intake is best increased gradually over two to three weeks so digestion can adapt comfortably to added fat.
Rice bran oil does not contain sugar or starch, making it suitable for horses that need low-NSC diets. Unlike rice bran itself, oil contains concentrated fat without non-structural carbohydrates that can affect blood glucose and insulin regulation. Many owners choose rice bran oil for horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome, insulin resistance, or PPID when they need extra calories without increasing grain intake.
Rice bran oil can improve coat shine by supplying dietary fat and antioxidants that support skin and hair condition. Many horse owners notice a smoother, glossier appearance after adding small daily amounts to ration. Vitamin E and fatty acids in rice bran oil also contribute to skin health, which may improve overall coat quality during dry weather, heavy training, or seasonal coat changes.
Rice bran oil differs from rice bran because oil contains fat without starch, sugar, or mineral balance concerns associated with bran products. Rice bran itself may contain high phosphorus levels and requires stabilization to prevent rancidity. Rice bran oil offers concentrated calories in a smaller serving size, while rice bran adds more bulk and additional carbohydrates to ration.
Rice bran oil contains very little omega-3 and significantly more omega-6 fatty acids. Most fat in rice bran oil comes from oleic acid and linoleic acid, creating an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of roughly 56:1. Horses consuming large amounts of omega-6 fats without enough omega-3 intake may develop a more inflammatory fatty acid balance, especially if pasture access is limited.
Rice bran oil diets often benefit from added omega-3 fatty acids because oil naturally contains much more omega-6 than omega-3. Balancing fat sources with DHA, EPA, flax, or marine-derived omega-3 supplements can support healthier inflammatory regulation. Horses with allergies, joint concerns, skin irritation, or other inflammatory conditions may particularly benefit from improving omega-3 intake alongside added dietary fat.
Rice bran oil contains vitamin E and gamma-oryzanol, compounds associated with antioxidant support and exercise recovery. Vitamin E helps protect muscle cells from oxidative stress generated during work and may support recovery after exercise. Gamma-oryzanol is also marketed in equine supplements for athletic horses because of its proposed effects on muscle development, fatigue reduction, and performance support.
Rice bran oil contains small amounts of phospholipids such as lecithin, which are associated with gastrointestinal and intestinal barrier support. Research on horses shows lecithin combined with pectin may support gastric health and stomach lining protection. Amounts naturally present in rice bran oil are lower than levels studied directly, but oil may still contribute mild supportive effects within balanced diets.
Rice bran oil is best introduced slowly so digestive enzymes and bile production can adapt to higher fat intake. Many feeding programs begin with 1 ounce, or 30 milliliters, daily for several days before gradually increasing amount over two to three weeks. Dividing larger servings between meals may improve digestion and reduce risk of loose manure or feed refusal in sensitive horses.
Summary
Adding rice bran oil to your horse’s diet can be a practical and economical way to increase caloric intake while supporting weight gain and performance.
- Rice bran oil is a cost-effective option to increase the caloric density of a feeding program without adding additional bulk.
- Although stabilized rice bran is relatively high in sugar and starch, rice bran oil itself is low in non-structural carbohydrates, making it suitable for horses with metabolic concerns.
- The added calories from rice bran oil can help support hard keepers, performance horses, and horses with elevated energy requirements.
- Choosing the most appropriate oil depends on your horse’s overall diet, forage intake, and individual health needs.
- Working with an equine nutritionist can help determine the best oil choice and feeding rate to ensure your horse’s diet remains balanced and tailored to their specific requirements.
References
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