Among trainers and owners of horses in racing and other performance fields, it is now common knowledge that adding oils to feed provides an alternative or additional source of energy.

Energy provided by oils is acknowledged as being 'cooler' than that provided by grains. However, there appears to be little knowledge of the wider nutritional role oils play in the body, or the potential problems of feeding oils which are incorrectly balanced.

The scientific community has divided oils into three groups - Omega 3, Omega 6, and Omega 9. Most commonly available oils contain a mixture of each in varying degrees and while all provide energy, each group plays its own specific physiological role in the body. No one group can perform all the functions of the others.

Oils have four main roles in the body.

Energy Production. Use of oils for energy preserves blood glucose levels, delaying the onset of fatigue.

Storage of fat soluble vitamins. An important store for energy and vitamins A, D, E and K.

Formation of hormones. These regulate inflammatory response and the function of the immune and reproductive systems.

Building cell membranes. This takes place throughout the body and includes skin, coat and blood cells. Oils have an essential role in making cell walls and membranes flexible, assisting blood flow and oxygen delivery.

To ensure horses receive all the benefits oils offer and to avoid problems, oils need to be provided in a correct ratio of Omega 3, 6 and 9. Unfortunately, as can be seen from the graph, most oils being used by trainers and owners are deficient in Omega 3 and have an excess of Omega 6.

Mitavite Performa 3 oil is a unique formulation with scientifically balanced levels of Omega 3, 6, 9 fatty acids, especially created for the exercising and performance horse. The balance of oil groups provides all the beneficial effects of feeding oils without the risks of inflammatory conditions to the vascular system, the muscles and the joints. If you want to get the most out of oils and the most out of your horse use the Vitamite Omega 3 blend.