[Doc-t]

Micronized linseed is a seed oil made to add Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids and protein to human diets and now, to horses. There is little science behind it as far as gut inflammation but I would assume that like with all seed oils, it is a polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) and therefore inflammatory.

We also need to define the term “weight.” Our eyes have been trained to look for a good layer of fat as an indication of health but I feel that any excess body fat can only be found when insulin is available (ie, glucose is being consumed). This blocks the outflow of FFA’s from the fat cell and causes the trapping of more TAG within the cell (abbreviations are defined in the video).

I find that adding the extra protein helps to increase “weight” in the form of increased muscle mass. This can be helped by adding exercise. To add body fat, 2 criteria need to be observed: 1) the horse is NOT feeling well, is losing body fat and is becoming lethargic and 2) There is a cold season approaching and the increase in pasture / hay is NOT adding enough body fat for the upcoming winter. Then I suggest increasing the amount of cellulose by adding more hay, pasture or Coolstance (shredded coconut meat) as a source of fiber and a non-inflammatory fat. As a last resort, if more body fat is needed, adding cleaned oats will do the trick as adding extra starch will cause the increase in FFA’s and TAG’s. It will also increase the conversion of body protein into glucose which also adds body fat (while losing muscle).

This sounds a bit confusing but it isn’t. Sugar releases insulin which has the job of growing the horse (increasing body fat) and preserving glucose for the upcoming winter.

The bottom line for me is that adding linseed in any fashion is a gimmick that may be inflammatory to some horses. Adding body fat needs oats, increased cellulose and increased protein.