Hemp oil vs fish oil

[S_Shea]

Looking for opinions on using hemp oil vs fish/marine oils

I’m very interested in the omega 3s, but am mainly interested in the benefits from the anti inflammatory and joint support. Has anyone used both? How do they compare? Did you notice a difference in one of these oils from a traditional oil (flax, etc)? Would money be better spent on a Hyaluronic acid supplement? (I am aware feed throughs are rarely effective and injections are a much better alternative , but unfortunately not an option at this time for a couple different reasons)
I tried a marine oil briefly in the past but couldn’t get my mare to eat it, so never saw the benefits. But with all the new research I’m really interested in trying again with a different brand/product

TIA!

[JB]

Hemp does have some Omega 3, but all plant-based Omega 3s are ALA, which are inefficiently converted to EPA and DHA (but still beneficial enough to a lot of horses).

Marine-based Omega 3 is already EPA and DHA which is what the body actually uses.

Omega 3 supports the anti-inflammatory processes. If there’s not enough O3 in the diet, or there’s too much Omega 6 (which supports inflammatory processes, NOT the same as causing inflammation) and if that out of balance is contributing to arthritic issues (and it absolutely can), then adding (more) O3 can definitely help

HA just works very differently, so may be beneficial instead of or in addition to more O3

there are a few different marine/fish oils, I forget who has what, but at least one of them is, apparently, bubble-gum flavored LOL

[pony_baloney]

My pony has been getting Wellpride fish oil for a while now for his asthma. It’s also supposed to be good as an anti-inflammatory, skin, muscles, stomach and hooves. I’m trying a few different things at once so I’m not sure if it’s helping but it’s good for so many things that it can’t hurt. As his very long shaggy coat sheds out a very shiny coat is emerging. The oil has a pleasant sweet smell and he eats it with no problem.

https://www.wellpride.com/fish-oil-benefits/?_gl=1183qe8m_upMQ…_gs*MQ…&gclid=Cj0KCQjwy46_BhDOARIsAIvmcwNqX1MCLZpSFmLOrRj3P8gtZBfZN4eFjSYcd58JNMV8IGCyeL87hv8aAunFEALw_wcB

[Montanas_Girl]

@JB

all plant-based Omega 3s are ALA, which are inefficiently converted to EPA and DHA

Ahiflower oil (found in Purina’s Omega Match oil) is an exception to this rule, or seems to be based on the research data so far. It is what I recommend to horse owners (and what I use myself) if the palatability or sustainability of fish oil is a concern.

[JB]

Oh! How did I miss that about ahiflower? Can you point me to something? A quick search shows ALA, (and SDA, LA, and GLA)

[Montanas_Girl]

If you go to the product website (https://www.purinamills.com/horse-feed/products/detail/purina-omega-match-ahiflower-oil-supplement) and click “additional materials” you can read the research reviews and other documents on this product. I don’t think the mechanism for why it is metabolized differently from other plant based omega-3 sources is entirely understood yet. But I’ll keep you posted if I learn more on that front!

Price wise, it’s pretty comparable to fish oil products.

[JB]

Oh, I see what you mean - the SDA part of it is efficiently converted to EPA.

[GreyDes]

I just started using Mad Barn’s W3 for an older horse that is having a bit of trouble maintaining weight. I can’t speak to results yet, but no issues eating it and it does not have a strong odor.

W3 is DHA and I believe it’s derive from algae. There were several recommendations for it on COTH, which is why I tried it.

[kaya842]

I have used KPP’s Contribute fish oil with good results previously. I’ve noticed improvements above and beyond feeding flax or chia or other oils. It smells like bubble gum and has the highest concentration of EPA/ DHA I have found while also being affordable at the 1oz per day feeding rate. I looked at hemp a few times but it was substantially more expensive while also having a higher feeding volume so I never ordered any.