How Functional Fats Support Energy, Muscle, Metabolism & Recovery Year Round
Functional fats serve as more than mere sources of energy; they act as “nutrient enhancers” by boosting the absorption and effectiveness of important vitamins (A, D, E, K), antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds. Selecting functional fats that work well together and complement additional ingredients leads to the most beneficial results for consumers. From supporting heart function to improving the topline, functional fats contribute significantly through various mechanisms to the horse’s overall well being inside and out.
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YEAR-ROUND BENEFITS OF FUNCTIONAL FATS
Their role shifts slightly with the seasons—helping with winter weight maintenance, spring metabolic imbalances, summer heat resilience, and fall recovery.
WINTER: Energy from functional Fats provide concentrated calories to help horses maintain body condition when forage quality drops: Fat metabolism produces less internal heat compared to carbohydrates, but the extra calories help horses generate warmth through sustained energy. Furthermore, Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids reduce winter inflammation and support the immune system all while the Vitamin E present in these functional fats promote a shiny, protective winter coat.
SPRING: Functional fats help support metabolic horses during seasons when pastures are lush by providing low-starch calories and lowering the risk of laminitis. With possible reduced feed needs in spring thanks to abundant pasture and moderate temperatures, functional fats also improve the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K, boosting overall nutrient bioavailability—so you get more benefits with less feed.
SUMMER: Functional fat, as stated in the above winter bullet point generate less metabolic heat than carbohydrates, helping horses stay cooler in hot weather, through their “cool” calorie properties. Summer can be hard on horses but due to the Anti-inflammatory properties of functional fats, it helps manage exercise stress, joint strains, and aid in recovery.
FALL: Typically fall is light on competition and riders are preparing to travel come winter. Functional fats aid in recovery after competition season and prepare horses for winter. By building topline and boosting the immune system through the presence of antioxidants and vitamin E functional fats help prep for the upcoming show season.
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TYPES OF FUNCTIONAL FATS
RICE BRAN: Rice bran is abundant in unsaturated fatty acids and phytosterols, which help reduce cholesterol absorption and improve lipid profiles. It is also known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show that regular rice bran consumption can lower total cholesterol while increasing HDL, making it beneficial for heart health. Beyond lipid regulation, rice bran contributes to metabolic balance and can reduce risks of obesity-related disorders. Thus, Rice bran is both nutrient-rich and beneficial for health.
COCONUT FLAKES: Coconut flakes are valued as functional fats because they contain medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which the body rapidly converts into energy instead of storing as fat. Packed with beneficial saturated fats, coconut flakes can support metabolic processes and potentially enhance energy levels. Additionally, they offer dietary fiber and important minerals such as magnesium and potassium, contributing to both muscle and digestive health while promoting better nutrient absorption. Including coconut flakes in your meals may help with weight control and lower the risk of metabolic diseases. thus, coconut flakes serve not only as a tasty addition to the supplement but also as a source that benefits overall wellness and metabolism.
SUNFLOWER CHIPS: Sunflower chips serve as an important source of functional lipids, primarily attributed to their concentration of unsaturated fatty acids. They are abundant in linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid that contributes to cell membrane integrity and supports various metabolic functions. The vitamin E content in sunflower chips provides antioxidant protection, minimizing oxidative stress and supporting immune system function. Sunflower chips often used as an alternative to soy products offer essential fatty acids, high-quality protein, dietary fiber, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds, making them a key ingredient for diverse health-benefits
SAFFLOWER CHIPS: Safflower chips are regarded as functional fats due to their high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-6, similar to sunflower chips. Omega-6 fatty acids play a key role in maintaining cell membrane integrity and supporting metabolic processes. Although safflower chips share similarities with sunflower chips, they are notable for their emphasis on anti-inflammatory properties attributable to their higher content of unsaturated fats. In addition, safflower chips contain oleic acid (omega-9), an unsaturated fatty acid associated with cardiovascular support and potential enhancement of insulin sensitivity. The naturally occurring vitamin E and elevated levels of unsaturated fatty acids found in safflower chips contribute antioxidant benefits, bolster immune health, and facilitate efficient metabolic processing.
FLAX MEAL: Flax meal is considered a functional fat because it contains fiber, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) -a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid, and the highest dietary source of lignans. It is important to note that The high omega-3 content helps balance the omega-6 fats in other ingredients, to maintain a healthy ratio among these nutrients. Furthermore, flax meal is one of the best plant sources of ALA, which helps reduce inflammation and supports cardiovascular health. ALA and soluble fiber found in flax meal bind fats in the digestive tract result in lower LDL cholesterol all while boosting HDL. Lignans present in flax meal, contain both antioxidants and hormone balancing properties. Thus, regular flax consumption has been shown to improve blood pressure, stabilize blood sugar, and aid in weight management thus helping with certain metabolic disorders.
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CONLCUSION
Stacked Fat was formulated to supply horses with an essential energy source through functional fats. These fats provide a range of health benefits, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, anti-inflammatory effects, and immune system support. Functional fats are considered safe for metabolic horses due to their capacity to regulate nutrient absorption and digestion. By enhancing absorption and digestion, especially when combined with vitamins, pro and prebiotic or complex enzymes, functional fats improve these nutrients bioavailability. The inclusion of rice bran, coconut flakes, sunflower chips, safflower chips, and flax meal in Stacked Fat supports energy levels, topline development, and recovery in horses through every season.