Cod liver oil would be a source of polyunsaturated (also known as omega 3) fatty acids. It also contains a large quantity of vitamins A and D. Scientific studies have shown a tendency of cod liver oil to help improve immune function in humans and mice. We are not aware of any published scientific studies in horses.
Fruit is often something that horse enthusiasts offer to horses as a treat. We have included a link to a Web site that provides more information more about this: www.esc.rutgers.edu/publications/nutrition.htm
However, some things from your garden can be poisonous (e.g., potato and rhubarb), and you can check for more information at: www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/comlist.html.
But, in general, inclusion of either of these items in the diet at a low level wouldn't be harmful to horses. Cod liver oil may be useful in the horse's diet if it was deficient in vitamin A or D or if you wanted to add it for its benefits as a fat source, similar to corn oil. However, you would need to use caution when using a commercially prepared diet since it may cause you to oversupplement vitamins A and D. Reminder: Although it does seem to improve immune function in humans and mice, there are no scientific studies specifically related to horses to support this at this time.
