Herbs & Natural Additives to Feed Horses
🌿 My Top 4 Herbs & Natural Additives to Feed Horses
Traditional wisdom, supported by modern research
Herbs have been used in horse care for centuries, long before commercial supplements existed. While traditional use matters, it’s also important to understand what modern research tells us about why certain herbs are beneficial and how to use them safely.
These four herbs and natural additives form the foundation of many well-balanced equine diets. They support minerals, joints, calmness, digestion and hydration without overstimulating the system.
🌱 1. Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Mineral-rich blood and tissue support
Nettle is one of the most nutritionally dense herbs available to horses. Once dried, the stinging hairs are neutralised, leaving a mineral-rich leaf that supports multiple body systems.
Key nutritional and physiological actions
- High in bioavailable minerals including iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and silica
- Supports haemoglobin and red blood cell production
- Provides gentle anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity
- Traditionally used to support circulation, kidneys and skin
What the science says
Research in both animal and human models has shown that nettle:
- Exhibits anti-inflammatory effects through modulation of cytokines and prostaglandins
- Has antioxidant properties that reduce oxidative stress
- Supports iron metabolism and mineral absorption
In horses, nettle is valued particularly where pasture mineral content is inconsistent — which is common across much of Australia.
Feeding amounts
- Maintenance: 10–20 g per day
- Increased needs (poor coat, mineral support): up to 30 g per day
✔️ Suitable for long-term feeding
⚠️ Avoid high doses in dehydrated horses due to mild diuretic action
🌹 2. Rosehip (Rosa canina)
Joint, connective tissue and immune resilience
Rosehip is widely used for joint health due to its naturally occurring compounds that support cartilage, tendons and ligaments.
Key actions
- Naturally high in vitamin C, essential for collagen synthesis
- Contains galactolipids, known to support joint comfort
- Rich in polyphenols with antioxidant effects
- Supports immune and tissue repair pathways
What the science says
Multiple studies (particularly in equine and canine models) show that rosehip:
- Helps reduce joint inflammation and stiffness
- Supports cartilage health and mobility
- Reduces oxidative damage associated with ageing and work
Vitamin C in rosehip is food-based and utilised differently to synthetic ascorbic acid, making it gentler on the digestive system.
Feeding amounts
- Maintenance: 10–15 g per day
- Joint stress, ageing, heavy work: 20–30 g per day
✔️ Safe for long-term use
✔️ Well tolerated and palatable
🌼 3. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Nervous system and digestive support
Chamomile is one of the most researched calming herbs in herbal medicine. In horses, its value lies in its dual action on the nervous system and gut, which are closely linked.
Key actions
- Contains apigenin, a flavonoid that interacts with GABA receptors
- Helps reduce nervous tension and excitability
- Supports gut lining integrity and digestive comfort
- Mild antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects
What the science says
Research shows chamomile:
- Has anxiolytic (calming) effects without sedation
- Reduces smooth muscle spasms in the digestive tract
- Supports ulcer-prone systems by calming stress-related gut responses
Stress is a major contributor to digestive issues in horses, which is why chamomile is often used alongside ulcer management strategies.
⚠️ Competition & swabbing note
Chamomile may swab positive under certain racing and competition rules due to naturally occurring plant compounds.
Guidelines:
- Always check your governing body’s regulations
- Discontinue 5–7 days before competition if swabbing is a concern
Feeding amounts
- Maintenance calm support: 5–10 g per day
- Times of stress (travel, change, anxiety): 15–20 g per day (short-term)
✔️ Gentle and well tolerated
✔️ Best used consistently rather than in large single doses
🧂 4. Salt
Essential electrolyte and nerve function support
Salt is not a supplement — it is a dietary requirement. Horses cannot meet their sodium needs from forage alone.
Why salt matters
- Sodium is essential for nerve transmission and muscle contraction
- Supports hydration and fluid balance
- Encourages adequate water intake
- Prevents fatigue, muscle cramping and poor recovery
What the science says
Equine nutrition research consistently shows that:
- Sodium deficiency reduces performance and appetite
- Horses lose significant sodium through sweat — even at rest in warm climates
- Free-choice salt alone is often insufficient for working horses
Australian conditions, particularly heat and humidity, significantly increase salt requirements.
Feeding amounts
- Maintenance: 10–20 g per day
- Hot weather, sweating or work: 25–50 g per day
✔️ Can be added to feed or offered free-choice
⚠️ Salt is not a complete mineral supplement — both are required
🌿 Why These Four Work So Well Together
This combination supports:
- Mineral balance & blood health (nettle, salt)
- Joint and connective tissue integrity (rosehip)
- Calm nervous system and digestion (chamomile)
- Hydration and metabolic efficiency (salt)
Simple. Traditional. Evidence-informed.
⚠️ Final Notes on Herbal Feeding
- Introduce herbs gradually
- Quality matters — clean, properly dried herbs only
- More is not better
- Pregnant mares should have herbal diets reviewed individually
- Herbs support the body — they do not replace veterinary care
🌿 Other Common Natural Additives for Horses
- Seaweed Meal (Kelp) – A natural source of iodine and trace minerals that supports thyroid function, coat health and overall mineral balance.
- Garlic – Traditionally used for immune and respiratory support and as a natural insect deterrent, but should only be fed in small amounts and not long-term.
- Turmeric – A powerful anti-inflammatory herb commonly fed for joint comfort, stiffness and recovery, best absorbed when fed with fat and black pepper.
- Devil’s Claw – A strong natural pain-relief herb used for joint and musculoskeletal discomfort, not suitable for horses with ulcers or for competition use.
- Chia Seed – A rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that supports coat condition, skin health and inflammatory balance.
- Linseed (Flaxseed) – Provides omega-3s and mucilage to support digestion, coat shine and gut health, best fed freshly ground or cooked.
- Brewer’s Yeast – Supports gut flora, digestion and hoof quality through natural B-vitamins and probiotics.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Traditionally added to support digestion and appetite, though scientific evidence in horses is limited.
- Activated Charcoal – Used short-term to support toxin binding and digestive upsets, not suitable for long-term daily feeding.
- Electrolytes (Natural Forms) – Replace salts lost through sweat and support hydration, muscle and nerve function, especially in hot or humid conditions.
- Marshmallow Root – A soothing herb used to support the gut lining, ulcers and respiratory irritation.
- Ginger – Supports circulation, digestion and mild inflammatory discomfort, often used alongside turmeric in joint blends.
