🧘 Calming Supplements for Horses Vet Guide 2025 by Dr Duncan Houston

Welcome to your ultimate veterinary guide on calming supplements for horses, thoughtfully crafted by Dr Duncan Houston BVSc. In this comprehensive resource, we’ll explore key ingredients, dosing strategies, show‑legal considerations, potential risks, and practical vet advice—ensuring you choose and use these supplements safely and effectively. 🐴✨

🔍 Why Use Calming Supplements?

Horses face stress—from trailer travel to competition anxiety—that can affect appetite, performance, and general well‑being. Calming supplements can support mild nervousness without sedating, when used responsibly and under veterinary guidance. 🧠

1. Key Ingredients & How They Work

• Magnesium: essential mineral that depletes under stress—supports muscle relaxation and nerve function :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Thiamine (B1): co‑factor in nervous system metabolism—found in products like Formula 707 and Lifeforce Calming :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• L‑Tryptophan: precursor to serotonin & melatonin—calming neurotransmitters :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Theanine: amino acid from tea—used in calming pastes like UltraCruz :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Valerian root: herb with sedative effects, common in Quietex—but banned in USEF‑sanctioned events :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

2. Popular Products & Formats

Supplements come in pelleted daily feeds or paste/drench form for short‑term use:

• Formula 707 Lifecare Calming: scoop daily—magnesium, thiamine, tryptophan :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Lifeforce Calming: similar mineral/vitamin blend :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• UltraCruz Calming Paste: magnesium, thiamine, theanine—great for pre‑event use :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Farnam Quietex Pellets: adds valerian root—use only at non‑USEF events :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

3. Show‑Legal & Competitive Concerns

Valerian root and other herbal sedatives may violate competition rules. For official shows, choose valerian‑free formulas and check with your vet. Always read the label and understand regulatory guidelines to avoid disqualification. 🏅

4. When to Use Pellets vs Paste?

• Pellets: daily support for chronic mild stress (e.g., loading, travel, living changes).
• Paste/drench: fast-acting use before specific events—apply 1–3 hours prior.
• Some horses do better with a combination, under vet supervision.

5. Dosage & Administration Tips

• Always follow label instructions and adjust for body weight.
• Introduce new supplements gradually—1 week minimum—watch for behavioral changes.
• For pellets, add to grain for consistent intake; for paste, administer 1–3 hours before stress event.
• Consistency is key—don’t double‑dose unless instructed by your vet.

6. Safety, Side Effects & Vet Protocol

• Generally safe, but watch for diarrhea, sedation, or appetite changes.
• Magnesium excess can cause loose stool—dose carefully.
• Herbal ingredients ( valerian, chamomile) may have drug interactions—consult your vet.
• Medications and supplements can interact—vet review essential :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

7. Veterinary Best Practices

• Review overall health—include neurologic and metabolic status.
• Start with low doses; assess behavior over 7–10 days.
• For procedure‑related anxiety (e.g., vet, farrier), paste can aid compliance.
• Track use, outcomes, and any side effects. Adjust protocols accordingly.

8. When Supplements Aren’t Enough

If anxiety persists, consider behavioral training, environmental enrichment, or mild sedation (like acepromazine or xylazine) under veterinary guidance to ensure safety and welfare :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

9. Daily Routine Integration

Balance supplements with good management:

• Provide routine turnout and turnout buddies.
• Enrichment items—slow feeders, toys, companion animals.
• Practice handling and desensitisation progressively.
• Monitor weight, hydration, digestive health—especially if supplements cause changes.

10. Summary Table

*Not USEF‑legal due to valerian root.

📌 Final Thoughts

Calming supplements are valuable tools to manage stress when chosen and used properly. Prioritise vet‑reviewed ingredients, follow dosage guidance, and combine with strong management and training routines for best results.

Need tailored recommendations—whether for travel, show prep, or everyday calm? Reach out to our **Ask A Vet** team. Download the Ask A Vet app for 24/7 vet support, supplement protocols, show‑legal reviews, and continued equine guidance. 🐴🌟