Top 15 Herbal Ingredients for Horse Feed

For people who cherish their horses, run a horse riding school, or want to support their horse’s health in competitive sports, including polo, dressage, show jumping and horse racing, feeding the right nutrients plays an important role. Feeding horses the right ingredients can also help them maintain their health, potentially reducing costly vet bills.

You want to see your horses thrive, and what better way to do that than by feeding the goodness of nature into their diet?

Natural herbs for horses

These herbs are commonly used in natural equine care for their gentle, healing effects on the digestive system and their ability to reduce inflammation and promote overall wellness. Before making significant changes to your horse’s diet, especially if your horse competes in professional sports, it’s worth consulting both your vet and horse competition rules.

1. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, turmeric powder supports joint health, digestion, and immune function. A relative of the ginger family, turmeric is known for its distinctive yellow colour, and in human cuisine, it’s considered a superfood and used to spice curries, soups and hot drinks. For a nutritious blend that works well, you can pair turmeric with linseed, black pepper and boswellia.

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2. Boswellia (Boswellia serrata)

Boswellia, also known as gum olibanum or frankincense powder, reduces inflammation and pain in joints, making it popular for horses with arthritis or laminitis. Horse owners can feel confident feeding this to their horse for the long term, as it’s gentle and doesn’t present any known side effects.

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3. Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)

With strong anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, devil’s claw root powder is often used for horses with joint issues and arthritis.

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4. Milk Thistle (Carduus marianus)

Milk thistle seeds in powder form can be added to horse feed to support liver health, detoxification, and metabolism.

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5. Nettle (Urtica dioica)

High in vitamins and minerals, nettle herb powder supports circulation and helps with seasonal allergies and inflammation.

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6. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Dandelion root powder is a natural diuretic that supports liver and kidney function. It’s also rich in vitamins A, C, and K.

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7. Rosehips (Rosa L spp.)

Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, rosehip powder helps boost the immune system and support joint health.

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8. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Calming and soothing chamomile powder helps reduce stress and anxiety, while also supporting digestive health.

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9. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

Fenugreek seed powder improves appetite and supports digestion. It also boosts general stamina and vitality in horses. This herb pairs well with garlic.

This herb is not suitable for pregnant mares.

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10. Liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

An anti-inflammatory and soothing herb, liquorice root powder is commonly used to support adrenal function and digestive health. It contains compounds that reduce inflammation and irritation, particularly in the stomach lining—making it good for ulcers. It’s also particularly good for clearing the respiratory tract.

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11. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Offering anti-inflammatory and digestive aid, ginger root powder supports circulation and joint health and helps reduce muscle stiffness.

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12. Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)

Meadowsweet herb powder offers anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, helps with joint pain and supports the digestive system, especially in cases of ulcers.

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13. Marshmallow Root (Althea officinalis)

Marshmallow root powder soothes the digestive system and mucous membranes, which is why it’s often used for horses with ulcers or respiratory issues.

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14. Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)

Known for its soothing effect on the digestive system, slippery elm bark powder is helpful for horses with colic, ulcers, or other gastrointestinal issues.

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Where to buy horse herbs?

Joseph Flach & Sons have a strong track record of supplying animal feed and nutrition botanicals, including horse feed herbs, to businesses and professional horse riders. We don’t just reliably provide high-quality ingredients from sources we know and trust; we also provide fast turnaround times on orders to meet your demand. If you need extra services, such as tests, samples, or certificates of compliance, our extensive network and over 100 years of expertise make us an excellent choice for the procurement of your natural horse feed herbs.

Want to learn more about how we can support your procurement needs for horse feed botanicals? Explore how we work or get in touch with our team, who will be happy to advise.