Hawthorn berries for horses

Hawthorn is traditionally part of a varied herbal diet, and it is used especially in active daily life when the overall diet is also being considered from a nutritional perspective for hooves and other tissues.

A natural part of a balanced diet

Hawthorn berries are a nutrient-rich and versatile feed ingredient for horses.

They bring compounds naturally found in plants into the daily diet – in situations where you want to add variety and herbal-based ingredients to the diet.

Natural composition of the plant

Hawthorn berries naturally contain, among others:

• Flavonoids
• Proanthocyanidins (OPC compounds)
• Phenolic compounds
• Tannins

In addition, hawthorn berries naturally contain small amounts of vitamins, such as vitamin C. The compounds found in plants are part of their natural nutrient composition.

Antioxidants as part of the whole

Plant-based raw materials contain compounds that are often considered antioxidants.

The body constantly produces so-called reactive compounds, for example as a result of exertion. Antioxidants are part of the overall process through which these are managed. Antioxidants are involved in the body's normal oxidation–reduction processes, which are part of daily metabolism.

Use

Suitable as part of a balanced and varied diet:

• For actively exercising horses
• In connection with varying workloads
• As part of a seasonal herbal feeding programme

Dosage

Horse (500 kg):
2 tbsp – 1 dl / day

1 tbsp ≈ 10 g
1 dl ≈ 50 g

Mix into the regular feed.

Composition

100 % crushed hawthorn berry

Background information

Hawthorn has been examined in various contexts with regard to the compounds found in the plant. Research conducted on horses is limited, and its use is largely based on traditional herbal feeding practices.