Lavender – an aromatic herb as part of the horse and dog diet

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is used in feeding when you want to add aromatic herbal plants alongside the basic diet without additional energy. Lavender is a strongly scented and recognisable plant that is used in small amounts as part of a considered and varied herbal diet.

Lavender was previously known as Lavandula officinalis, where officinalis referred to the plant's use in monastery herb stores. The species currently used in feed is Lavandula angustifolia, which is aromatic and milder than many other lavender species.

When is lavender used in feeding?

Lavender is typically used:

• when you want to add aroma and scent to the diet, not extra energy

• as part of an herbal course or varied herbal feeding

• in small amounts, alone or as part of herbal blends

• in situations where dietary variety and sensory aspects are emphasised

Lavender is not a basic feed or a continuous general supplement, but a plant that is used thoughtfully and periodically.

Natural composition and aroma of lavender

The use of lavender as a raw material in feed is based on its natural composition and essential oils. The most significant of these are linalool (approx. 20–40 %) and linalyl acetate (approx. 25–45 %), which give lavender its characteristic scent and aroma.

Content levels vary depending on growing conditions and harvest, which is typical of natural products. These are not added substances, but compounds inherent to lavender.

An aromatic herb as part of a varied diet

The strong aroma of lavender makes it a plant that is used in small doses. It is suitable as part of a varied herbal diet, particularly as a course or in blends that utilise several different plants.

The use of lavender is based on its aroma and plant character, not on individual efficacy claims.

Dosage:

Horses (approx. 500 kg):
5–20 g per day, divided into a maximum of 3 servings

Dogs:
1/3–1 tsp per day, divided into a maximum of 3 servings according to size

Measurement info:
1 dl ≈ 12 g

Please note

Not recommended for pregnant animals, foals or other young animals.
A withdrawal period of 4 days is recommended when competing.
Natural products are always used as part of the overall diet.

Composition

100 % lavender (Lavandula angustifolia).
No additives or preservatives.

Natural variation in content typical of natural products is possible depending on the origin and harvest of the raw material.

Background information and studies:

The essential oils of lavender and their sensory properties have been examined in several studies using animal models. These studies have investigated, among other things, the connection between lavender aroma and measured physiological responses in research settings.

The studies do not concern this product as such, nor do they constitute use claims for a feed product, but rather provide general background information on the composition of lavender and its research history in animal studies.

Examples of publications:

• • Effect of Lavender Aromatherapy on Acute-Stressed Horses

  • Lavender aroma found to calm horses – research

  • Lavender essential oil decreases stress response of horses

  • Smells that help horses stay calm

The publications have examined the connection between lavender aroma and measured physiological responses in research settings. The results describe the properties of the compounds contained in lavender that have been the subject of research, and do not pertain to feed use or this product.