Chamomile flower – a gentle herb as part of your horse's and dog's diet

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a versatile and gentle herb used in horse and dog feeding when you want to add calming, soft and balanced herbal variety to the diet. It is a classic and mild general-purpose herb that suits many situations as part of a carefully considered overall diet.

Chamomile flower is not a strong or energising plant – it is used especially when the diet should be pleasant, stomach-friendly and calming, without any extra kick or irritation.

When is chamomile used in feeding?

Chamomile is typically used in situations where:

• the horse or dog is sensitive, tense or restless

• when you want to add a herb to the diet that is used as part of a stomach-friendly and gentle feeding regime

• the animal's mood and appetite fluctuate

• you want a herbal plant that doesn't add energy but brings softness to the diet

• the diet supports a calmer daily routine, for example during the indoor feeding season or during demanding periods

In many animals, nervousness and restlessness are also reflected in digestive function. For this reason, chamomile is often included in diets where the connection between the nervous system and the digestive tract is taken into account as part of the overall approach.

Natural compounds in chamomile

Chamomile flower naturally contains essential oil (0,2–1,5 g/100g), the main compounds of which include bisabolol, chamazulene and other sesquiterpenes and flavonoids typical of chamomile

Essential oils are the plant's own compounds and part of chamomile's characteristic aroma, flavour and structure. They occur naturally together with the plant's other compounds and form the gentle, characteristic profile typical of chamomile.

Chamomile as part of a stomach-friendly diet

Chamomile flower is often used in feeding regimes that take into account the normal function of the digestive tract. Chamomile is a mild-tasting herb that is especially suitable for animals with sensitive stomachs or for diets where strong, bitter or irritating plants are to be avoided.

For this reason, chamomile is a "safe herb" for many, as it fits well into a wide variety of dietary needs.

Dosage:

Horse (approx. 500 kg):
3 tbsp – 1 dl per day

Dogs:
½ – 2 tsp per day depending on size

Chamomile can be given as is mixed into the regular feed or as part of a herbal blend.

Please note

Chamomile belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae). In animals with a known sensitivity or hypersensitivity to plants in the daisy family (e.g. mugwort, tansy, cow parsley), use should be started with particular caution.

Natural products are always used as part of the overall diet.