MANUFACTURING CALMING AND STRESS-REDUCING PRODUCTS FOR EQUINE
WHAT CAUSES HORSES TO GET STRESSED?
Stress in horses can be triggered by a variety of factors, including environmental, psychological and stress.
Common causes include:
- Being transported: Hauling to shows, clinics, or new barns in a trailer can often induce stress and anxiety.
- Heavy Training or Activity: Even the most experienced horses can become over-stimulated
- Intense routines and unfamiliar surroundings: Can over-stimulate even well-conditioned horses.
- Weather and Seasonal Shifts: Sudden changes in temperature or daylight hours can disrupt eating, behavior, and rest patterns.
- Social Disruptions: Separation from herd mates or introduction to new horses can increase anxiety in herd-sensitive animals.
- Medical Procedures or Recovery: Stall rest, injury, or veterinary visits can cause both physical and psychological stress.
WHAT ARE COMMON INGREDIENTS USED IN EQUINE CALMING PRODUCTS?
Effective calming products are formulated with ingredients that target both the physiological and neurological aspects of stress.
Common inclusions include:
- Magnesium: Supports muscle relaxation and nerve function during heightened activity.
- L-Theanine: Promotes calm behavior without causing drowsiness.
- Thiamine (Vitamin B1): Helps balance nervous system function, especially under stressful conditions.
- Tryptophan: A precursor to serotonin, it supports mood regulation in horses prone to anxiety.
- Herbal Extracts: Chamomile, valerian root, and passionflower are often included for their natural calming properties.
- Electrolytes: When combined with calming agents, electrolytes help maintain hydration and physiological balance.
Each formula should be tailored based on whether the horse is in training, travel, recovery, or daily turnout.
IDEAL APPLICATIONS FOR STRESS-REDUCING PRODUCTS FOR HORSES?
The most versatile and effective delivery format for equine calming products is powdered supplements.
Format benefits include:
- Easy Format: Powders can be added directly to feed, simplifying dosing and improving compliance.
- Flexible Dosing: Powder blends allow for graduated dosing based on horse size, temperament, or event schedule.
- Stability and Shelf Life: Compared to paste or liquid formats, powders tend to have better stability for storage and transport.
- Broad Use Cases: Whether prepping for travel, calming a stall-bound horse, or managing herd dynamics, powdered products fit seamlessly into feeding routines.
Powdered calming supplements are ideal for daily use, pre-event feeding, or as-needed support during stressful transitions.
WHERE TO START WHEN DEVELOPING YOUR OWN OEM HORSE SUPPLEMENT?
If you’re entering the market with a new equine calming product, choosing the right equine calming supplement manufacturer is critical.
Here’s where to begin:
- Start with the Stress Type: Identify whether your formula will target general anxiety, travel stress, stall rest, or performance tension.
- Choose Functional Ingredients: Work with a manufacturer that understands ingredient functionality and can recommend the right combination for your target use.
- Evaluate Delivery Format: Powder is often the best fit, but your OEM partner should be able to advise on other formats if needed.
- Look for Custom Formulation Support: Seek out manufacturers who offer formulation development, not just bulk production.
- Ask About Compliance and Labeling: Partner with a co-manufacturer who can help you meet regulatory requirements and prepare customer-ready packaging.
- Plan for Scale: Whether you’re launching regionally or preparing for national distribution, your manufacturer should be able to grow with your brand.
BUILD A CALMING LINE THAT HORSE OWNERS TRUST
As an equine calming supplement manufacturer, Actus Nutrition supports brands looking to enter or expand in the equine wellness space. We offer tailored formulations, scalable production, and full private label services, allowing you to deliver effective, trusted calming solutions under your brand.
From ingredient science to packaging and logistics, we’re your strategic partner in equine supplement manufacturing.