Horse Care
How CBD for Horses Can Be Helpful
Jun
CBD for horses is a relatively new concept to most in the equine world, but CBD products for horses are on the rise as researchers dive deeper into the world of holistic options. New evidence is showing just how helpful it can be to our horses, especially if their bodies are off balance.
Your Horse’s Endocannabinoid System
All mammals, and some complex animals, have an endocannabinoid system. You can think of this essentially as another organ system that was found in us and other animals.
It’s responsible for maintaining balance and helping the body remain as healthy as possible. The endocannabinoid system, also known as the ECS, has internal cannabinoids in your horse’s body (and ours) called endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes.
Benefits of CBD for Horses
CBD oil comes from the hemp plant and is a concentrated extract used to manage a long list of conditions. While most believe CBD oil is solely for cats and dogs, it can also be used to help our horses. Benefits include:
- Pain Relief: Helps alleviate chronic pain and inflammation; useful for conditions like arthritis.
- Anxiety Reduction: Promotes calmness and reduces anxiety; beneficial during stressful situations such as competitions or travel.
- Improved Digestion: Supports digestive health and can boost appetite; important for maintaining energy and overall health.
- Mood Stabilization: Contributes to a more balanced mood and can enhance overall well-being.
- Better Sleep: Aids in improving sleep patterns; crucial for recovery and performance.
- Enhanced Immunity: Contains compounds that may help boost the immune system.
Recent Research in the News About CBD and Horses
According to Texas A&M University System Communications, a professor [Dr. Kimberly Guay] and her students are attempting to “quantify how CBD affects inflammation, stress, and stereotypical negative behaviors in horses.”
Professor Guay and her students from Tarleton’s equine science program test different forms of CBD, like oil and pellets, on horses. They look at how CBD affects the horses’ heart rate and cortisol levels, which helps understand stress. They also watch how the horses behave after getting CBD, especially for behaviors like cribbing, which is when horses chew on a fence or gate, often seen in horses kept in stalls or trailers.
Professor Guay mentioned, “We’re also checking how long CBD stays in a horse’s body. Many horse owners want to use CBD to help their horses feel less stressed and reduce swelling. However, people who organize horse events are still figuring out the rules for using CBD in competitions.”
Is CBD Safe for Horses?
CBD has been found to be well-tolerated in horses, with very few experiencing side effects like drowsiness and milk diarrhea. Most pet parents and horse owners worry about the THC in the product, but rest assured, there isn’t enough to get your horse “high.”
Instead, THC is added to a full-spectrum product to encourage the entourage effect (what is believed to be responsible for CBD’s therapeutic benefits).
Research Involving Safety of Horse CBD
The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine recently studied how CBD affects horses, looking at their safety, comfort, movement, confidence, and behavior to see if CBD has any negative effects on them.
They studied 20 healthy adult Thoroughbred horses for two months. They checked the horses’ blood before splitting them into two groups. One group was given CBD supplements, and the other, the control group, got no supplements.
They watched the horses every day for any bad reactions. Blood tests were done again on days 28 and 56, a couple of hours after they took the CBD. The results showed that the CBD didn’t harm the horses. It didn’t make them sleepy or affect their muscle control or how they walked. The study concluded that CBD, AKA hemp extract, is generally safe for our horses.
Full-Spectrum CBD for Horses Works Better Than Any Other Type
When considering CBD oil for horses, the choice between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum options is significant, as each offers different benefits and considerations:
Full-Spectrum CBD Oil
Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other natural compounds found in the cannabis plant, including trace amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
The presence of THC is minimal (less than 0.3% in most cases) but important, as it contributes to the “entourage effect,” where all components work together synergistically, enhancing the therapeutic effects of the oil through something called the entourage effect.
Benefits for Horses:
- Enhanced Therapeutic Effects: The entourage effect may increase the oil’s effectiveness in managing pain, anxiety, inflammation, and other health issues. If you’re looking for something to help manage an ailment, this is the one you likely need.
- Comprehensive Support: Full-spectrum CBD provides a wider range of beneficial compounds, which can support overall health and wellness more comprehensively.
Considerations:
- THC Sensitivity: Some horses might be sensitive to even trace amounts of THC, which can affect behavior or physical responses.
- Regulatory Issues: For competitive horses, even trace amounts of THC could potentially lead to positive drug tests under certain sports regulations.
Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil for Horses
Broad-spectrum includes a wide array of cannabinoids and terpenes but has all THC removed. This option is popular among those who want to avoid the psychoactive effects of THC while still benefiting from the entourage effect to a lesser degree.
Benefits for Horses:
- No THC: Eliminates the risk of psychoactive effects and reduces the risk of positive THC findings in drug tests for competition horses.
Considerations:
- Less Potent Entourage Effect: Removing THC might decrease the overall synergistic impact of the cannabinoids and terpenes compared to full-spectrum oils.
- Variability: The effectiveness of broad-spectrum CBD can vary depending on the exact composition and balance of cannabinoids.
- Entourage Effect: Since this product does not contain all of the beneficial compounds found in the plant, it may not be as beneficial and the likelihood of the Entourage Effect occurring is significantly lower.
Choosing between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oil for horses depends largely on the horse’s health needs, sensitivity to THC, and whether the horse participates in competitive events where drug testing might be a concern.
Broad-spectrum CBD offers a safer option for those worried about the legal and competitive implications of THC, while full-spectrum CBD might be more effective for comprehensive health benefits.
Finding the Best CBD Oil for Horses
We recommend CBD Dog Health for a number of reasons, but there’s one reason in particular that we want you to be aware of while searching for a high-quality horse CBD product.
The first thing you should look for when you’re scrolling through products is the Certificate of Analysis (or lab results for each product).
A third certificate of analysis is crucial when purchasing supplements for horses for several reasons, including:
Free from Heavy Metals and Other Harmful Materials
Lab results from a third party confirm the purity and quality of the supplement, ensuring that it is free from harmful contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contaminants that could harm the horse.
Accurate Labeling of the Horse Supplement
The Certificate of Analysis, from a third party, verifies that the supplement contains the exact ingredients and concentrations listed on the label. This is essential to ensure that the supplement will be effective and safe for use.
Lab Results That Aren’t Biased
A third-party COA ensures that the supplement meets specific safety standards. For supplements like CBD, which can vary greatly in terms of potency and purity, a third-party analysis provides an unbiased assessment that helps prevent the risk of overdosing or exposure to unwanted substances.
Ensure You’re Playing by the Rules
Especially for competitive horse sports, using supplements that are not compliant with regulations can lead to disqualification or other penalties. A third certificate of analysis can help ensure that all ingredients are legal and within the allowed limits.
Trust and Credibility from a Third Party
A third-party certificate from an independent lab enhances the credibility of the supplement manufacturer and builds trust among consumers that the product is safe and effective. If a company is truly proud of their product, they will have nothing to hide and will gladly offer a 3rd party analysis.
If a company is not willing to show you their lab results, or if their lab results come from their own lab, this should be an immediate red flag.
For further reading, we recommend:
The Benefits of CBD For Horses
Preliminary Investigation of the Safety of Escalating Cannabinoid Doses in Healthy Dogs
Certificate Of Analysis: HEAL For Dogs – CBD Dog Health
How To Read A Certificate Of Analysis (COA) – CBD Dog Health
