Chia de Gracia
Peppermint 500g
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Peppermint – a fresh and aromatic herb as part of your horse's and dog's diet
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a fresh and cooling-scented herb used in animal feeding when you want to bring aroma, variety, and the plant's natural compounds as part of a balanced diet. Its recognisable taste and scent make it a pleasant addition to the diet for many horses and dogs.
The use of peppermint as a feed raw material is based on its natural composition and essential oils, which give it its fresh aroma and cooling sensation. This is why peppermint is used especially when you want to bring a distinctly herbal and fresh note to the diet.
Natural compounds of peppermint
The most important aromatic compounds in peppermint are its essential oils, the composition of which naturally varies depending on the growing location and harvest. The main compounds of peppermint essential oil typically include:
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Menthol (approx. 40–50%) – responsible for the cooling and fresh sensation of peppermint
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Menthone (approx. 20–30%) – provides the herbal, fresh scent
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1,8-cineole (approx. 5–10%)
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Menthyl acetate (approx. 3–10%) – adds a softer, slightly sweet aroma
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Limonene (approx. 1–2%)
Essential oils are compounds naturally found in plants and part of peppermint's natural aroma profile. Contents vary according to the raw material and harvest, as is typical of natural products.
Bitter compounds and other plant compounds
Peppermint also naturally contains bitter compounds and tannins, which are found in many herbs. Bitter compounds are part of the plant's natural chemical structure and contribute to the flavour profile of herbs.
Flavonoids and phenolic acids, such as rosmarinic acid, have also been identified in peppermint leaves, and these are part of the plant's natural composition.
Nutrients as part of the whole
Dried peppermint naturally contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals as part of the leaf plant's structure. It is not used as a source of individual nutrients, but as part of a balanced diet where the focus is on aroma, palatability, and plant-based variety.
(Natural variation in content typical of natural products, depending on the raw material, growing location, and harvest.)
Winter season and stable environment
During the winter season and the indoor feeding period, the daily routine of horses and dogs often centres more around stable and indoor environments. At these times, palatability, aroma, and plant-based variety in the diet become particularly important as part of the overall diet.
The fresh and distinctive scent of peppermint makes it a popular addition especially during the cold season. Its strong, herbal aroma brings variety to the diet and makes it a pleasant part of the daily diet for many animals.
Use in feeding
Peppermint is suitable for use as part of a varied and balanced herbal diet, especially in small doses or as a course. Its strong aroma makes it a cost-effective ingredient.
Prolonged continuous use is not recommended.
Dosage:
Horses (approx. 500 kg):
2 tbsp – 0,5 dl per day as part of the diet
Dogs:
½ – 2 tsp per day depending on size
Measuring info:
1 dl ≈ 12 g
Excessive amounts may increase intestinal activity.
Please note
Not recommended for pregnant animals.
A withdrawal period of 4 days is recommended when competing.
Composition
100% peppermint (Mentha piperita).
No additives or preservatives.
Additional information and background material:
The sources below discuss the composition of peppermint and other herbs, the plant's natural compounds, and their examination in animal studies and feed contexts. The publications do not relate to this product as such.
The sense of smell in horses and the scent of peppermint have been studied in animal models, where horses were able to identify and distinguish the aroma of peppermint from other scents, demonstrating horses' sensitivity to and interest in the plant's aroma.
In some short experiments, horses showed interest in peppermint aroma compared to control scents, although the differences were not significant.
Additionally, the use of peppermint-flavoured water has provided indications of increased drinking preference in horses compared to plain water.
According to the European Food Safety Authority EFSA's safety assessment, the use of peppermint extract as a feed ingredient is safe at the proposed usage levels for various animal species, including horses.
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