🌿 Spearmint for Horses: A Natural Way to Support Digestion and Appetite

🍃 What Is Spearmint?

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is a fragrant, sweet-tasting member of the mint family. It’s widely used in herbal teas and aromatherapy — but it’s also becoming a favourite among horse owners.

Unlike peppermint, which has a sharper menthol flavour, spearmint is gentler and the active ingredient varvone is milder in spearmint then in peppermint meaning it can be more gentle on the gut. This makes it ideal for horses with sensitive stomachs or selective appetites.

What is Carvone the natural ingredient in spearmint? Carvone is a natural compound responsible for its mild minty aroma and many of its digestive benefits. Carvone helps to relax the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, encouraging calm, efficient digestion and reducing discomfort from gas or bloating.

🐴 Benefits of Spearmint for Horses

1. Encourages Fussy Eaters

Some horses turn their noses up at new feeds or supplements. The pleasant, sweet aroma of spearmint can make feed more appetising, helping to disguise the taste of less palatable herbs, minerals, or medicines.

2. Supports Healthy Digestion

Spearmint has been traditionally used to soothe the stomach, ease digestion, and reduce gas. Carvone’s natural calming action on the gut can help maintain comfort during diet changes, travel, or periods of stress.

3. Gently Calming

Spearmint isn’t a sedative, but it can have a mildly relaxing effect on the nervous and digestive systems. It’s a lovely choice for horses that get tense or go off their food when routines change.

🌱 How to Feed Spearmint to Horses

Spearmint can be offered dried or fresh.

• Dried leaves: Mix 10–20 grams per day into feed for a 500kg horse.

• Fresh sprigs: Offer as an occasional treat or mixed into hay or chaff.

Introduce any new herb slowly, starting with small amounts, and always ensure your horse has access to clean, fresh water.

⚠️ When Not to Feed Spearmint

Spearmint is very safe for most horses, but moderation is important. Avoid feeding it in excessive quantities or combining it with other strong mint species (like peppermint) without professional guidance.

If your horse has an existing medical condition or is on medication, check with your vet or a qualified equine herbalist before adding new herbs to their diet.

💚 In Summary

Spearmint isn’t just a delicious addition to the feed bucket — it’s a natural way to support digestion, appetite, and relaxation in horses. Thanks to its active ingredient, carvone, spearmint can help soothe the gut, tempt picky eaters, and promote overall digestive comfort.

Simple, safe, and effective — this gentle herb proves that sometimes the best support really does come from nature. 🌿