Calming Treats

Designed to complement one of Feedmark's flagship products Steady-Up®, Calming Treats have been developed to provide horse owners with additional support in helping their horses to relax and focus during times of need. Calming Treats are made from all natural ingredients such as Brewer's yeast, Lemon balm and Chamomile, which are known for their calming and soothing effects. Ginseng and L-Tyrosine are also included for their effect on brain and neurotransmitter function. B vitamins and Brewer's yeast work together to support digestive function which is particularly beneficial during times of stress. 

Ginseng is an adaptogen which means it can help the horse's body manage stress by supporting the nervous system. In human studies, Ginseng has shown superior regulation of stress through controlling the function of the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis and regulating the immune response to stress (Lee & Rhee, 2017) by reducing the serum corticosterone levels induced by anxiety and stressful situations (Kim et al., 2010). 

Both Lemon balm and Chamomile guard against oxidative damage (Pereira et al., 2008) and so reduce the rate of oxidative stress in horses (Alsaadi  et al., 2016). Lemon balm is also known to have neurological benefits whilst Chamomile is well known for its soothing properties that can help to relax muscles and nerves through its antispasmodic activity. Chamomile naturally contains a nutrient called apigenin which has a positive influence on anxiety (Mutri et al., 2012).   

Brewer's yeast contains high levels of B vitamins, including B1 (Thiamine), which is known for its calming properties. Thiamine supplementation has been found to improve behaviour in humans who were Thiamine deficient and plays a role in mental performance (Bellisle, 2004). 

Tyrosine is shown to increase dopamine availability, potentially having an advantageous effect on cognitive performance. Supplemental Tyrosine is effective at regulating dopamine during stressful events (Kühn et al., 2019). 

Calming Treats are suitable for all types of horses and ponies that need additional support during times of stress and anxiety. 

References 

Alsaadi, S., Muniem, A., & Aljobory, I.S. (2016) Study the Variation in Biochemical Parameters of Post Colic Surgical Horses Which Treated With Chamomile Flowers. Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research, 2 (11): 1964-1968.

Bellisle, F. (2004) Effects of diet on behaviour and cognition in children. British Journal of Nutrition, 92 (2): 227-232. 

Kim, Y., Choi, E-H., Doo, M., Kim, J-Y., Kim, C-J., Kim, C-T., & Kim, I-H. (2010) Anti-stress effects of ginseng via down-regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) gene expression in immobilization-stressed rats and PC12 cells. Nutrition Research and Practice, 4(4): 270-275.

Kühn, S., Düzel, S., Colzato, L., Norman, K., Gallinat, J., Brandmaier, A.M., Lindenberger, U., & Widaman, K.F. (2017) Food for thought: association between dietary tyrosine and cognitive performance in younger and older adults. Psychological Research, 83 (6): 1097-1106.

Lee, S., & Rhee, D-K. (2017) Effects of ginseng on stress-related depression, anxiety, and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Journal of Ginseng Research, 41(4): 589–594.

Murti, K., Panchhal, M.A., Gajera, V., & Solanki, J. (2012) Pharmacological Properties of Matricaria recutita: A Review. Pharmocologia, 3 (8): 348-351.

Pereira, R.P., Fachinetto, R., de Souza Prestes, A., Puntel, R.L., Santos da Silva, G.N., Heinzmann, B.M., Boschetti, T.K., Athayde, M.L., Bürger, M.E., Morel, A.F., Morsch, V.M., Rocha, J.B.T. (2009) Antioxidant Effects of Different Extracts from Melissa officinalis, Matricaria recutita and Cymbopogon citratus. Neurochemical Research, 34: 973-983.