Catnip - Feed Ingredient

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is an aromatic herb from the mint family, known for its distinctive scent and volatile oil content, particularly nepetalactone—the compound responsible for its characteristic odor and behavioral effects in felines. The plant is native to Europe and Asia but is now widely cultivated in other regions. Its leaves and flowering tops are harvested and dried for use in herbal preparations, retaining a mild minty aroma and a profile rich in essential oils, tannins, and flavonoids.

In equine nutrition, catnip is occasionally used as a botanical supplement for its traditional calming and digestive properties. While scientific research on its effects in horses is limited, it has been used in herbal blends to support mild relaxation and gastrointestinal comfort.