When introducing CBD into a horse’s routine, choosing the right delivery method matters. While both CBD pellets and equine tinctures offer unique advantages, they function very differently in terms of administration, absorption, and daily barn use.
This guide is designed to help trainers, barn managers, and owners understand the usability of each format—not based on claims, but on real-world functionality and formulation. The focus is simple: what works best for your program?
Choosing Between Formats: What Sets Pellets and Tinctures Apart
Both pellets and tinctures are designed to provide hemp-derived cannabinoids to horses, but they vary in how they’re delivered:
Pellets: Compressed into feed-ready granules, usually added directly to the grain ration.
Tinctures: Liquid extracts, typically administered via oral syringe or poured over feed or a treat.
Neither format is superior across the board—it comes down to feeding styles, barn routines, and horse preferences.
How Pellets and Tinctures Perform in the Barn
Here’s a side-by-side view of how pellets and tinctures stack up in daily barn environments:
| Feature | CBD Pellets | Equine Tinctures |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Pre-portioned, added to feed | Measured with dropper or syringe |
| Feed Integration | Mixes directly with grain | Can be top-dressed on feed or dosed orally |
| Storage & Shelf Life | Stable under barn conditions | Must be sealed tightly and stored cool |
| Portability | Ideal for travel, pre-measured bags | Requires bottle and dosing tool |
| Palatability | Horses often eat them plain | May vary depending on base oil taste |
| Precision | Easily adjustable dose | Adjustable with each dose |
What Science Says About Absorption
CBD absorption can vary depending on format and digestive timing. Research in companion animals suggests that oils may offer slightly faster absorption, while pellets tend to provide more gradual intake due to their passage through the gut.
However, it’s important to note: studies in horses are still emerging. No delivery method has been proven categorically better—it’s more about consistency, preparation, and your horse’s eating behavior.
Insights from the Aisle: What Barns Are Actually Using
One barn manager shared that during competition travel, pre-measured pellets simplified feed prep for weekend staff—while another trainer noted they preferred tinctures for a nervous eater who picked around grain.
Ultimately, it comes down to which format fits into your established system.
Tailoring Your Choice to Your Program
There’s no universal answer. Choosing between pellets and tinctures depends on:
Feeding environment: Are you feeding one-on-one or batching grain for 15+ horses?
Horse behavior: Is your horse a picky eater or a bucket cleaner?
Staff structure: Will multiple people be handling feed or just one lead caretaker?
Travel frequency: Are you packing feed bags weekly or staying home base?
Mikko’s Choice offers both pellet and tincture formats—each tested, THC-free, and formulated specifically for equine use. No fillers, no unnecessary additives—just consistency and clean ingredients, backed by third-party lab verification.
Whether you’re managing a competitive show barn, a private training facility, or a small home stable, having options allows you to choose what works best for your horses and your routine. Mikko’s Choice is built for that flexibility—so your care plan stays streamlined, no matter the season or setting.
