Graduated Dosing Procedure

Because of the unique nature of cannabinoid based remedies, the smartest approach to find an effective dosage of CBD is to use a Graduated Dosing Procedure.  Dosage will depend on weight, age and condition of horse being treated.

OUR VIEWS ON HORSE DOSING 

1. Horses metabolize chemicals differently than humans and dogs.  For example, there is a compound that is commonly used on horses that requires a dose ¼ of what is required for dogs.
2. Horses appear to be very efficient at absorbing phytocannabinoids.
3. We believe that over-dosing is common, and not just with horses.  This is why we have a suggested dosing plan.  CBD response works in an asymmetrical bell curve, meaning that more product does not always create a greater effect.  There is a sweet spot that works best for each individual horse as well as with humans.  Starting at 25 mg for your horse will help you get to this point.  Many horses find relief for symptoms at this level.

What is Graduated Dosing? Graduated dosing is a process whereby, you start with a small baseline​ dose and then increase the dosage slowly and incrementally over a specific time frame to determine the point at which the dosage becomes effective in treating the specific condition or symptom. 

Graduated Dosing for Horses

Step 1: Determine your horse’s initial baseline daily dosage. (​Suggested starting dose of 25mg CBD​ daily)                                                                              

Step 2: Establish the incremental (step) dosage you will use to slowly raise the daily dosage level for​ each step. (Suggested increase of 25mg​)​ 

Step 3: Start administering the CBD at the daily baseline dosage for a full 7 days (25mg daily). Note any​ changes in your horse’s symptoms or condition. The 7 days gives the CBD time to build an accumulative effect.

Step 4:  After 7 days at your baseline dosage, if you are not receiving the desired results, then increase​ the dosage by one step (25mg) to create a new baseline dosage. 

Step 5: For the next 3 days (Day 8 – 10), administer the new increased dosage (25mg + 25mg). Note any​ changes in your horse’s symptoms or condition and document.

Step 6: Repeat. After 3 days of administering at the new dosage level, if you still have not obtained the​ desired results then continue to raise the dosage by 25mg every 3 days until you find the minimum effective dose that relieves symptoms. For example, if your animal’s minimum effective dose turned out to be 125mg it would take approximately 19 days using the graduated dosing procedure to dial-in the most effective dosage. 

Step 7: ​ Refine the dosage.​      Once you find the dose that works for your animal, you can refine the​ dosage by reversing the process and lowering the dosage by small 5mg steps in 3 day increments to dial in a more exact dosage. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a prescription required from my veterinarian to purchase Innate Remedies Equine Formulations? No, all of Innate Remedies products, including our Equine Formulations, can​         be purchased without prescription and shipped to all 50 states.
2. Will Innate Remedies make my horse high?No, Innate Remedies Equine formulations are​100% THC free and will not cause any type of intoxication or high.

3. Will CBD work for all horses?  Yes and No. All animals, including humans and horses, can benefit from supplementation of phytocannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD).  All mammals have an endocannabinoid system responsible for regulating and creating homeostasis among the various biological systems including, the immune system, skeletal system, neurological pathways, endocrine system, etc. There are many health benefits associated with the use of cannabidiol to maintain and stimulate a responsive endocannabinoid system.  The anecdotal and pre-clinical evidence for cannabidiol as an anti-inflammatory, ​analgesic,anti anxiety, and ​​anticonvulsant is well​ established.  While one horse may respond positively to cannabinoid use, another may not benefit at all. Before choosing to purchase any CBD product, you should gather as much information as you can as to its effects and uses. After reviewing the research, the last step will be to obtain a premium-grade broad spectrum CBD oil and see how your animal responds to these cannabinoids specifically.  

4. Which works best? The Oil or the Hemp Supplement?  Innate Remedies Equine formulations​ come in 1000 mg Broad Spectrum CBD oil or as a Phyto Cannabinoid Rich Hemp supplement in pellet form.   The oil and the hemp supplement are intended for daily use.  The oil can be directly applied to the horse’s mouth which makes it the most bio available or added to your horse’s daily supplement.  The oil can also be used on special occasions such as trailering approximately an hour before the event to relieve any stress.  The hemp supplement is intended to be used as an additive to any other daily supplements.  To date there are no studies showing CBD to be counterproductive to any other supplement but can actually accentuate the results.

The milligrams listed on the label is the total CBD in the bottle. Based on a 50 mg daily dose, the 1000mg CBD oil will last approximately 20 days, and the one pound PCR Hemp supplement will last approximately 60 days, based on 25mg doses.  

5. Is CBD safe at high dosages? What are the side effects? There are multiple studies​   demonstrating the effectiveness of CBD in treating various conditions. Most of these studies conclude that CBD (cannabidiol) is safe and virtually free of side effects. A review on the ​Safety and side effects of cannabidiol ​ by the NCBI for example suggests that controlled CBD (cannabidiol) administration is safe and non-toxic in humans and animals. 
6. What about Competition Rules and Regulations?​ ​ ​Global competition rules regarding horses are very strict on the matter of treating your animal before a competitive event.  FEI and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) warn that the use of products causing a calming or stimulating effect in the performance of the horse is prohibited. As of April of 2019, broad-spectrum CBD was included in this list. To be safe, we recommend not dosing your horse 72 hours prior to any competitive event and always refer to your industry’s governing board regarding prohibited substances.

 USEF PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES

It is important to note:​ CBD products are not approved by the FDA for the diagnosis,​    cure, treatment or prevention of any disease. When seeking to add any new supplement to your animal’s diet you should seek the advice of a veterinarian.