Equus Health No Bute 1L

No Bute Liquid Devil's Claw – 1 Litre

No Bute is a water-based liquid extract of devil's claw root, made by the Animal Health Company. Feeding it as a liquid rather than a dried root is the point of the product: the makers describe it as giving rapid absorption into the bloodstream, and it is easier to get into a horse that picks dried herbs out of the bucket.

It is bought mainly for veteran horses that have stiffened up and for horses coming back from minor injury. One thing to be clear about before you buy: devil's claw is classified as a controlled medication under FEI and BHA rules, with a minimum 48-hour withdrawal before competing. It is a herbal product, but it is not a competition-legal one.

Performance & Benefits

• Liquid extract of devil's claw root (Harpagophytum procumbens) in a water base.
• The Animal Health Company describe the liquid format as giving rapid absorption into the bloodstream.
• Formulated to support healthy joints and mobility.
• Fed by the millilitre, so the dose is easy to keep accurate.
• Made in 1, 2.5, 5 and 20 litre containers; this is the 1 litre.

Suitable For

• Veteran horses that have grown stiff with age.
• Horses being brought back into work after minor injury.
• Horses that refuse dried herbs but will take a liquid over the feed.
• Yards wanting to step up to the larger containers once the 1 litre has proved itself.
• Not for a horse competing inside 48 hours, and not for a mare in foal. Where a competition-legal herb is needed, one of the Equus Health single herbs is the safer starting point, though you should still check the current rules yourself.

Feeding

• Ponies and small horses up to 14.2hh: up to 20ml daily.
• Horses over 14.2hh: up to 40ml daily.
• Shake the bottle well before measuring.
• Pour over the normal feed.
• 1 litre at 40ml a day is 25 days; at 20ml a day it is 50 days.

Composition & Analysis

• Composition: water and liquid extract of devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens).
• Preservatives: acetic acid and propionic acid.
• The Animal Health Company publish no percentage strength for the extract and no typical analysis, so no figures are stated here.
• Some retail listings for this product add L-ascorbic acid (E300) to the ingredient list; the manufacturer's own published list is water, devil's claw extract, acetic acid and propionic acid, and that is what is given above.
• 1 litre bottle.

Care & Caution

• Do not feed to mares in foal. Devil's claw can stimulate uterine contractions, and the manufacturer's instruction on this is unqualified.
• Devil's claw is a controlled medication under FEI and BHA rules, with a minimum 48-hour withdrawal period before competition. Earlier copy on this page said the product contained no banned substances and could be used in competition; that was wrong and has been corrected.
• Take veterinary advice before feeding it to a horse with a diagnosed clinical condition or one already on medication.
• Shake before use and re-close the cap; this is a liquid feed material, not a shelf-stable powder.