Stress affects not only humans but also pets – for example, due to noise, sensory overload, or traumatic experiences. Herbal active ingredients such as valerian, passionflower, hops, and lavender can have a calming effect and are increasingly used in pet food supplements.
Stress in general
"I'm stressed!" – We've all said or heard this phrase many times. Stress is now part of many people's everyday lives. It arises in situations we perceive as threatening or overwhelming – for example, when we're under time pressure, under high stress, or in acute danger.
Our bodies react with certain behaviors and physiological changes. This makes it clear to others that we are under stress. In this sense, stress can also have a social signaling effect – and in certain situations, it can even be vital for survival.
It becomes problematic when stress is not only omnipresent but also transmitted to others. In groups, this can lead to dynamic and dangerous situations – for example, in mass panics or collective overexertion.
Animals and stress
Stress affects not only humans, but also our pets. New Year's Eve is typically a major source of stress, and pet owners prepare for it every year.
But this is by no means the only source of stress. Dogs from abroad or shelters, in particular, often display insecurities in everyday life. Noise, strangers, city traffic, or separation situations can trigger stress reactions in many dogs. And last but not least, our stress can be transferred to our four-legged friends.
In severe cases of stress, this can lead to physical symptoms such as high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, excessive cortisol levels, and sleep disorders. High cortisol levels in particular can weaken the immune system and affect metabolism.
But psychological symptoms should also be taken seriously, including excessive licking, constant tension, behavioral problems, and even depression.
Herbal Support
In addition to conventional medical support and behavioral therapy, phytotherapy offers several approaches to how humans can support animals.
Valerian root, hop blossoms, passionflower, and lavender are commonly used here, all of which can have a calming effect on the mind and help promote restful sleep.
Especially in the animal sector, however, it is important to pay attention to what is permitted and what is not permitted as feed in the EU. Plant and fungal extracts are often feed additives, and it is important to check carefully whether they are approved and, if so, to what specifications.
Hop extract and lavender extracts are no longer approved as feed additives. However, lavender is still excellent as an oil in aromatherapy.
Passionflower extract is still in the gray area. However, as of now (July 2025), it does not appear to be explicitly prohibited.
Our valerien products (Feed Additives)
Did you know?
In June 2023 the EU published a new listof feed additives that may no longer be placed on the market in any form (individually or in mixtures) after July 2025.
Listed are, for example,
- Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), except for the variant produced from Ensifer adhaerens CNCM I-5541 (≤ 1% cyanocobalamin)
- E 150b, E 150c and E 150d (caramel)
- E 406 (Agar-Agar for pets)
- Hop extract (except for piglets/pigs)
Questions?
Are you looking for a raw material you would like to use in your feed? Please contact us for a free quote.
Disclaimer
For legal reasons, we would like to point out that some of the above statements require further research and studies to scientifically prove them. Therefore, not all statements can currently be accepted by conventional medicine.
The information contained in this article regarding legal regulations, approvals, and possible uses of raw materials is based on careful research and our current knowledge (as of July 2025). However, we assume no liability for the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information.
The legal framework for feed and feed additives is subject to constant change. For use in feed, the respective manufacturer or distributor is always responsible for independently reviewing the applicable laws, regulations, and approval lists.
We recommend consulting the relevant authorities or legal experts in case of legal uncertainty.
Sources:
https://www.exc.uni-konstanz.de/collective-behaviour/