As animal owners, we all strive to provide the best care possible for our four-legged friends. Whether it’s the fly spray we use on a summer evening or the thrush treatment after a rainy week, we expect these products to be both safe and effective. Unfortunately, the reality is that many common grooming products for horses and dogs lack transparency when it comes to ingredients. At Purvida Healthy Horse, we’re on a mission to change that.
The Lack of Regulation in Animal Grooming Products
One of the biggest challenges in the animal care industry is the lack of regulation regarding product ingredients. Unlike human cosmetics, which are strictly regulated, many products for horses and dogs don’t face the same scrutiny. This lack of oversight creates a space where companies can use ingredients that may be harmful—without being required to fully disclose them.
While human cosmetics are bound by ingredient-listing rules and safety standards, animal grooming products often fall into a regulatory grey area. In many regions, they are neither fully classified as cosmetics nor veterinary supplies, meaning the standards for transparency and safety are often much lower. This gap allows for synthetic chemicals, parabens, sulfates, and fragrances—all of which could potentially irritate or harm your animal—to go largely unregulated.
For example, fly sprays may contain synthetic insecticides like pyrethroids, while thrush treatments can have formaldehyde. These are ingredients that, although effective in some cases, may pose risks if used long-term or in high concentrations. Yet, many manufacturers aren’t required to disclose exactly what these products contain or explain the possible side effects. Over time, repeated exposure to such chemicals can build up in your animal’s system, contributing to potential health issues.
Misleading “Natural” Labels in Animal Products
Another common issue is the misuse of labels like "natural" or "organic." These terms are not well-regulated when it comes to animal grooming products, meaning they can be misleading. A product marketed as “natural” might still contain synthetic chemicals. Without consistent definitions or enforcement, consumers can easily be misled into thinking they’re buying something safer for their animals than it actually is.
This is where transparency becomes so important. By educating yourself on the ingredients in grooming products, you can make informed decisions that benefit your animal’s health in the long term.
Leading the Shift Towards Safer Products: Purvida’s Commitment to Transparency
Purvida Healthy Horse was founded to address these issues by providing an example of how transparency should look in the industry. Our goal is not just to offer a safe product, but to set a standard for transparency in equine and canine care. This means clearly listing every ingredient we use and explaining its purpose, so you know exactly what’s in the bottle and how it works.
We prioritize natural, science-backed ingredients because we believe that what you put on your horse or dog should support their health, not compromise it. For example, our Barrier Balm Natural Skin Salve contains myrrh essential oil for its antimicrobial properties, lemongrass to repel flies, and jojoba oil for nourishment—all working together to address skin issues without harsh chemicals. These ingredients are not just selected for their effectiveness but also because they align with our commitment to safety.
By using multifunctional products like this, we reduce the need for multiple treatments that could increase chemical exposure, while still addressing various skin concerns.
Why Transparency Matters for Animal Owners
For horse and dog owners, the lack of transparency in grooming products means the burden often falls on the consumer to understand what’s safe and what’s not. It can be difficult to decipher labels or determine which ingredients might be harmful, especially when many of the terms used in marketing are vague or misleading.
At Purvida, we don’t believe consumers should have to guess. We are passionate about educating our customers so they can make more informed choices for their animals. Reading labels, understanding ingredient lists, and researching the products you use can make a world of difference in your animal’s health.
More transparency from manufacturers means less risk for animals. When consumers push for higher standards and make decisions based on knowledge, companies will have no choice but to respond. This shift is already happening, and we believe that as more horse and dog owners demand transparency, the industry will be forced to improve.
The Future of Equine and Canine Grooming
At Purvida Healthy Horse, we envision a future where grooming products for horses and dogs meet higher standards for safety and transparency. We hope to see more companies adopt responsible practices and offer natural, safe alternatives for animal care.
But this isn’t just about what one brand does. It’s about a larger movement toward responsible, informed care. Your choices as a consumer can drive real change, and by choosing products that prioritize transparency and safety, you’re helping to set a new standard.
As this movement grows, we are proud to be part of the shift toward safer, more transparent care for animals. Together, we can ensure that our horses and dogs get the best possible care—starting with the products we use on them.