Paste vs. Other Dewormer Formats: What Horse Owners Should Consider

Available Dewormer Formats

Horse owners today have several format options when it comes to administering equine dewormers. Each format has its own practical considerations — from ease of use to horse acceptance. This guide covers the general pros and cons of each to help you understand your options.

Remember: The format you choose should be guided by your veterinarian's recommendations based on your horse's specific needs. The active ingredient matters more than the format, and your vet can advise on the best approach.

Oral Paste

Oral paste is by far the most common format for equine dewormers. Products like the ivermectin equine pastes reviewed on this site are delivered in this format.

How It Works

The dewormer comes in a syringe-style tube with a plunger. The horse owner sets the plunger to the appropriate weight marker, inserts the tip of the syringe into the side of the horse's mouth, and depresses the plunger to deliver the paste onto the back of the tongue.

Advantages

• Widely available: Most equine dewormers are available in paste form, giving you the broadest selection of active ingredients and brands.
• Single-dose convenience: One tube typically provides a single treatment, making it easy to ensure the full amount is administered.
• Portable: Tubes are compact and easy to store or transport.
• No feed mixing required: Administration is direct and does not depend on the horse consuming its full feed ration.
• Flavored options available: Some products (like the apple-flavored pastes reviewed on our site) include flavoring to improve acceptance.

Considerations

• Requires handling skill: Some horses resist having a syringe placed in their mouths. Practice and proper technique are important.
• Spillage risk: If a horse spits out some of the paste, the full dose may not be delivered. Technique matters.
• Weight accuracy: You need to know your horse's weight to set the plunger correctly. A weight tape or scale helps.

Oral Gel

Oral gel products work similarly to pastes but have a different consistency. They are less common but available for certain active ingredients.

Advantages

• Similar convenience to paste
• May have a different texture that some horses accept more readily
• Same direct administration method

Considerations

• Fewer product options compared to paste format
• Same administration skill requirements as paste
• May be more difficult to find in stores or online

Feed-Through Pellets/Granules

Some dewormers come in a daily feed-through format. The most common example is pyrantel tartrate, sold as a daily pellet that is mixed with the horse's regular feed.

Advantages

• No oral syringe needed: Simply mix with feed, avoiding the stress of oral administration.
• Continuous protection: Daily administration provides ongoing low-level parasite control.
• Easy for horses that resist paste: If your horse fights oral syringes, feed-through can be a practical alternative.

Considerations

• Daily commitment: Must be added to feed every day for continuous effectiveness. Missing days reduces protection.
• Feed dependency: The horse must eat its entire ration to receive the full amount. Picky eaters or feed sharers may not get a complete treatment.
• Limited active ingredients: Only available for certain anthelmintic classes (primarily pyrantel tartrate).
• Cost over time: Daily use adds up. The per-day cost may exceed periodic paste treatments.
• Not a substitute for strategic deworming: Feed-through products complement but do not replace periodic treatments as recommended by your veterinarian.

Liquid Formulations

Liquid dewormers are less common in equine use and are typically administered by a veterinarian via nasogastric tube or mixed with feed.

Advantages

• May be useful for horses with specific medical conditions that prevent paste administration
• Veterinary administration ensures accurate delivery

Considerations

• Generally requires veterinary involvement for nasogastric administration
• Less practical for routine home use
• Fewer products available in this format
• Feed-mixed liquids share the same feed-dependency limitations as pellets

Format Comparison at a Glance

Tips for Successful Paste Administration

Since paste is the most popular format and what we review on this site, here are some general tips:

1. Know your horse's weight. Use a weight tape, livestock scale, or your veterinarian's estimate to determine the correct setting on the plunger.
2. Read the label first. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for preparing and administering the tube.
3. Elevate the horse's head slightly after depositing the paste to encourage swallowing.
4. Ensure the horse's mouth is empty of food before administering to reduce the chance of the paste being spit out.
5. Work calmly and confidently. Many horses become resistant if the handler is nervous or rough.
6. Consult your veterinarian if you have difficulty administering paste products. They can demonstrate proper technique.

Sources and References

• American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP): Internal Parasite Control Guidelines
• University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension: Parasite Management

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This article is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for guidance specific to your horse.