DED HED
Daily calming feed supplement — long-term management of high-strung genetics throughout the show season; daily alternative to show-day calming pastes
Always read and follow product labels for feeding and sheep safety.
Overview
DED HED is Stock Show Secrets’ daily calming supplement — a feed additive for show animals with high-strung genetics that need consistent temperament management throughout the season, not just on show day. It is the long-term companion to Attitude Adjustment paste: where AA is an acute, one-time pre-ring dose, DED HED is fed every morning to maintain baseline calmness across weeks of show preparation. The formula is based on processed grain products, distillers grains, wheat middlings, L-arginine, sodium bicarbonate, corn oil, and molasses. No copper appears in the published ingredient list — consistent with a grain/amino acid based supplement rather than a mineral supplement. Available in 10 lb and 25 lb pails with screw-top lids, and a 25 lb refill box.
Manufacturer Specifications
Guaranteed Analysis
(From Performance Feed & Seeds retailer listing)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 12.0% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 3.0% |
| Crude Fiber (max) | 6.5% |
| Copper | Not listed in published ingredients |
Key Ingredients / Active Components
| Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|
| Processed Grain Products | Carbohydrate base/carrier |
| Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles | Protein and energy |
| Wheat Middlings (Midds) | Digestible fiber and energy |
| Sodium Bicarbonate | Rumen pH buffer; may contribute to calming via acid reduction |
| L-Arginine | Amino acid — precursor to nitric oxide; vasodilation and calming effect |
| Corn Oil | Fat source; palatability |
| Cane Molasses | Palatability; energy |
Official Feeding Rate
- Sheep & Goats: 2–3 oz per head in the morning (1 scoop = 1.4 oz; use 1.5–2 scoops)
- Hogs: 2–4 oz in the morning
- Cattle: 3–5 oz in the morning
- Feed in the morning ration only — not split across feedings
Packaging
- 10 lb pail | 25 lb pail (screw-top) | 25 lb refill box
Sheep Safety
Copper: No copper appears in the published ingredient list (grains, distillers grains, midds, bicarb, L-arginine, corn oil, molasses). This is a grain-and-amino-acid based supplement with no mineral supplementation apparent — copper is not a concern at these ingredients. Confirm full mineral panel from SSS.
Active mechanism — L-Arginine: L-Arginine is an amino acid that serves as the precursor for nitric oxide (NO), a vasodilator. Increased NO can reduce physiological stress response and anxiety in livestock without sedation — this is a legitimate, drug-free calming mechanism used in both human and animal supplements. It is not a pharmaceutical and carries no withdrawal concern.
Sodium Bicarbonate: Acts as a rumen pH buffer. A more stable rumen pH reduces acidosis-related irritability, which can contribute to calmer behavior in high-grain show animals.
Show Circuit Use
Sources: stockshowsecrets.com; Performance Feed & Seeds retailer
How Experienced Feeders Actually Use It
DED HED is used as a season-long management tool for lambs with naturally high-strung temperaments — animals that are difficult to lead, won’t brace well, or are constantly on edge in the show environment. Fed every morning throughout the program, it is meant to be transparent in its effect: the lamb should still show full energy and expression in the ring but be trainable and manageable during daily handling. Stacked with Attitude Adjustment paste on show day for a layered calming approach.
Attitude Adjustment vs. DED HED
| DED HED | Attitude Adjustment | |
|---|---|---|
| Use | Daily feed additive | Single pre-show dose |
| Timing | Every morning throughout program | 1 hour before ring |
| Mechanism | L-Arginine + bicarb (sustained) | Proprietary (acute) |
| Duration | Season-long | 3–4 hours |
Phase Protocols
All Phases | Daily Calming Management
- Rate: 2–3 oz every morning, mixed into grain ration
- Purpose: Maintain trainable temperament throughout the program; lambs with high-strung genetics will perform better in the ring if they are consistently calm during daily preparation
Show Day
- Rate: Continue DED HED at established morning rate
- Stack with: Attitude Adjustment paste 1 hour before ring for layered effect
- Purpose: DED HED provides the established baseline; AA provides the acute pre-show bump
Stacking Protocols
DED HED + Attitude Adjustment paste: The designed two-product calming stack — DED HED manages baseline temperament season-long; AA handles acute show-day stress.
DED HED does not replace Attitude Adjustment — they work at different timescales and mechanisms.
Budget Alternatives
- Magnesium oxide (1–2 oz/day) is a commonly used budget calming mineral for livestock at a fraction of the cost
- Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda, free-choice or 0.5–1 oz/day) provides the rumen-buffering calming effect at very low cost
- Neither commodity achieves the full L-Arginine + bicarb combination of DED HED
Community Tips
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Pairs Well With
Direct Substitutes
Products that do the same job at the same point in the program — compare alternatives across brands in the directory.
| Product | Brand | Form | Budget | Feeding Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attitude Adjustment Paste | Rule Supplements | Paste | Budget | — |
| Composed | Rule Supplements | Paste | Mid-Range | 10 cc – 40 cc |
| Composure | Essential Show Feeds | Paste | Budget | — |
Sources
- https://stockshowsecrets.com/products/ded-hed (manufacturer)
- https://performancefeedandseeds.com/products/ded-hed (retailer)