CaCo-Copper for Horses: What It Is and Why It Matters

Cacodylate copper (often spelled caco-copper in stable slang) refers to copper cacodylate — an organic copper compound historically used in veterinary medicine as a metabolic and hematinic stimulant.

Although not as commonly discussed today as modern trace mineral supplements, it has a long-standing presence in equine practice, particularly in performance and recovery settings.

What Is Copper Cacodylate?

Copper cacodylate is a compound made from copper and cacodylic acid (an organo-arsenic compound). It has traditionally been used in injectable veterinary formulations designed to:

Stimulate red blood cell production

Support appetite and recovery

Improve general condition

Assist horses during periods of fatigue or stress

Unlike standard dietary copper supplements (such as copper sulfate or copper proteinate), copper cacodylate is typically administered by injection and acts more as a metabolic stimulant than a simple mineral source.

Historical Use in Performance Horses

In the past, copper cacodylate injections were commonly used in racehorses and sport horses to:

Improve energy levels

Support recovery after illness

Enhance coat bloom

Stimulate appetite in poor doers

Because it contains an arsenical component, it was sometimes categorized alongside “tonics” used to improve overall vigor.

Today, its use is more regulated and less common due to modern doping regulations and increased scrutiny of injectable stimulants.

How It Works

Copper plays a role in:

Hemoglobin formation

Oxygen transport

Enzyme activity

Connective tissue integrity

The cacodylate component historically was believed to act as a metabolic stimulant, potentially enhancing red blood cell production and improving oxygen delivery.

However, modern veterinary science tends to favor safer, non-arsenical alternatives for supporting hematologic health.

Safety and Regulatory Considerations

Because copper cacodylate contains an organo-arsenic compound:

It must be administered under veterinary supervision

Overuse can lead to toxicity

It may be restricted in competitive horses

Withdrawal times may apply depending on governing body rules

Organizations such as the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and the United States Equestrian Federation regulate substances permitted in competition horses. Always verify current medication rules before use.

Is It Still Recommended?

Modern equine practice generally favors:

Balanced mineral supplementation

Iron and B-vitamin support when indicated

Nutritional correction based on bloodwork

Evidence-based conditioning programs

Copper deficiency itself is usually addressed through dietary correction rather than injectable compounds.

If a horse is anemic, fatigued, or underperforming, diagnostic testing (CBC, serum iron, liver values, mineral panel) should be performed before considering any injectable tonic.

Bottom Line

Copper cacodylate is a historically used injectable tonic once popular in performance horse management. While it may stimulate metabolism and red blood cell production, it contains organo-arsenic components and should only be used under strict veterinary guidance.

Today, safer and more targeted nutritional and medical approaches are typically preferred.

If you’d like, I can also cover:

The difference between copper cacodylate and regular copper supplementation

Whether it’s considered a performance enhancer

Current competition regulations regarding its use

Or safer alternatives for improving stamina and recovery

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