This experiment assessed the effects of a phytogenic feed additive (PGA) containing garlic, clove, and Capsicum oleoresin on performance and health of high-risk, newly-received beef calves. Crossbred steers and bulls (n = 712; n = 371 steers; n = 341 bulls; initial body weight; BW = 239 ± 6.8 kg) were stratified by arrival sex and BW, then randomly allocated to experimental treatments (n = 9 pens per treatment; n = 24 to 29 calves per pen). Treatments included: 0 mg ⋅ steer⁻¹ ⋅ d⁻¹ of PGA (PGA0), 250 mg ⋅ steer ⁻¹ ⋅ d⁻¹ of PGA (PGA250), or 500 mg ⋅ steer⁻¹ ⋅ d⁻¹ of PGA (PGA500). No differences in BW existed throughout the experiment (P ≥ 0.20; PGA vs. PGA0 P ≥ 0.11). In the overall model, no differences (P ≥ 0.23) in ADG existed. However, when comparing calves receiving PGA to calves receiving PGA0, ADG tended to be greater in calves receiving PGA from d 0 to d 14 (P = 0.09). No differences in DMI existed throughout the experiment (P ≥ 0.27; PGA vs. PGA0 P ≥ 0.13). No differences in G:F existed between treatments (P ≥ 0.26), however when comparing calves receiving PGA to calves receiving PGA0, G:F tended to be greater in calves receiving PGA from d 0 through d 14 (P = 0.10). Steers receiving PGA500 were treated with an antimicrobial for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) less often than steers receiving PGA0, with PGA250 being intermediate. Steers receiving PGA were also treated once for BRD less often (P = 0.01) compared to steers receiving PGA0. The percentage of mortalities and the percentage of steers removed from the study were not different (P ≥ 0.16; PGA vs. PGA0 P ≥ 0.14); however, there tended to be more combined mortalities and removals for steers receiving PGA (P = 0.09). In summary, the reduction in antimicrobial treatments for BRD in cattle receiving PGA has the potential to reduce the overall use of antibiotics in beef production, but the impact of PGA on mortalities and removals needs investigated further.