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28 July

Why should I feed my horse salt?

author image Edeline Bourrier Edeline Bourrier
Why should I feed my horse salt? image

When it comes to the health and well-being of your horse or pony, providing proper nutrition is paramount. Salt, in the right quantities, is essential for your horse's health but can also contribute to their overall happiness and performance. 

In the stable or the field, with added nutrients, pink, white, black, flavoured or in your horses’ feed… salt licks come in all shapes and sizes. Why are we feeding salt to our horses? Are salt licks essentials? What are my horses’ needs?


1. Topping up electrolyte 

Horses, like humans, require a delicate balance of electrolytes to maintain their health. Electrolytes such as sodium and chloride play a crucial role in regulating bodily functions, including nerve impulses, muscle contractions, and the balance of fluids in the body. Feeding your horse salt helps ensure they receive an adequate supply of these essential electrolytes.


2. Encouraging hydration

Salt can stimulate your horse's thirst, which is particularly useful during hot weather or after strenuous exercise. Adequate hydration is essential to prevent issues like colic and dehydration, and adding salt to their diet can encourage them to drink more water, ultimately keeping them well-hydrated.


3. Sweat loss recovery

When horses sweat, they lose vital electrolytes like sodium and chloride. If these electrolytes are not replaced, it can lead to muscle cramping, fatigue, and poor performance. Feeding your horse salt helps replenish these lost electrolytes and aids in post-exercise recovery.


4. How can I provide my horse with salt?

You can give your horse Himalayan salt licks as a source of sodium or chloride. Hilton Herbs Himalayan Salt Licks have been analysed and have been shown to be predominantly sodium chloride, with other trace elements such as potassium, magnesium (vital for maintaining health) and iron which is responsible for the distinctive pink colour. These can be hung up in the stable / field your horses or ponies to access as and when they want.  It is important to always provide plenty of clean fresh water if your horse has access to a salt lick. Horses are clever animals so they will tend to only lick them when they need to but if you notice that your horse is licking it excessively, then limiting accessibility is recommended.

You can also give your horse Himalayan rock salt granules which can be added to their feed. This is a good way of controlling and monitoring the exact amount of Salt that your horse will be receiving each day. We suggest a recommended dosage is 28g per day.

Incorporating salt into your horse's diet is a simple yet effective way to promote their overall health and well-being. From maintaining electrolyte balance to encouraging hydration and preventing mineral imbalances, salt offers a multitude of benefits. 

 


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Useful reading:

- Supplement guide for the competition horse

- Why hillwork is helpful


Sources of information:

https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/features/feeding-horse-salt-653780

https://spalding-labs.com/community/b/morgan_murphy/archive/2015/04/15/the-pros-and-cons-of-giving-horses-salt-licks.aspx

author image About Edeline Bourrier Edeline Bourrier

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