Replenish Trace Minerals with Horse Salt Licks and Electrolytes
Just like water, horse salt licks should always be available to your horse. Horses, like people, require trace minerals such as iron, selenium, zinc, cobalt, copper, and iodine. The problem is that these minerals are often not found in the horse's diet, especially if they're not eating a fortified grain or if they are fed only forage diets like pasture or hay. Giving your horse a salt lick is a necessity, as it ensures that they're getting the trace minerals that they might be lacking. These trace minerals, along with a balanced diet, promote healthy digestion, maintenance of body tissues, growth, reproductive systems and processes, and general well-being. Salt licks for horses who experience anxiety may also promote calmness and relaxation.
Some horses may still need extra help getting their electrolytes. Training schedules and hot summer days can take a toll on your horse. Excessive sweating can lead to the loss of valuable minerals, but horse electrolytes can help replace vital minerals to prevent dehydration, muscle fatigue, and heat stress. Electrolytes for horses improve stamina and performance in warm weather while helping to keep your horse sharp and focused. Many horse electrolytes come in pelleted formulas and mixes, they are also palatable and often flavored. Some Electrolytes for horses are even apple-flavored. Many electrolyte supplements are designed to be easily mixed into your horse’s feed or dissolved in water. Some also aid in appetite and water consumption, since they make water more appetizing to your horse. Most quality electrolytes for horses contain a blend of vital electrolytes — calcium, chloride, magnesium, potassium, salt, and others — to help maintain your horse’s body fluid balance and muscle function and to help them recover from stress faster.
Frequently Asked Questions About Horse Salt Licks and Electrolytes
Are salt licks good for horses?
Salt licks are great for horses. Your horse should always have access to a horse salt lick just like they always have access to water. It is a common misconception that salt licks are an optional horse care item.
What is the purpose of a salt lick for horses?
The purpose of a salt lick for horses is to give your horse minerals they might have lost from sweating or exercising. All horses need to have access to a salt lick 24/7 when they are not being worked.
How long does a salt lick last?
A 3-5 pound horse salt lick should last around 6 weeks for one horse. However, many salt licks are shared by multiple horses, so how long they last can vary. Getting a larger communal horse salt lick is probably the best option if you are looking for it to last.
What are the types of horse salt licks?
The three main kinds of salt licks:
- Himalayan Salt licks
- Salt Blocks
- Mineral Blocks
Himalayan salt licks and Mineral horse salt licks are the best options as they contain healthy minerals other than salt. Avoid buying salt licks that are pure salt as the other horse salt licks with minerals are healthier for your horse.
Should I give my horse salt or electrolytes?
Electrolytes are the medical term for salt. Horse electrolytes and horse salt licks are essentially the same things so you can use either. However, giving your horse access to a horse salt lick is likely the better option as it will require less work on your part and is consistently available for your horse.
Should I give my horse electrolytes every day?
No, you don’t need to give your horse electrolytes every day unless they are sweating profusely every day. Your horse should always have access to a salt block so they can get electrolytes when they feel they need to. Most horses know when they need more electrolytes.