We recently had a horse owner ask about providing electrolytes to her horses all at once, through the watering trough. While in theory this might work, in practicality, it may cause some issues.
First, it is important to understand what horses need:
- The key electrolytes are sodium, chloride, potassium and magnesium.
- Forages and feed normally contain adequate potassium and magnesium to maintain body levels.
Then, we need to understand how a horse consumes & utilizes electrolytes:
- The best way to add these to a horse’s diet is to provide free choice salt in a loose form at all times, as sodium and chloride are the primary electrolytes lost in sweat.
- Horses may not consume enough salt if the salt is in block form, particularly during cold weather or hot, humid conditions.
- Horses cannot store excess electrolytes and will excrete in the urine.
If you have particular events where the horses will be worked hard, particularly in hot, humid conditions, it is recommended to provide the additional electrolytes immediately prior to, during and immediately following a competition. Maintaining water consumption is key to preventing dehydration and adding electrolytes to the water may not be desired.
Dr. Krishona Martinson at the University of Minnesota recently published a useful newsletter review that suggested that adding supplements to the drinking water for horses can actually decrease water consumption, which is exactly what you would want to avoid doing.
I find my minis have responded well to kelp supplements added to feedstuffs which I monitor according to size of horse or pony as kelp has the most natural content of salt I trust you have as much results as I have all the best.
My horse was cast in his stall and was soaked in sweat. My vet tuned him with water and electrolytes. Some horse friends have advised me to add electrolytes to his grain ration. How do you advise – or do you advise this?
Hi Mary,
Thank you for your interesting question about your horse that was cast and was rescued from awkward position. Glad to read that he is OK! The most important things that you can do would be to make certain that salt, preferably loose salt, is available free choice along with fresh clean water. Administering electrolytes for more than a day or so after cast experience would probably not be beneficial. Electrolytes cannot be stored if present in excess, so will be excreted. Adequate water must be available any time electrolytes are administered or the electrolytes can actually be detrimental to fluid balance.
Best of luck!
Roy J.