🌡️ Why You Should Feed Electrolytes to Your Horse (and Why Salt Isn’t Enough)

During the hotter weather, like we are experiencing at the time of writing this, during exercise or when travelling your horse loses more than just water through sweat — they also lose vital electrolytes. Tiny minerals that play a big role in keeping your horse healthy, hydrated, and performing at their best.

But my horse has a salt lick is a common answer I get, there is more to electrolytes than just salt, Lets take a closer look.

🧪 What Are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are essential minerals that carry an electric charge, which are essential for carrying out physiological functions. In horses, the most important ones are:

• Sodium

• Chloride

• Potassium

• Magnesium

• Calcium

These minerals are lost through sweat, urine, and droppings — especially in hot weather, during exercise, travel, or times of stress. Replacing them is key to maintaining your horse’s hydration, muscle function, and nerve health.

🧂 Salt vs. Electrolytes: What’s the Difference?

Salt = Sodium + Chloride (NaCl). The table below shows a comparison between salt and a complete electrolyte:

Mineral	Found in Salt?	Found in a Complete Electrolyte?	Why It Matters
Sodium	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Regulates thirst and fluid balance
Chloride	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Works with sodium to keep hydration steady
Potassium	❌ No	✅ Yes	Supports muscle and heart function
Magnesium	❌ No	✅ Yes	Aids nerve function and energy use
Calcium	❌ No	✅ Yes	Vital for muscle contraction and recovery

So while salt helps stimulate thirst, it doesn’t replace everything your horse loses in sweat.

🐴 When Should You Feed Electrolytes?

You don’t have to wait until your horse is drenched in sweat. Electrolytes are useful in many situations:

✅ Hot weather✅ After exercise or travel✅ Before and after competitions✅ If your horse sweats easily or heavily✅ During any signs of dehydration or fatigue

If your horse is working hard, travelling often, or just struggling with the heat, then consider offering electrolytes.

💧 Signs Your Horse May Need Electrolytes

• Dull or sunken eyes

• Lethargy or reduced performance

• Dry or tacky gums

• Decreased appetite or water intake

• Slow capillary refill (check their gums)

If you're seeing any of these, it may be time to top up those minerals. Remeber though all these can be signs of someting more serious, you know your horse and if you are worried consultant with a Vet.

Electrolytes should not be offered on daily basis, as overfeeding can cause the body to flush out all the minerals.

🥕 Can’t I Just Add Salt to Their Feed?

You can, and for many horses in light work, a daily salt lick or a small amount of added salt is enough. But for horses in regular work, sweating daily, or exposed to hot conditions, they need a broader spectrum of minerals to stay balanced.

Electrolytes are designed to mirror the mineral profile of equine sweat, which salt alone can’t do.

🛒 Choosing the Right Electrolyte

Not all supplements are created equal. Look for an Electrolyte that:

• Contains a balanced blend of sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, and calcium

• Has no fillers or unnecessary sugars

• Is easy to mix into feed or water

  
  

🐎 Final Thoughts

Electrolytes are something that should be consider for every horse, especially in the times mentioned above and arent just for endurance horses or athletes. By providing your horse with the right support, you’re protecting their health and improving their recovery.

Want to try a natural, effective electrolyte blend?👉 Shop Equus Health Electrolytes here