Whether you have a performance horse, a weekend trail horse, or a pasture pet, electrolytes are an essential part of any equine diet. They include the following minerals:
- Sodium (Na)
- Chloride (Cl)
- Potassium (K)
- Magnesium (Mg)
- Calcium (Ca)
Many of these minerals can be found in grass, hay, and feed, but often not in high enough amounts. Sodium and chloride always need to be supplemented, for example.
In solid form, electrolytes bond into salts, but when dissolved in water, they break down into individual ions which carry either a positive or negative charge. The charges carried by electrolytes allow them to conduct electricity and assist in electrochemical processes in the body such as regulating heart beat, muscle contraction, and even digestion. They also help to move fluids in and out of cells and aid in nutrient absorption. Without electrolytes, water cannot be properly retained and utilized by the body.
Horses naturally lose electrolytes through sweating, urine, and feces. Hard-working horses that sweat for a prolonged period of time can have high levels of electrolyte losses. For these horses, supplementation is crucial. If electrolyte levels become unbalanced or depleted, cell function in the muscles, gut, and heart will slow or possibly shut down.
Sea Salt: Nature’s electrolyte
Our pure unrefined sea salt contains over 80 essential and natural minerals, making it “nature’s electrolyte”. Sea salt is always a better choice than other types of salt on the market (this goes for people as well). It’s best to avoid table salt, which has been stripped of its companion elements. Also, table salt may also contain ingredients like aluminum silicate, which can be toxic to the nervous system.
According to our most recent analysis, our sea salt contains the following (mg per 1/4 tsp.):
- Chloride 601.25 mg 50.90%
- Zinc 0.03 mg .00275%
- Sodium 460 mg 33.00%
- Copper 0.02 mg .00195%
- Sulfur 9.7 mg .820%
- Erbium 0.02 mg .00195%
- Magnesium 5.2 mg .441%
- Tin 0.02 mg .00192%
- Potassium 2.7 mg .227%
- Manganese 0.02 mg .0018%
- Calcium 1.5 mg .128%
- Cerium 0.02 mg .00172%
- Silicon 1.2 mg .052%
- Fluoride 0.01 mg .00109%
- Carbon 0.6 mg .049%
- Rubidium 0.01 mg .00084%
- Iron 0.14 mg .012%
- Gallium 0.01 mg .00083%
- Aluminum 0.11 mg .0095%
- Boron 0.01 mg .00082%
- Praseodymium 0.04 mg .0029%
- Titanium 0.01 mg .00079%
- Strontium 0.03 mg .00275%
- Bromine 0.01 mg .00071%
The good news is that pure unrefined sea salt can be offered free choice to horses, and they will only consume what they need.
Manufactured Electrolytes
Another way to provide electrolytes to your horse is by purchasing a manufactured electrolyte product. However, if you go this route, make sure that sodium chloride is first on the list of ingredients, followed by potassium chloride. Many manufactured electrolytes are sugar-based, so it’s best to steer clear of those, especially for horses with metabolic issues.
It’s also important not to over-supplement manufactured electrolytes. Continually top-dressing your feed with an electrolyte supplement can lead to irritation of your horse’s digestive tract. Over-supplementation might also throw your horse’s mineral balance out of whack, creating additional problems.
Electrolytes are important for all horses, but choose your products wisely!