365 Days in Horse Country – All-Important Salt
Sodium and chloride combine together to make salt, which
is an essential major mineral for many mammals.
They are electrolytes necessary for bodily functions. Salt is an essential part of the equine diet,
and should be provided at all times.
Lack of these minerals can cause a horse to experience fatigue, the inability to sweat, and muscle spasm.
Horses lose salt through urination and sweating and it must be replaced. The best way to provide salt is free-choice loose salt in a bucket. Some horse people prefer natural, loose salt, believing it is healthier than processed salt. Others find that salt blocks are more convenient. Many equine enthusiasts recommend a plain salt block rather than one with other minerals added so horses aren’t forced to take in minerals they may not need just to get at the salt. This could result in toxicity. Whatever your preference or motivations, please ensure that for the health of your horse, he horse has access to salt at all times.
Michael