- Some minerals are also called electrolytes. This is because, when dissolved in body fluids, they carry spare ions which give them an electrical charge. Electrolytes use this charge to help control the water balance in a horse, trying to maintain a sufficiently hydrated status at all times. Electrolytes also play an important role in muscle function and, through their role in hydration, both temperature regulation and the transport of nutrients and waste products throughout the horse’s body.
- If electrolytes are not added to a horse’s diet when required, many problems may occur including dehydration. Dehydration can be life-threatening and is frequently performance-limiting. A horse has only to become mildly dehydrated to lose performance, sometimes reported as a lack of stamina and slow recovery rates.
- Electrolytes should always be added in addition to any salt already in the diet and not instead of that salt. The addition of salt to the diet should be sufficient for horses only sweating lightly. Salt licks should always be available 24/7.
Composition:
Sodium Chloride, Dextrose, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Sulphate, Calcium Carbonate.
Analytical constituents:
Sodium 20.3%, Potassium 7.5%, Calcium 0.4%, Magnesium 0.4%, Chloride 37.6%, Glucose 31.4%. Phosphorous 0.0%.
Feeding Guidelines:
For a standard 500kg horse in work, the recommended daily feeding rate ranges from 50g to 150g (1 to 3 level 50ml scoops) split evenly across daily feeds, and it should be continued for at least two days after heavy sweating
Small pony (250kg, 10–12hh): 25g to 75g (½ to 1½ level scoops) daily
Pony (375kg, 12.2–14.2hh): 37.5g to 112.5g (¾ to 2¼ level scoops) daily
Horse (500kg, 15–16hh): 50g to 150g (1 to 3 level scoops) daily
Large horse (625kg, 16.2–17.2hh): 62.5g to 187.5g (1¼ to 3¾ level scoops) daily
(Note: One level 50ml measuring scoop holds approximately 50 grams)