Magnesium supplement for horses tips? What Causes Nutrient Deficiencies? Numerous factors increase a horse’s risk for nutrient deficiency. Let’s look at six of the most common. Caloric deficiency. Insufficient calorie intake, or not eating enough, is the most obvious way horses may become nutrient deficient. All-hay diet. Hay satisfies horses urge to chew and provides essential nutrients, but because it’s dried, even high-quality hay may not provide all the nutrients horses need. Deficient soil. Intensive farming practices have left many soils depleted of life-giving minerals and nutrients. That means crops grown in these soils, and which we feed our animals, are also deficient. Stall confinement. Many horses spend time in trailers, stalls, and paddocks. We limit horses’ access to sun exposure and diverse forage when we pull them from their natural habitat of pastures and prairies. Copious sweating. High-performance horses can lose up to 12 to 18 liters (3 to 4.75 gallons) of sweat with intense exercise.5 That sweat also contains critical nutrients and equine electrolytes. Pregnancy. Pregnant mares’ nutritional needs change during pregnancy, requiring more nutrients to support fetal growth.
Electrolytes are essential minerals that play a vital role in a horse’s fluid retention, nerve conduction, muscle contraction, even digestion. Electrolytes are involved in nearly every bodily function. Horses with electrolyte deficiencies will experience fatigue and decreased performance. If a deficiency leads to dehydration, horses may weaken, collapse, and in worst-case scenarios, die. How Do Horses Become Deficient in Electrolytes? Every horse sweats—some more than others. Within sweat are copious amounts of electrolytes. A horse that’s exercised heavily can lose up to 4 gallons of sweat, which contains approximately 30 teaspoons of body salts. Read additional information at best mineral block for horses.
Compensate your horse’s extra effort by increasing feed rations after a ride and giving a good electrolyte to replace minerals and encourage water consumption. And of course, always make sure they have access to fresh water immediately upon returning home. Winter weather brings unique challenges for horses, one being a disinclination to drink. Redmond products can help your horse from becoming dehydrated. Both Rein Water and Electrolyte replace critical electrolytes, contain over 60 trace minerals for horses, and help water consumption stay consistent in cold months. Click the button below to try a sample pack of both products!
All horses need salt and minerals in their diet. They’re necessary to regulate fluids, combat dehydration, and maintain nerve health and muscle contraction. Salt is also essential to triggering your horse to drink. For these reasons and more, horses should always have access to a quality mineral salt lick. Which Mineral Salt Lick is Best for my Horse? There are a lot of horse licks out there. So which is best? Should you choose a mineralized pressed block or a natural mineral rock? And since we’re talking mineral rocks, is Himalayan rock or Redmond Rock better? Is there really a difference? Let’s talk about horse blocks and salt rocks, and why we believe Redmond Rock is the absolute best source of salt, minerals, and electrolytes available for horses.
Try giving salt. Rub loose salt over your horse’s tongue. Some suggest this encourages horses to drink soon after. Of course, you should also always offer your horse a salt lick or loose mineral salt to replace electrolytes and trigger drinking. Add flavor to water. Horses prefer tastes that are sweet or salty. Consider adding a natural equine electrolyte drink mix like Redmond Rein Water or a sweetener like apple juice to your horse’s home water several days prior to a trip. Once you’ve arrived at your new destination, use the same electrolyte or flavor to mask the taste of unfamiliar water and give your horse a taste of home. Find more info on ulcers in horses.