Why is salt important in the diet
The average horse needs around two tablespoons of salt per day, more when they are ‘working’ and more during heat! This needs to be provided alongside plenty of water. Salt is lost through sweating, urine, and faeces.
Sodium (salt) is the main electrolyte found in blood and the fluid surrounding cells. If salt levels are low, the blood will not be able to hold enough water. In turn, the adrenal gland releases the hormone aldosterone. This hormone tells the kidneys that sodium should not leave the body. The kidneys then hold onto the salt and excrete potassium instead which causes an electrolyte imbalance. Lack of salt can also cause the horse to avoid drinking water as they seek to hold onto sodium and keep the body from flushing it away.
The main electrolytes found in a horse’s body are:
- Sodium
- Chloride
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Calcium
Salt stimulates thirst, so can facilitate the excretion of excess potassium in the body. Supplying sodium and chloride (i.e. salt) can correct any electrolyte imbalances. The correct sodium balance is necessary for proper thirst response in the horse and body water equilibrium.
The results or signs of not enough salt in the horse’s body can be:
- Lack of or inadequate sweating
- Tying up (a muscular disorder)
- Rapid heart rate
- Dehydration
- Impaired performance
- Exacerbation of problems such as azoturia
- Increased risk of colic
- Dull coat
- Sunken eyes
- Depression
- Listlessness
- Dark urine
Inadequate salt levels can result in abnormal eating behaviour, for example licking or chewing objects which have salt on them or licking or eating dirt. They may chew rails, wood, trees or lick your hands which may show that they are craving salt.
The work your horse does will depend on how you need to supplement his diet with salt. For those at rest or in very light work, a salt lick and/or adding salt to the diet may be enough. For horses in hard work, a more complete electrolyte supplement may be required as horses can lose a lot of electrolytes through hard work. If you’re concerned about how to supplement your horse’s diet, calling one of the free nutritional helplines available can be a huge help. If you’re concerned about your horse’s wellbeing, you should speak to your vet.
Posted: 15/09/2015 15:43:27