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Hidden Gems for Equine Wellness: Three Essential Supplements

Hidden Gems for Equine Wellness: Three Essential Supplements

Are you looking to enhance the wellness of your equine companion? In this article, we will unveil three hidden gems that are essential for the health and happiness of your horse. These supplements may not be commonly known, but they have a significant impact on your horse’s wellbeing.

  • SALT

 Salt is often underestimated, but horses actually need a significant amount of it in their diet. In fact, according to Dr. Kellon, it is a universal requirement for horses around the world.

A lack of salt can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Whereas, supplementing salt ensures optimal hydration. It also enhances digestion and mineral absorption and maintains normal nervous and muscular function.

So, it is important for horse owners to provide a consistent source of salt in their daily diet. For those worried about overconsumption, studies show that horses have an innate ability to self-regulate their intake based on their body’s needs.

  • OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS 

Omega-3 deficiency occurs when not in a fresh grass diet. Fatty acids do not survive long in cut and baled hay. Grains, bran, etc. are also low in omega-3s.

Omega-3 fatty acids are typically thought of as important to anti-inflammatory balance. However, two studies have also demonstrated that taking supplements generally improves immune system responses. Additionally, they play a crucial role in the growth and wellbeing of the brain and eyes, and might affect how young horses behave.

  • VITAMIN E

Like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E deficiency also occurs when not in a fresh grass diet.

This essential nutrient is crucial for muscle function and repair. Thus, it is especially important for active horses or those recovering from injuries. But if they don’t get enough vitamin E, it can have a serious impact on their immunity, nerves, and muscle function.

Ensuring your horse receives an adequate amount of vitamin E through their diet or supplementation is essential for their overall well-being.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, providing horses with the right supplements is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Salt, omega 3, and vitamin E are three essential supplements that can greatly benefit horses. By incorporating these supplements into your horse’s diet, you can help them thrive and enjoy a happy, healthy life.

Reference:

Three Supplements Every Horse Needs

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Is Salt Really important?

Is Salt really Important?

Salt is a common additive to horse feed and water, but does it have any benefits?

The benefits of salt for horses

  • Maintain good health
  • Improves performance
  • Protect your horse from the heat
  • Protects from dehydration
  • The sodium in salt is important in regulating blood pressure and maintaining normal blood volume
  • Reduces the risk of heat stroke when exercising

How much salt should a horse have?

The average horse (weighs about 450kg) has a basic salt (sodium chloride) requirement of approximately 1 oz/day.

They may also need 1 ounce of plain salt daily in cool weather, up to 3 or 4 when sweating. 

The best way to determine how much salt your horse needs is to talk to your veterinarian or equine nutritionist.

Which is better: loose, coarse salt or salt block?

Horses prefer loose, coarse salt. Horses can and do lick salt blocks but may not be enough especially if they are sweating a lot due to exercise or work.

When should a horse get salt?

Horses need salt daily but the amount will depend on their level of activity. Their sodium requirement may increase when sweating. In fact, according to Dr. Kellon, when sweating heavily for an hour, the sodium requirement goes up 500%.

It does no good to give extra salt/electrolytes several hours before work because they will end up in the urine. When exercising your horse, you can give the first hour’s dose within 30 minutes of starting exercise and the rest during or after exercise.

How can you tell if a horse needs more salt?

  • Sweating a lot, or working hard
  • Signs of dehydration
  • Reduced performance
  • Muscle cramping

Conclusion: 

Salt is an essential mineral for horses. It helps regulate the amount of water in their body, maintain normal blood pressure, and keep their muscles and nerves functioning properly. Horses that don’t get enough salt may develop dehydration, muscle cramps, or nerve problems.

 

Reference:

https://drkhorsesense.wordpress.com/tag/salt/

Image by Marek from Pixabay
Image by Rebecca Scholz from Pixabay