Read this to understand the importance of water and electrolytes for your horse. Water is the main component of the body. It’s essential for every biological function. In fact, an average 1000 pound horse is roughly 660 pounds (80 gallons) of water. This water contains vital mineral salts called electrolytes, which include sodium, chloride, and potassium. Together, water and electrolytes keep your horse’s body in balance.
A horse loses water and electrolytes through sweat, urine, and feces. During hard work, especially in the heat, these losses can be significant. Under these conditions, horses can lose as much as four gallons of sweat per hour. Unlike humans, a horse’s thirst response isn’t always reliable. Horse sweat is hypertonic, meaning the concentration of electrolytes in sweat is higher than in the blood. This prevents the horse’s brain from triggering the thirst response, which is why a dehydrated horse may not want to drink.
Here’s how you can help your horse stay hydrated and balanced:
- Provide Salt: Most commercial horse feeds contain 0.5 – 1.0% added salt (sodium chloride), but active horses need more. Supplementing with loose salt can meet this need.
- Supplement Strategically: For intense work, a mixture of 2/3 sodium chloride and 1/3 potassium chloride (Lite salt), would provide adequate sodium, chloride and potassium.
- Timing is Key: The best time to supplement is the day before, the day of, and the day after a strenuous event. Always only give electrolytes to well hydrated horses.
By understanding how your horse’s body uses water, you can better support their health and performance.
By Karen E. Davison, Ph.D., Manager – Technical Services, Purina Mills, LLC