During hot weather, like we’re currently experiencing in a big portion of the U.S., you might be wondering whether or not you should supplement electrolytes to your horse. I’d like to shed a little light in that department.
First of all, let’s talk about what electrolytes are exactly. . .
Electrolytes are specific minerals that help regulate many bodily processes. In solid form, these minerals easily bond into salts (such as sodium chloride), but when dissolved in water, they break down into individual ions that carry either a positive or negative charge.
The main electrolytes include:
- Sodium (Na)
- Chloride (Cl)
- Potassium (K)
- Magnesium (Mg)
- Calcium (Ca)
The charges carried by electrolytes allow them to conduct electricity–therefore, they assist in electrochemical processes within the body such as regulating the heart beat and muscle contraction.
Electrolytes also aid in moving fluids in and out of cells as well as helping the body to absorb nutrients. Without electrolytes, the water a horse drinks cannot be properly retained and utilized by the body. So you can probably see now why they’re so important!
Horses lose electrolytes through sweating, respiration, urine, and feces, but most of these minerals are replaced when they consume grass, hay, and/or feed. The exceptions are sodium and chloride which are easily supplemented with salt.
For most horses, supplemental electrolytes (other than salt) are not needed. However, if your horse sweats for a prolonged period of time (either because of high temps, intense exercise, or both), electrolyte losses can be high. This is when they need to be supplemented.
For horses competing in endurance racing, three-day eventing, or even who participate in long-distance trail riding, electrolyte supplementation is necessary. But it may also be needed for horses being shipped long distances or even for a Cushings horse who tends to sweat more in the pasture.
Electrolyte supplements can generally be given three ways: with feed, added to water, or in a paste or gel form. After a period of prolonged sweating, it’s recommended to provide electrolytes for several days to make up for losses. And if you’re planning on going on a weekend trail ride or a big horse show during hot weather, it’s good to start supplementing electrolytes several days in advance and then continue giving them throughout your event.
When looking for a good electrolyte supplement, sodium chloride should be first on the list of ingredients, followed by potassium chloride. Many electrolytes are sugar-based and though horses tend to like them better, I would try to steer clear of them, if possible.
By the same token, it’s important not to over-supplement electrolytes or provide them unnecessarily because this can irritate the digestive tract. Over-supplementation also might throw mineral balance out of whack, which can create additional problem for your horse.
If you have a favorite electrolyte brand feel free to share in the comments!
