Electrolytes for horses tips? According to the Merck Vet Manual, horses most often become deficient in these 12 essential minerals and vitamins. Also listed are the symptoms horses may exhibit when deficient in each. Salt: Deficiency may cause pica, weight loss, tiring easily, dehydration, and muscle spasms. Phosphorous: Deficiency may cause pica, muscle weakness, and trembling. Potassium: Deficiency may cause muscle weakness, fatigue, and exercise intolerance. Magnesium: Deficiency may cause nervousness, excitability, or muscle tremors. Zinc: Deficiency may cause low insulin, insulin resistance, dull coat, poor hoof, or bone diseases. Iron: Deficiency may cause anemia.
Further electrolyte supplementation is also necessary when large quantities need to be replenished. An electrolyte should be given in addition to daily salt rations and is indicated whenever a horse experiences prolonged or repeated sweating. Important: If you’re feeding an electrolyte in water, never add it to your horse’s only water supply. Always provide a separate fresh water source. Now that you know the importance of electrolytes, how do you choose a supplement that’s best for your horse? Look for these three important factors when selecting an electrolyte: High salt content. Sodium and chloride (salt) and potassium should be the main ingredients. Low sugar content. Sugar should not be the main ingredient. Electrolyte supplements shouldn’t contain more than 15% sugar. Isotonic to sweat. An isotonic supplement provides electrolytes in similar concentrations as sweat. According to this PubMed article, an isotonic sweat-like electrolyte is the best solution to rapidly restore fluid and plasma electrolyte imbalance in horses. Discover extra info on https://blog.redmondequine.com/garlic-for-horses-which-form-is-best.
Being mired in cold temperatures or snow and ice doesn’t have to put a stop to quality time spent with your horse. It’s important to keep your horse moving during winter months, and time together will help you stay connected. So how do you safely navigate winter riding conditions? It requires a little more preparation, planning, and perhaps a shorter ride, but winter can still be a productive time for you and your horse. Here are some suggestions to help you weather the elements more comfortably and ensure your wintry ride is safe and enjoyable.
Have You Tried Redmond Rock on a Rope? Looking for a versatile and travel-friendly mineral rock for your horse? Try Redmond Rock on a Rope! It provides all the same benefits, equine electrolytes, and 63 trace minerals as original Redmond Rock—but comes on a handy hemp rope. Our smaller-sized salt rock is great for hanging in your horse’s stall, tying to a gate, or traveling in your trailer. How to Use Rock on a Rope (ROR) Tie ROR tight against a post to make it easy for horses to lick. Hang ROR slack in a stall as a healthy alternative to candy balls and boredom busters. Tie ROR to a fence outdoors to keep it out of the dirt and mud. Tie ROR low on a gate so horses can lick and maintain their natural foraging posture.
Keep tubs clean. Horses want fresh, clean water. Clear your horse’s water container of debris and change water frequently. If you’re using a bucket, rinse and wipe it out daily. Troughs and large containers should be cleaned weekly with a bristle brush to clear algae and contaminants. We realize a horse that’s not drinking is an immense concern. That’s why we created Redmond Rein Water. It’s an all-natural equine electrolyte drink mix that stirs easily into a water bucket and appeals to horses’ taste for salt. Read extra information at https://redmondequine.com/.