Epsom salts?

[baleofhay]

Does any one add Epsom salts to there feed ?? What for ?? What are they supposed to be good for please?? Do they act as a calmer??? Just interested? Thanks

 

[carthorse]

I do add some if my horse gets filled legs as he can get cellulitis and I like to think it settles his system and helps .

 

[suzysparkle]

Yes they do act as a (very cheap) calmer....a form of magnesium. You can buy £25KG on ebay for about £15!!! I've heard they are helpfull for headshaking. Good in a (human) bath too!

 

[baleofhay]

How much do you feed a day please??

 

[the watcher]

They can act as a magnesium calmer, although I have also heard it said that the formulation isn't quite right for this use, and very long term use can have an adverse reaction on muscles. Would be interesting if anybody knows the science behind this suggestion

 

[Nudibranch]

Have used it as a magnesium calmer, couldn't find any dosage instructions so used to chuck a small handful in every couple of days. Not very scientific I know but it did seem to have the desired effect. Have also heard about problems with long term use, again can't remember what though maybe relating to calcium/phosphorus ratios?

 

[apkelly01]

I thought epsom salts was a laxative (in humans anyway) or a muscle soak. I would never thought about giving it to horses.

 

[Bugly]

I go on 4g per 100kg of body weight.

See www.barefootbasics.co.uk for more info. Scroll down to Magnesium Oxide. I buy mine from Countrywide in the sheep aisle, about 3 times less the price of the horsey version!

 

[Damnation]

I used it last year when Poutu had a protein rash. She had it in her feed and had it sponged onto the rash to cool and soothe it, didn't know it was a calmer though *Runs to ebay*