Feeding electrolytes daily?

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amandap

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OK so I am old. I am reading more and more posts about people feeding electrolytes as part of daily feeds. I am wondering if this is necessary or even advisable?

I was taught they were only required in specific circumstances ie. hard work with a lot of sweating for eg. but am wondering what others think and if this has changed.
I just feed salt daily as this is the most commonly deficient mineral I believe.
 
Hello, I do endurance with mine and the endurance community (who should know about these things!) only feed electrolytes a few days before and after a ride, not all the time. I would really not feed every day unless you'd been specifically advised by a nutritionist or vet.
 
When it is really hot I offer them in water - ALWAYS with plain water always available as well. Four of my 5 horses drink them. They all have access to Himalayan salt licks too.
 
Thanks lucylocket interesting. I worry especially about feeding extra potassium.
The other thing I have learned is that feeding things balanced to each other doesn't necessarily correlate to balanced with what the horse actually eats. Spring grass can have potassium spikes especially in Spring I believe so excess could easily be fed.

Here's another take. http://www.balancedequine.com.au/nutrition/electrolytes.html
 
I'm another endurance rider and I havn't fed electrolytes for years. Mine do just fine on a table spoon of salt in their feed.
 
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