Importance of Salt in the Diet?

[LizzyandToddy]

I've been wondering whether or not to add any additional salt to my horses diet recently. I've tried offering a salt lick but he doesn't like them - he's always been fussy with food. I've recently upped his work load, he had a colic operation beginning of this year, but has recovered well and is now fit enough to continue to event. He currently is only receiving a hand full of coarse-mix once daily, with a sprinkling of garlic just to keep the flies away. He is part Connemara pony and is growing his winter coat early, and as a result is sweating alot with heavier work.

What are the consequences of reduced salt in the diet? And do you think I should be feeding additional salt?

Any help greatly appreciated! - Never used these forums before. x Lizzy

 

[star]

if you read the back of most commercial mixes/cubes they say you should add salt to a working horse's diet. they cant add salt to the feeds as it makes them absorb water and go off so they are salt deficient. most horses will use a salt lick and take what they require but those who wont should really have salt added esp if sweating lots. not enough salt in the diet can lead to problems with cramping/tieing up etc.

 

[LizzyandToddy]

Thanks very much will any kind of salt do? x

 

[ofcourseyoucan]

if he is sweating clip him! you can add lo-salt to his feed or buy electolytes to add. too much salt will just make him drink more and pee more. is he de hydrated? do a skin pinch test, otherwise i would just give him electrolytes day prioe to, day of, and day after competition. if prone to tying up you need the electolytes with calcium. also would give him electrolytes on the days he does his canter or gallop work.

 

[star]

i mix lo-salt and normal table salt as that is better than plain old salt - i only give a sprinkle in each feed, a bit more if he's sweated lots. he sweats all yr round including when he's clipped - is just a sweaty pony.

 

[Pep12]

The best mix for a cheap home made electrolyte is 1/3 lo-salt and 2/3 normal table salt. Don't give just lo-salt as this is potassium chloride. it is imprtant to replace, sodium, potassium and chloride lost in the sweat hence the need for "normal" table salt (sodium chloride) too.