Salt in feed - how much?

[Suby2]

As title - how much salt should be added to a feed to counteract sweating? Pony is apx 14hh.

 

[Morgan123]

I believe it's meant to be around 1-2 tablespoons. However, I wonder about this. It seems to be becoming normal recommended practice, but I'm not totally sure it's necessary unless you're on a racehorse or endurance horse or something (will ask my vet next time) - obviously too much salt is a really bad thing and could cause all sorts of problems, just like in people (where we all actively avoid too much of it). I'd talk to your vet to be honest, and just add a pinch or two if you're seriously worried.

 

[Suby2]

I agree. It's just a temporary measure while she is sweating so much in the mild weather. Once the cold snap starts it won't be a problem.

 

[amandap]

I'd start small and increase up to a tablespoon a day. If you are worried give less and offer some loose salt free choice. A link for info.

http://equine.uckele.com/Resources-Articles/cat/drkellon/post/ElectrolytesDrKellon/

 

[Alexart]

I wouldn't add salt to her feed, I'd give her a salt lick so her body can decide how much it needs - too much salt is as bad as too little!

 

[paulineh]

If she is sweatingI would give an Electrolyte

 

[MerrySherryRider]

I'd start small and increase up to a tablespoon a day. If you are worried give less and offer some loose salt free choice. A link for info.

http://equine.uckele.com/Resources-Articles/cat/drkellon/post/ElectrolytesDrKellon/

Thanks for the link. That's pretty much what I was taught.

 

[Morgan123]

I wouldn't add salt to her feed, I'd give her a salt lick so her body can decide how much it needs - too much salt is as bad as too little!

I think there was some research which showed that horses don't actually do that - i.e. the amount of salt horses voluntarily consumed was not consistent with how much they needed in terms of whether they were deficient in it or not.

 

[WelshD]

I feed salt (a decent teaspoon full)

There are lots of thoughts about the benefit of a lot of feed additives/supplements but the advice to feed salt seems pretty uniform in lots of books spanning lots of years so I feed it

 

[YasandCrystal]

I feed salt. It's not the same just offering a lick. This is a very informative website, which talks about supplementing salt:

http://www.calmhealthyhorses.com/

 

[maccachic]

10g per 100kgs is the starting does. My hacks get up to 70g and loose salt in the paddock. Helps prevent any grass issues

"Be aware that electrolyte supplements should only be given to a horse that is already in good sodium balance. They are designed to replace what is lost from perspiration and should contain at least 13 grams of chloride, 6 grams of sodium, and 5 grams of potassium. If your horse works more than two hours at a time, provide a dose of electrolytes after exercise by adding it to a gallon of water (be sure to keep fresh, clean water nearby). " http://www.gettyequinenutrition.com/

 

[Suby2]

Thankyou everyone. All comments taken on board