Salt v electrolytes ??

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Muddyboots

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My horse is a fusy eater. He is currently fed on topspec balancer and cubes which he seems to really like. Topspec have said to add salt to his feed which I have tried (a tea spoon) and he doesn't like!!

Is adding salt to the feed the same as adding electrolytes? Is there any particular brand / type of electrolytes that are more palatable than others??

Any recommendations welcomed!! Thank you!! X
 
My mare will pretty much eat anything so hard for me to comment, but I have been using the science supplements electrolytes and they smell really minty which may help with fussy eaters.
 
I only use electrolytes when she has sweated excessively (i.e. last night at SJ training). I use Equine America Applelytes - it smells amazing (cherries!), but still tastes like salt so not sure you would be any better off :(
 
Muddyboots said:
My horse is a fusy eater. He is currently fed on topspec balancer and cubes which he seems to really like. Topspec have said to add salt to his feed which I have tried (a tea spoon) and he doesn't like!!

Is adding salt to the feed the same as adding electrolytes?
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Start with less and mix it in well or even dissolve it in water before mixing if using a dry feed. Mine eat up to a tablespoon a day and they don't do much!
Salt is not the same as electrolytes although they contain salt they also contain other things such as potassium which is rarely in short supply in the diet, whereas salt is often deficient. Electrolytes are for replacement after excessive sweating as others have said.
 
Salt IS ELECTROLYTES. ha ha!

Electrolytes are sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride and magnesium ions that bind and help keep electrical impulses zooming around our cells. When sweating, mainly sodium and potassium is lost.

Sea salt is enough and plenty of water followed. A nutritious meal later.

I think the average horse needs only this. If you are out galloping on a hot day, then I strongly suggest a rehydration drink to be on the safe side for recovery as the heart needs it. But heathy horses, doing average work, water and salt is enough.
 
rehydration drink for horse or rider? any you would recommend?

ours do sweat a lot on hot days, schooling at PSG and GP respectively gets them really hot to the point i feel they do need something putting back in.
 
Prince33Sp4rkle said:
rehydration drink for horse or rider? any you would recommend?

ours do sweat a lot on hot days, schooling at PSG and GP respectively gets them really hot to the point i feel they do need something putting back in.
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For people, I would just drink squash or pop. I remember going to the chemist years ago for a housemate who had a really nasty tummy bug. Chemist said the best thing to do was replace lost fluids and electrolytes; I asked for some of those powders you can make up into a drink and she no, something like Lilt or Sprite was the best thing.

For the horse you could add something like this to their water: http://www.drugs.com/vet/electro-dex.html

Mine won't drink after exercise, even if he's been XC in 30deg heat. In his case, I would use a handful of his normal hard feed, a scoop of electrolytes (I like Equine America's) and make it into a soup with loads of water. Or even sugar beet water with electrolytes in. He would drink all of that, but not water with just electrolytes in (or even not plain water).
 
tallyho! said:
Salt IS ELECTROLYTES. ha ha!
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:D Yes salt (Sodium and chloride) are electrolytes but the point I was making was you don't need to feed electrolyte mixes/products every day. You should feed salt daily in my understanding and it seems TS are saying this as well now.
I use table salt cheap and cheerful.
 
amandap said:
:D Yes salt (Sodium and chloride) are electrolytes but the point I was making was you don't need to feed electrolyte mixes/products every day. You should feed salt daily in my understanding and it seems TS are saying this as well now.
I use table salt cheap and cheerful.
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Oh ok, I didn't see your post amandap sorry. I use sea salt as has a weeny bit of K+ but any salt is fine.

I put it in feed whether needed or not. Helps flush out the toxins.
 
I've always added table salt (sea salt) to evening feeds in the summer and then dumped a scoop of water on top. All mine are and always have been fed with water mixed in which dissolves the salt as well as ensures they remain hydrated and lessens the risk of impaction.

I add Waitrose Apple High Juice to water when out competing and find it really helps them drink. I have tried a number of squashes/juices but this is the one that my posh boys will have!
 
When I use electrolytes post exercise I offer it in water (along with a normal water bucket). I have used them in feed too but notice little difference tbh, but 360 days a year he doesn't work up a proper sweat just hot on his neck/girth :p he gets out easy/is a very fine haired PBA :p
 
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