Why is my horse licking dirt ?

[niagaraduval]

I took my horse out for a hack today and he kept stopping to lick the dirt. I was advised a few weeks back to get him a mineral lick, so I did.


What can he be lacking ? I don't like the thought of him licking dirt.

Thanks

 

[binkymerlin]

ummm dicky belly?

 

[binkymerlin]

http://www.animavet.com/EatingDirt.pdf found this if it helps

 

[teamsarazara]

Think it means they need more salt/vitamins in their diet or a lick or something!

 

[kezimac]

mine does it too in the field - however mine has a mineral field lick, and has selevite e supplement with all vitamins and minerals and selenium (usually reason for soil licking is selenium defieciency) and still does it - so not sure what mine can be lacking ??

 

[niagaraduval]

I have put a mineral lick out for him. I was looking to find out exactly what he is lacking to try and find a supplement for him to add to his feed.

 

[niagaraduval]

Thanks Kezimac, will have a look at a supplement with selenium.