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  Discussion on Appropriate Salt Intake
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Member:
Xenophon

Posted on Friday, Jun 11, 2004 - 12:35 am:

Having searched & read previous (now archived)forums on this topic, I'm still somewhat confused. The last input I found from Dr.O ended with: "As an interesting side note, salt is the only mineral for which a clear appetite exists and therefore if available will be consumed in adequate quantities. The amount of salt a horse will consume is extremely variable and generally it is taken in excess by the horse when available free choice." This doesn't appear to be the case with one of my horses. A 23 yr.old, 16HH, approx. 1100 TB gelding, in glowing health except for his arthritis,he's turned out in a large paddock 4-6 hrs./day & gets ridden exercise (hacking) once or twice/week. He seems to consume virtually no salt other than that which he gets through his daily feed. This is approx. 20 lb. grass mix hay (fed in 4 feedings/day), 1 1/2 lb. (dry weight) soaked beet pulp (a.m.), and a mix of 1 cup Pro-Form Sr. pelleted/extruded feed + 1/2 cup dried molasses + 1 1/2 cups rice bran + 1 1/2 cups wheat bran + the recommended amount of a vitamin/mineral mix formulated for our area (B.C. coast)+ the recommended amount of Recovery (for his arthritis)each p.m. He has a cobalt salt brick (which almost never goes down in size) in his feed tub. He appears to drink quite normally. Should I be adding salt to his diet instead? My 20 year old Irish Sport Horse mare, who is 16:1 HH and about 1200 lb. and on approximately the same diet (slightly less) goes through her salt brick in about 2-3 months. I'd appreciate any advice.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Jun 11, 2004 - 6:52 am:

Chris your horse is getting adequate salt from his diet. I think just keeping it available if needed is fine.
DrO
Member:
dakotab

Posted on Saturday, Jan 19, 2008 - 12:11 pm:

Dr O
I was wondering about salt intake also. But My question is can a horse eat too much salt? I bought Himalayan salt licks for my horses and hung them Christmas. They were 21/2-3# each. One of my horses who licks everything in site, went through his already. Everyone else is doing fine. Should we give him another one, or wait? Can a horse get to much salt in his system?
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 23, 2008 - 9:03 am:

Hello Hilma,
Rather than placing your post at the bottom of another's post, you should "Start a New Discussion" to post your problem. You will receive quicker and more responses that way.

There is a better topic to learn and post about your topic and you will find it at "Horse Care » Equine Nutrition, Horse Feeds, Feeding » Minerals and Electrolytes for Horses, an Overview. Be sure to check out the section on toxicity.

If after reviewing the article you still have questions you might see if some of the other discussions that are listed below the article answer your question. If not, you will find at the bottom of list of already present discussions a "Start New Discussion" button. For more on this see Help & Information » Posting Guidelines or where did my post go?.
DrO
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