Cold Weather Care: The Importance Of Salt In Winter

May 23

3 min read

As Winter draws near and the temperature drops, it's vital to make sure your horse gets enough salt in their diet. Think of salt as the secret ingredient that keeps your horse thriving, a simple yet powerful mix of sodium and chloride. This essential mineral helps maintain overall health, especially when the cold weather might make your horse less inclined to drink water.

So, as you bundle up in layers, this article will highlight why we should not forget to sprinkle a little salt magic into your horse's feed.

Importance of Salt for Horses

Salt needs to be fed to your horses all year-round and is vitally important in Winter. Sodium and chloride, the components of salt, play key roles in several bodily functions. Sodium is crucial for nerve function, muscle contractions, and maintaining fluid balance, while chloride helps your horse’s digestion by forming hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

Kidney Function and Hydration

The kidneys are responsible for regulating the body's fluid balance and removing waste products. Adequate salt intake helps the kidneys function properly by maintaining the right balance of electrolytes in the blood. This balance is essential for preventing dehydration, especially since horses may drink less water in cold weather. Salt encourages horses to drink more (triggers thirst reflex) ensuring they stay hydrated, which helps prevent issues like impaction colic—a condition caused by dry, compacted feed in the gut.

Basic Sodium and Chloride Needs

The amount of salt a horse needs can vary based on several factors including the horse's size, activity level, diet, and environmental conditions. However, a general guideline for the salt requirement of an average adult horse is around 25g to 50g per day.

A good guide recommendation is a minimum of 10g of salt per 100kg body weight per day added to their feed. Increase this after exercise, intense weather or illness.

Due to their inconsistent nature of licking a salt block, they are not recommended. Always ensure fresh, clean water is available, as salt intake increases water consumption. An average 500kg horse drinks approximately 30-50 litres a day. On a side note regarding Pool Salt - Because manufacturing standards are not as strict for salt intended in chemical uses, it is recommended that your horse does not eat salt intended for pools due to potentially dangerous contamination. Insurance policies can be voided if feed ingredients are not approved for animal feed.

Effects on Body Systems

Nervous System: Sodium is critical for transmitting nerve impulses. Without sufficient sodium, nerve function can be impaired, leading to issues such as muscle cramps and weakness.
Muscular System: Sodium and chloride are essential for muscle contractions. A deficiency can result in muscle fatigue and decreased performance.
Digestive System: Chloride aids in the production of stomach acid, which is necessary for proper digestion and nutrient absorption.

Overall, adequate salt intake is crucial for maintaining the health and comfort of our beloved four-legged friends during the winter season. The best and most controlled way is to mix Salt into their daily feed.Salt helps support kidney function, encourages hydration, and helps maintain the proper functioning of the nervous, muscular, and digestive systems. It plays a significant role in supporting their overall well-being, ensuring they remain hydrated and balanced despite the challenges of colder weather.

Special Note: If you want to discover a more natural, food grade and better tasting salt for your horse, check out this podcast - Ep. 118 | MACROBIOTIC SALT – What Is It?