Salt and licks for horses

Why does a horse need salt

Regulates water balance in the body

Supports muscle and nerve function

Helps with digestion and nutrient absorption

Prevents sodium and chloride deficiency

Without enough salt, a horse can suffer from:

Weakness and fatigue

Loss of appetite

Muscle disorders (e.g. cramps)

Dehydration

How salt and licks are used

Direct access:
The horse has a salt lick available at all times so that it can regulate its intake as needed.

Dosed feed:
Salt can also be added to the daily ration of feed (e.g. 20–50 g/day for an adult horse).

Along with mineral supplements:
Some licks also contain magnesium, zinc, selenium or vitamins.

💡 Tip: A horse usually consumes 20–50 g of salt per day, but this depends on the load, temperature and mineral content of the basic feed.

Types of salt and licks
1. Feed salt

The most common way to supplement sodium and chlorides.
Advantages: cheap, simple, available.
Disadvantages: lack of minerals, must be dosed accurately.

2. Salt licks

Hard blocks of salt, often enriched with minerals and vitamins.
Types:

White salt licks – pure salt

Colored or mineral licks – contain magnesium, calcium, zinc, selenium, vitamins

Liquid licks – are added to water or feed4

Advantages:

The horse takes as needed

Contains additional minerals

Easy to apply and long-lasting

Disadvantages:

Some horses need time to get used to the lick

Licks may dissolve in high humidity or rain

Price may be higher than classic salt

3. Mineral licks with supplements

Contain a wide range of minerals and vitamins.
Advantages:

Ensures balanced nutrient intake

Supports hooves, coat, immunity and metabolism

Disadvantages:

Not suitable for combining with multiple supplements to avoid overdose

Price higher than regular salt

4. Electrically attached licks and stands

For comfort and hygiene.
Advantages: clean, easy to access, reduces waste
Disadvantages: higher initial investment

Advantages of using licks and salts

Provides constant access to sodium and chloride

Replenishes minerals and vitamins if supplemented

Promotes horse well-being and health

Prevents mineral deficiencies and dehydration

Disadvantages and risks

Overdose if horse consumes too much salt (especially with low feed volume)

Unsuitable licks may be dirty or moldy

Some licks may be too hard or unusually tasty

There is a risk of overdose when combined with other mineral supplements

How to choose the right salt and lick

Horse type and workload:

Sport horse → mineral licks with higher sodium and electrolyte content

Recreational → classic salt or basic lick

Form of administration:

hard block for pasture

liquid for easy mixing with feed

Supplement content:

monitor added minerals and vitamins to not exceed recommended doses

Quality and origin:

prefer certified products for horses

check durability and moisture resistance

Location and access:

the horse should have easy access

place licks away from mud and feces

Principles of proper use

The horse has access to them permanently or most of the day

Monitor lick consumption - extremely low or high may indicate a health problem

Proceed gradually when changing licks or forms of salt

Keep licks clean and dry

Most common mistakes

Insufficient access to salt

Overfeeding minerals when combining with multiple supplements

Using human salt with a high iodine content or chemicals

Place in a place where the lick gets wet or dirty

Salt and licks are an essential supplement horse nutrition. A properly selected and available lick or salt block ensures electrolyte balance, supports muscle and nerve function, hooves and coat health, and prevents health problems. When choosing, we are guided by the type of horse, load, form of administration, and additional minerals.