Himalayan Salt Lick vs White Salt Block: Which Is Better for Horses?
Every horse needs salt, but which kind should you buy? Here is an honest comparison of Himalayan salt licks and standard white salt blocks to help you choose.
What is a white salt block?
A white salt block is usually refined salt (sodium chloride) pressed into a block. It is inexpensive and does the main job well: it gives your horse sodium and chloride. Some white blocks have added ingredients such as iodine, and colored trace mineral blocks have minerals mixed in.
What is a Himalayan salt lick?
A Himalayan salt lick is a piece of natural rock salt, mined in Pakistan and cut into a block. It is unrefined, with nothing added, and contains small amounts of naturally occurring minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron, which give it its pink color.
Side-by-side comparison
- Source: Himalayan is natural rock salt; white blocks are usually refined and pressed.
- Additives: Himalayan has none; white blocks may contain binders or additives.
- Hardness: Himalayan rock salt is very dense, so horses lick rather than bite it and it tends to last. Pressed blocks can be softer and easier to chip.
- Weather: dense rock salt handles outdoor conditions well, although any salt slowly dissolves in rain.
- Hanging: Himalayan licks often come on a rope, keeping them off the ground and clean.
- Price: white blocks usually cost less per pound.
Is Himalayan salt a mineral supplement?
Not really, and it is important to be honest about this. The trace minerals in Himalayan salt are there in small amounts. Its main job is the same as any salt: providing sodium and chloride. If your horse needs extra minerals, talk to your vet about a balanced feed or supplement.
So which is better?
Both give your horse the salt it needs. Many owners choose Himalayan because it is natural, additive-free, hard-wearing and easy to hang. A dense block on a rope stays cleaner and lasts well in the stall, and many horses happily lick it.
Whichever you pick, give free-choice access and always keep fresh water nearby. Read more in How Much Salt Does a Horse Need?
Shop natural Himalayan salt licks
Try a Himalayan salt block on rope, a classic Himalayan salt lick, or stock up with a money-saving 8-pack. See the full range in our salt lick collection.