How Much Salt Does a Horse Need? A Simple Guide
Salt is one of the few nutrients every horse needs every single day. Here is how much your horse needs, why it matters, and the easiest way to make sure they get enough.
Why horses need salt
Salt (sodium chloride) helps your horse stay hydrated, keeps nerves and muscles working and replaces what is lost in sweat. Horse sweat is salty, so a horse working hard in hot weather can lose a lot of sodium in a single day. Most hay and grain contain very little sodium, which is why horses need an extra source.
How much salt does a horse need per day?
An average adult horse at rest needs roughly 1 ounce (about 2 tablespoons) of salt a day. That amount goes up in hot, humid weather and with regular exercise. A horse in heavy work or sweating a lot can need two to three times more. Pregnant and nursing mares also need more.
Every horse is different, so talk to your vet or equine nutritionist if your horse is in heavy work, has a health condition or is on a special diet.
Signs your horse may need more salt
- Licking or chewing on fences, dirt or other objects
- Drinking less water than usual
- Dry manure or low energy in hot weather
- Eating the salt block very quickly once it is offered
The easiest way to provide salt: a free-choice salt lick
Most horses are good at taking the salt they need when it is available all the time. A Himalayan salt lick in the stall or paddock gives your horse steady, free-choice access. Himalayan rock salt is natural, unrefined and contains trace minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron.
Tips for getting it right:
- Keep it clean: a salt block on a rope hangs off the ground, away from dirt and manure.
- Keep it sheltered: rain slowly dissolves salt, so a covered spot makes the block last longer.
- Always provide fresh water: salt makes horses drink, so clean water must always be nearby.
- Check it regularly: replace the block when it gets small.
Do horses that lick slowly need loose salt too?
Some horses don't lick enough to meet their needs, especially in hot weather. If you think your horse isn't getting enough from a block, ask your vet whether adding a measured amount of loose salt to feed makes sense.
Find the right salt lick for your horse
Browse our natural Himalayan salt licks, from compact 1 lb licks for travel to bulk 12-packs for busy barns. Questions? See our FAQ or contact us.