//Sodium for Horses – Requirements, Functions & Signs of Deficiency – Equine Nutrition/
Sodium for Horses - Requirements, Functions & Signs of Deficiency - Equine Nutrition
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Sodium is a macro mineral that is an important electrolyte in the horse’s body.

It plays a role in nerve impulse transmission, and regulation of muscle contractions. It regulates thirst and is involved in maintaining proper blood pressure and volume.

The daily sodium requirement for a 500 kg horse is approximately 10 grams. Higher intake is required in hot climates or for horses undergoing heavy physical exercise because they lose electrolytes through sweat.

Learn more about how much salt to feed your horse at https://madbarn.ca/how-to-feed-salt-to-your-horse/

Horses naturally seek out salt when levels of this mineral fall too
low in their body.

Horses should be provided with free choice loose salt to ensure electrolyte
balance is maintained.

If a horse does not get adequate amounts of sodium to they might actually avoid drinking water even on a hot day when they are sweating.

Additional signs of deficiency can include:

– abnormal licking of soil or other objects
– loss of appetite
– lethargy
– unsteady gait
– loss of skin vitality

To understand whether your horse could benefit from more sodium in their diet, contact Mad Barn for a complimentary diet analysis and one of our equine nutritionists will be happy to help – https://madbarn.ca/analyze-diet/