Laminitis in horses: what is it, how does it develop, and what can you do about it?
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Everyone who sweats loses fluids and electrolytes and so does your horse. Electrolyte supplements for horses are most often added to the ration in the summer. This makes sense, because in hot weather, horses sweat more and therefore lose more electrolytes. Yet your horse also sweats in other seasons. Just think of that strenuous training in the indoor arena on a cold winter's day. However, you don't need to give your horse electrolytes every day. Do this when your horse has sweated – regardless of the temperature or the season. Horses cannot store electrolytes in their bodies for later use. That is why it is very important that they are replenished at the right time.
Electrolytes is actually a collective term for salts and minerals that maintain your horse's fluid balance. They not only ensure that the fluid balance is maintained, but also that muscles and nerves can function properly. The best-known electrolyte is sodium chloride, also known as table salt. Although sodium chloride is the best-known electrolyte, potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus play an equally important role.
Read here more about what exactly electrolytes are and why they are important for horses
Do you go riding in the afternoon, but already supplement your horse's concentrate with electrolytes in the morning? Then those unused electrolytes are excreted almost immediately through the urine. Your horse does not have any tissues or organs to store large amounts of electrolytes. Therefore, it is important to feed an electrolyte supplement to your horse at the right time; otherwise, it is of little use. The ideal time to administer electrolytes is a maximum of 2 hours before exercise or shortly after exercise. That way, the minerals are not lost and your horse's reserves are replenished in time.
There are many different electrolyte supplements for horses. You can recognise a good electrolyte supplement by the presence of all important electrolytes: Potassium (K), sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). In addition, additional ingredients that promote recovery after exercise, such as monosodium phosphate or sodium bicarbonate, are a nice addition. Finally, it is important that the supplement contains components to promote the absorption of electrolytes, such as glucose or dextrose.
At Cavalor, you will find various electrolyte products with all the necessary substances to help your horse recover quickly after exercise. You can find them in both powder and liquid form:
Are you unsure if any of the Cavalor electrolytes are right for your horse? Using our online advice tool: MyCavalor.com, you can put together a feed recommendation based on your needs. Do you prefer personal advice? Ask your question to one of our Cavalor nutritionists via our Consumer Line +32(0)9 220 25 25 or email info@cavalor.com.
In our store locator, you can find the nearest Cavalor shop in your area. Thanks to our many points of sale, you'll never have to drive far for your Cavalor electrolytes!
