Electrolytes for Horses: When, What, and How

Many horse owners are asking: Should I use electrolytes? With so many opinions, it can be tough to navigate. To help clear things up, let’s take a closer look at electrolytes—what they are, what they do, and how to use them effectively for your horse’s health and performance.

What are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are essential minerals (like calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, chloride, and bicarbonate) that help keep your horse’s body functioning smoothly. When dissolved in water, these minerals create ions that carry electrical charges—enabling vital processes such as:

• Muscle contractions (including the heart)

• Blood volume control

• Regulating thirst and hydration

• Absorption of nutrients

In short, electrolytes help maintain physiological balance. If your horse experiences an imbalance or loss of electrolytes, it can disrupt essential bodily functions and even become life-threatening.

How Does Sweating Impact Electrolyte Loss?

When your horse sweats, it loses electrolytes. Horse sweat is highly concentrated with electrolytes, meaning they lose more of these crucial minerals than humans do during exertion. Sweating, while necessary for cooling, also depletes their electrolyte reserves, which is why replenishing them is so critical—especially during intense work or in hot weather.

Water Intake and Hydration

Providing your horse with ample water is vital for rehydration. Keep in mind that horses tend to drink more when water is offered in large buckets or troughs rather than smaller automatic drinkers. Additionally, ensuring that water is at a comfortable temperature can encourage them to drink more, especially in colder or hotter weather.

Should I Feed Salt or an Electrolyte Supplement?

The short answer: both! While salt helps meet a horse’s base sodium needs, adding electrolytes to their diet becomes necessary when they work hard, sweat profusely, or are exposed to high temperatures. Salt blocks can be helpful, but a measured daily intake of table salt and electrolytes through feed is more reliable. 

What Electrolyte Supplement Should You Choose?

Not all electrolytes are created equal. Look for a balanced supplement with adequate levels of sodium, chloride, and potassium. Be wary of products with high levels of sugar, as they won’t meet your horse’s needs.

For optimal performance and recovery, TWYDIL® Electrolytes offers a superior solution. With Palatinose®, this product provides a steady release of energy, reducing insulin peaks and ensuring delayed glucose liberation—ideal for horses in training or competition. TWYDIL® supports your horse’s hydration and energy needs while ensuring efficient electrolyte replenishment over time.

Remember, electrolytes are an essential part of your horse’s diet, especially when they’re working hard or dealing with heat. Providing a balanced supplement like TWYDIL® Electrolytes can make all the difference in maintaining their performance and well-being.