Does my horse need salt?

Short answer

Yes — almost always.

Forage (hay and pasture) is typically low in sodium, and most horses do not meet their sodium needs without added salt. A 500 kg (1,100 lb) horse at maintenance commonly requires around 30 grams (about 1 ounce) of salt per day, with needs increasing in heat, humidity, or during work (Mad Barn; NRC guidelines).

Real-Life Example

It’s mid-summer. Your horse is sweating during rides, but there’s only a salt block in the pasture that hasn’t visibly changed in weeks.

Even if a block is available, some horses do not consume enough from a block alone. Adding measured loose salt to feed and offering free-choice loose salt helps ensure intake matches demand.

Sweat = sodium loss.
No replacement = dehydration risk.

It Depends

Salt needs increase with:

• Heat and humidity
• Exercise and sweating
• Lactation
• Dry hay diets

• Travel or stress

Some horses regulate intake well with loose free-choice salt. Others benefit from measured daily supplementation.

Blocks are often insufficient on their own, particularly in high-demand conditions.

When to Seek Guidance

If your horse shows:

• Reduced water intake
• Dry manure or signs of mild colic
• Lethargy during heat
• Heavy sweating with slow recovery

Pause and consult your veterinarian.

If you’re unsure whether intake is adequate, reviewing your ration with a nutritionist or veterinarian can help.

Sources:
National Research Council (NRC) Nutrient Requirements of Horses
Mad Barn – Equine Sodium & Salt Requirements
ECIR Group guidance on sodium intake in metabolic horses