Too little Sodium
Requirement for sodium (Na) or common salt (NaCl) varies greatly according to the temperature and the working intensity of the horse.
PC-Horse estimates the requirements during winter (October - April) to be 60% of summer requirements.
Breeding mares and growing horses should always have access to a salt or mineral lick with a high salt content.
Horses which are trained or exercised heavily may have problems with regulation of salt intake. Such animals should therefore be given a controlled amount of salt every day.
Recommended amounts of salt for horses which are trained are 5-6 gram per 100 kg body weight in winter, and 6-10 gram during summer, when they sweat more.
Too much Sodium
Requirement for sodium (Na) or common salt (NaCl) varies greatly according to the temperature and the working intensity of the horse.
A moderate intake above requirement is not harmful and is ordinarily excreted. Excessive salt intake however can cause digestive disturbances and in extreme cases colic, particularily if water supplies are restricted.