An electrolyte is a mineral that carries an electric charge.

This electric charge gives them the superpower of maintaining fluid balance and conducting electrical charges for many essential functions in the body, such as muscle contraction and nerve cell response.

The 5 most important electrolytes (notice the charge) include sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-), calcium (Ca2+), and magnesium (Mg2+).

Electrolytes are safe! With adequate access to water, electrolytes are safe for all horses. 

For the average horse at maintenance, their electrolyte needs can typically be met through the diet. 

That being said, horse sweat is hypertonic, which means that their sweat contains a higher concentration of minerals as compared to humans, so when they do lose a large volume of sweat, they likely need extra electrolytes in order to replenish those being lost. 

The large intestine is a reservoir for electrolytes and when excessive sweating occurs, the horse taps into this reservoir, depleting it. Supplementing electrolytes can replace this electrolyte reservoir.  

As an added benefit, electrolytes stimulate thirst similar to eating a salty meal. As a result, horses will drink more to further improve their hydration status.

Electrolytes are primarily lost through sweat. Compared to humans, horse sweat is hypertonic meaning horse sweat is highly concentrated in electrolytes. In other words, horses lose more electrolytes through sweat than we do. 

It is important to replace these electrolytes after they are lost to return to normal fluid balance and restore electrical impulses.  

If your horse is undergoing exercise that results in sweating beyond “just under the saddle pad,” you should consider electrolyte supplements. 

A secondary need for electrolytes is during a gastrointestinal disturbance that results in loose stools or diarrhea. Frequently, this disturbance can lead to dehydration and the use of electrolytes can support hydration and fluid balance during the gastrointestinal disruption. 

Some signs that your horse may need electrolytes:

• It is hot and/or humid weather and sweating is amplified
• They are in moderate to intense training or work
• Sweat extends beyond just the saddle/saddle pad
• During GI upset (diarrhea)
• Horses doing full-day work 
• During long-distance travel or transport

Both products are formulated with the same concentration of electrolytes and B-vitamins. 

The paste is great for travel and immediate use surrounding an intense day of work or a performance event. 

The powder provides easy administration on a horse’s normal meal. Both are highly palatable, it just depends how you want to or can feed them.

Every horse makes B-vitamins in their large intestine (the electrolyte reservoir). In working horses, the large intestine is often unable to keep up with the demand for B vitamins. 

For ease of supplementation, it has been added to the electrolyte supplement to support hard working horses.

B-vitamins are water-soluble vitamins that play a role in energy metabolism and support many cellular functions.  

Specifically, they are often cofactors for enzymes responsible for generating energy. Without the B-vitamin serving as enzyme cofactors, the enzyme cannot work and energy is not produced efficiently. 

Think of a B12 injection, common in people.  Following that treatment, people often feel more energized and able to perform at higher levels.

Yes! B-vitamins are water soluble; therefore, there is no risk of toxicity and supplementation is safe for all horses but especially important for working horses.

It is common for many electrolytes (both in horses and humans) to be incredibly high in sugar, which as you now know, is not the need when a horse has lost a large amount of sweat.

Read the labels on other electrolyte supplements to verify if they are actually replacing lost electrolytes or simply providing glucose. On a label, this will often appear in the ingredients list as dextrose.