After a few week’s hiatus (my bad), I’m back, baby! This week I wanted to talk about the two things you may need to add to your horse’s diet (if you don’t already feed them). To put it simply, they are iodized salt and an omega-3 fatty acid supplement. Let’s explore each of these ingredients a bit closer shall we?
Iodized Salt
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But Sam, I already give my horse salt!”. While this may be true, you may not be feeding IODIZED salt. Iodine is an important trace mineral required in the equine diet. It helps with the synthesis of thyroid hormones which are crucial for healthy equine metabolism, proper growth/development, and overall health.
Iodine deficiencies can cause goiters (enlargement of the thyroid gland), lethargy, lack of appetite, cold intolerance, and dull hair coat and/or hair loss. Supplement of iodine is especially important for pregnant and lactating mares as deficient foals can be stillborn or born weak, develop hypothermia, and a plethora of other unpleasant health issues.
Some equestrians may think that mineral and salt blocks at the feed store are sufficient but did you know that those blocks were designed for cows? Cows have much rougher tongues than horses and can wear away at the block at a much faster and more beneficial rate. Horses can lick at the block for hours and not get nearly the amount they need. In conclusion, loose iodized salt in your horse’s ration or offered in a free-choice feeder is best.
When supplementing iodized salt, the rate for a non-working horse on a cool day is around 2 tablespoons per 1100 lb. horse. Horses that are working will require even more salt as they are most likely perspiring and therefore losing salt through sweat.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are required in the equine diet but often are fed in unbalanced ratios. The exact perfect ratio has not been 100% determined. However, most animal scientists agree that the ideal omega-3 to omega-6 ratio is 3:1. This means for every 3 omega-3 fatty acids, there should only be 1 omega-6.
Omega-3 fatty acids are converted to anti-inflammatory products in the digestive system. These products aid in recovery and loads of other bodily functions. Omega-6 fatty acids are converted to pro-inflammatory products meaning they increase inflammation in the equine body and can hinder recovery.
Unfortunately, many feed companies advertise that they have a balanced omega fatty acid ratio when they in fact do not. The chart below shows some common feedstuffs and the proportions of omega-3s and 6s found in them.
Thank you so much for reading about the two things you may need to add to your horse’s diet! Did any of this information surprise you? Let us know! We’d love to hear from you!
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