Equine Electrolytes

Walk down the aisle of any feed or farm store, and you will likely be overwhelmed by the variety of supplements available for your horse. A plethora of supplements exist from joint and digestive health to skin and hair care to those that relax your animals and more.  

Equine electrolytes are supplements designed to replenish the essential minerals lost through sweat during exercise, heat or other common stressors in horses. Knowing when to use them can help maintain a horse’s health and performance.  

At BioZyme, we like to think we know a thing or two about supplements. That’s why we created this guide. We have our own line of equine supplements, Vitalize®, a line of supplements for horses, dogs and cats with proven solutions to keep your animal healthy and performing. 

When to Use Equine Electrolytes 

Just like everything, there is a time and place to feed supplements to your horse. Let’s explore the best times for electrolytes for horses. 

Hot Weather 

In hot climates or during heat waves, horses sweat more to regulate their body temperature. Supplementing with electrolytes helps replace the minerals lost during sweating. That’s because increased sweating can lead to electrolyte imbalances and dehydration. 

Supplementing electrolytes during periods of hot weather can help replenish electrolyte levels and maintain hydration. 

Intense Exercise or Workouts 

Horses engaged in intense exercise, competitions or extended work sessions are likely to lose more electrolytes through sweat. Providing electrolytes before and after such activities helps maintain their performance and recovery. 

Endurance or Long-Distance Riding 

Horses in endurance events or long-distance rides require extra electrolytes due to sustained periods of exertion and sweating. Offering electrolytes during and after these events helps avoid dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. 

Traveling & Trailering 

Horses often get stressed when traveling, which can lead to increased sweating. Providing electrolytes for horses during or after travel can help keep them hydrated and reduce stress-related imbalances. 

After Illness or Dehydration 

If a horse has been sick, especially with a condition that causes dehydration like diarrhea, electrolytes can help restore the balance of essential minerals.  

When Drinking is Limited 

If a horse is unwilling to drink enough water, which can happen due to stress or illness, equine electrolytes can encourage drinking and help maintain hydration. Remember that hydration and appetite often work synergistically, so if your horse isn’t drinking, it might not be willing to eat, either.  

Post-Surgery or Veterinary Procedures 

After surgery or certain veterinary treatments where dehydration could be a concern, electrolytes may be needed to restore balance and aid in recovery. Always check with your veterinarian, especially after procedures before giving your horse electrolytes. 

Preventing Heat Stress 

Providing equine electrolytes can help prevent heat stress, especially when horses are kept in hot environments or during the summer months. As the temperatures warm up, it is a good reminder to have your favorite electrolyte on hand. 

Considerations When Using Electrolytes 

We’ve shared with you the proper times to use electrolytes – during times of stress, heat and recovery. However, it is also important to consider some other advice when using equine electrolytes. 

Choose the Right Form 

Electrolytes come in various forms, such as powders, pastes and liquids. Choose the one that best suits your horse’s needs and preferences. 

Follow Instructions 

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dosage and administration. Overuse of electrolytes can be just as harmful as not using an electrolyte. 

Ensure Adequate Water 

Electrolytes increase a horse’s need for water. Always provide access to clean, fresh water when giving electrolytes. Electrolytes stimulate hydration so adequate water is a must!  

Consult a Veterinarian 

If you’re unsure about when or how to use equine electrolytes, consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist for personalized advice. We always encourage the veterinarian-client relationship. Making sure your vet knows your horse when it is healthy helps the veterinarian know how to help your horse when it needs it the most. 

By using electrolytes in the right situations, you can help ensure your horse stays healthy, hydrated and ready for physical activity or competition during any season. 

Vitalize Can Help!  

If you are looking for a way to give your horse more than just an electrolyte, consider giving it Vitalize® Blazin’. 

Vitalize Blazin’ is a liquid product for horses designed to support normal recovery from heat stress and exertion. It contains AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility. Blazin’ promotes cellular hydration and water retention and contains antioxidants to reduce damaging free radicals caused by exertion and heat.  

“Vitalize Blazin’ works differently than other products on the market. While it does help replenish some of what is lost and maintain cellular hydration, it also supports blood flow to the skin, which helps to dissipate body heat. Additionally, we know that elevated temperatures and exertion often result in damaging free radicals and fatigue, so the formula contains antioxidants to help combat those effects,” said Lynsey Whitacre, Ph.D., BioZyme’s Director of Smarketing and Product Development. 

Get Your Vitalize Now  

More than just electrolytes for horses, Vitalize Blazin’ is available in two convenient sizes: a 32- and 64-ounce bottle with easy-to-use pumps. Use as needed during elevated temperature or exertion and administer 2 to 4 pumps (30 – 60 mL) per day, depending on the intensity of heat and exercise.    

We recommend splitting the dose between morning and evening feedings. The best results will be obtained after at least three consecutive days of use, and depending on environmental conditions, the product can be used as long as needed.   

You can purchase Blazin’ from BioZyme online or through one of our select online retailers. Get your Vitalize Blazin’ and other Vitalize products from your local BioZyme dealer, or wherever Vitalize products are sold.  

Do you want to learn more about Blazin’ or other Vitalize products for horse gut and joint health? Read more of our educational blogs or visit our website.  

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