Why Horses Need Salt: A Simple Guide to Equine Salt Requirements
A while back, I created a post that caused quite a stir and it revealed some common misunderstandings about why horses need salt and how it can be incorporated into their diet.
Do Horses Really Need Salt Every Day?
Yes, your horse needs salt. At least 1-2tbsp of non iodized white salt, or sea salt per day. Horses do not produce salt on their own so it must be added to their diet.
Why Is Salt Important for Horses?
Salt (sodium chloride) is for essential bodily functions like:
maintaining fluid balance
muscle and nerve function
to encourage drinking, which is crucial for hydration.
*Ensure fresh, clean water is always available, as excess salt can lead to dehydration if water intake is insufficient
What Kind of Salt Should Horses Have?
Loose White Salt is the most reliable way to ensure they get their daily salt intake.
Feed Blocks, Salt licks, and Tubs are a great free-choice option for horses who enjoy them! But these items were created for livestock with rough tongues. Horses have smooth tongues, so you cannot guarantee they will get the correct daily salt intake.
Fancy, Pretty rocks? Unless there is a palatability issue, these are typically unnecessary and expensive when you really just need plain white salt.
Red blocks or Red Salts can be used in areas where iron isn’t an issue. But again, smooth tongues aren’t going to get the minimum from a block. Iron overload can deplete other important minerals and cause organ dysfunction
What If My Horse Doesn’t Like White Salt?
Just like people, horses have preferences. Not all horses (or horse people) “like” white salt and there are other salt and electrolyte options that could work in place of white salt if the palatability isn’t ideal.
My Feed Has Salt Already… Isn’t That Enough?
Commercial feeds have added salt, but feeding as directed is needed to meet daily minimum, which rarely happens in practice.
I have come to learn that commercial feeds can meet salt and mineral needs, but contain processed grains and by-product ingredients that can create inflammatory responses in equines, so I generally do not recommend commercial feeds overall.
What I Recommend for Equine Salt & Nutrition
I encourage a forage-based, anti-inflammatory diet that includes:
Forage consumption at 1.5–2.5% of body weight, based on weight, condition, and performance.
Loose salt (added daily)
Minerals and healthy fats delivered via a soaked forage carrier in place of “grain.”
Every horse is an individual, with their own needs but the base needs are the same and can be met without grains, blocks, molasses or unlimited supplements.
If your horse is already thriving on a different plan—great! You don’t need to change a thing or feel pressured to justify it. I’m here to share what I’ve learned to help those who are still looking for answers.
Common Questions About Salt for Horses
How much salt does a horse need daily?
At least 1–2 tablespoons (0.5–1 oz) of plain white salt per day.
Can horses get too much salt?
Yes. If water is not available, excess salt can be harmful. Always ensure access to clean water.
Is loose salt better than a salt block for horses?
Absolutely. Loose salt guarantees intake, while salt blocks often don’t provide enough due to smooth tongues.
Are red Himalayan salt blocks safe?
Only if iron isn't an issue in your region. High iron intake can disrupt mineral balance.
A Bit About Me
My knowledge comes from:
University level nutrition classes (not sponsored by feed companies)
Hands-on experience with 100s of horses as an equine bodyworker since 2016
Ongoing studies that led me to become a certified equine nutrition consultant
In 2021, I expanded into owner and professional wellness education, and I remain committed to being a forever student of the horse.
My goal is to always add value and share with helpful intention, make people think, and ultimately help people help horses. I’ll always encourage you to contact a vet, nutritionist, or nutrition consultant to help create a plan that would fit your horses’ individual needs.
Want to Learn More?
I offer a FREE webinar that goes in depth about what a balanced equine diet truly entails: