Horses are tolerant of high levels of salt in their diets if they have access to fresh drinking water. However, salt poisoning can occur if salt-starved animals are suddenly exposed to an unlimited supply of salt or if liberal amounts of water are not available. In such cases, the horses may develop digestive disturbances. Severely poisoned horses die of salt cramps. Horsemen can easily prevent this occurrence by not giving salt-starved horses free access to salt until they start leaving some behind in the mineral box and by making sure plenty of water is always available to drink.
Salt Feeding Recommendations
Typically 0.5 to 1.0% salt should be added to horse concentrate feeds. If the concentrate feed is used as a small part of the diet, it should contain 1% salt. If it is used as a major part of the diet, such as a complete feed, then 0.5% salt should be added. If extra salt is lost due to sweating or if the horses are being managed in a grazing situation, free-choice feeding of salt is recommended to ensure adequate intake.
