Salt licks: what are they for and which one should you choose? 🤔

Salt licks are one of those things you'll find almost everywhere in the horse's environment… yet their purpose isn't always well understood. What are they actually for? Are they essential? And how do you choose the right one for your horse? We explain everything here, and also cover other ways to supplement your horse's minerals if the lick just isn't their thing 🙈

What is a salt lick for? 🤔

The main purpose of salt licks is to provide your horse with essential minerals, and in particular sodium. Salt (sodium chloride) is something the horse cannot produce naturally.

Providing salt for your horse offers several key benefits:

• Sodium intake is essential for your horse's health: these minerals play a role in many vital functions, including nerve transmission, muscle contraction and fluid balance. Your horse simply cannot do without it.
• Salt stimulates appetite: if your horse tends to turn their nose up at their feed, access to a salt lick can help rekindle their interest in mealtimes.
• It encourages hydration: during periods of intense heat, some horses drink less than they should. Salt naturally encourages them to drink more, which helps prevent the risk of dehydration.
• It supports digestion: salt plays a role in the healthy functioning of the digestive system and maintaining a balanced gut flora — a real bonus given how sensitive a horse's digestion can be.

However, as with any supplement, moderation is key! Generally speaking, horses are good at self-regulating and consume what they need (around 50g of salt lick per day for a horse in work). But if you notice excessive or unusual consumption, it's best to speak to your vet to rule out any deficiency or compulsive behaviour 😉

The different types of salt lick ✨

There are several types of salt lick, each with a different composition. Here's an overview to help you choose the right one for your horse's needs:

The white salt lick (pure salt)

This is the most basic option. Made up almost entirely of sodium chloride, it provides salt only, with no other minerals. It is ideal for horses that already receive a well-balanced diet or supplements containing the other trace elements.

✔️ Ideal for: horses at grass, hardy ponies, or horses fed complete rations

The Himalayan pink salt lick

Very popular, this lick is natural and slightly richer than the white one. In addition to sodium, it contains trace elements such as iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc and copper. Its hardness makes it more difficult to gnaw, which helps prevent excessive consumption.

✔️ Ideal for: horses in moderate to intense work, or living outside year-round

Salt licks

This is where things go up a level. These licks are specifically formulated to cover mineral needs and complementary conditions, such as the Natural'Rock with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties for the Top, for digestive comfort with the Disgest, or locomotor comfort with the Moov.

✔️ Ideal for: horses in work, horses with deficiencies, broodmares, young growing horses

Some are even flavoured to encourage licking, such as Likits, in flavours like apple, cherry, banana, raspberry, carrot and more 🔥

How to use a salt lick?

Make the salt lick available to your horse on a free-access basis, whether in the stable or in the field. It can be hung with a rope or fixed to a wall bracket. It's important to protect it from moisture so it doesn't dissolve too quickly, and keep an eye on your horse to make sure they don't consume it excessively 😉

When licks aren't enough: what other mineral sources are there?

Even though a salt lick is a good foundation, it doesn't always cover all of a horse's mineral needs, especially during intense exercise, growth, gestation, or when pasture is deficient. Here are other ways to provide minerals for your horse:

Powdered or granulated mineral supplements

They are added directly to the daily ration. Generally very complete, they allow for precise and tailored supplementation. Some are formulated for specific situations: senior horses, stressed horses, horses at rest, or in intensive work.

✔️ The advantage: you have full control over the quantities given
❗️ The disadvantage: some horses can be fussy about the taste

Liquid supplements

Easy to administer, they are quickly absorbed by the body. They are often used as a course to support the horse during a specific period: change of season, fatigue, competitions, etc.

✔️ Ideal for mineral, magnesium or electrolyte courses

🔥 Our favourite: Ravene - Nutriforme liquid muscle supplement

Electrolytes

Essential after heavy sweating (heat, transport, competitions), they help replenish losses in sodium, potassium, calcium, chlorides and magnesium. Unlike a salt lick, they act more quickly.

✔️ Give after exercise or during hot weather

Enriched mashes

Some mashes already contain an additional supply of minerals and vitamins. They are particularly useful in winter or during periods of dietary transition, while also providing digestive comfort.

💕 Our favourite: ESC Laboratoire - Mash Phytomash hydration and recovery

A salt lick is a simple, affordable and very useful addition to your horse's wellbeing. It doesn't replace a balanced diet or a well-planned supplementation programme, but it does help maintain a good sodium intake and can contribute to overall mineral balance.

Always remember to adapt intake to your horse's actual needs, taking into account their lifestyle, age, diet and level of activity.