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

Salt licks are one of those things you see everywhere in a horse's environment… yet their purpose isn't always fully understood. What are they really for? Are they essential? And how do you choose the right one for your horse? We explain everything here, including other ways to supplement your horse's minerals if a lick isn't their thing 🙈

What is a salt lick for? 🤔

The main purpose of salt licks is to provide your horse with a supply of essential minerals, particularly sodium. Salt (sodium chloride) is something a horse cannot produce naturally.

Making salt available to 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 be a little reluctant at mealtimes, access to a salt lick can help rekindle their interest in food.
• It encourages hydration: during periods of intense heat, some horses drink less than they need. Salt naturally encourages them to drink more, helping to prevent the risk of dehydration.
• It supports digestion: salt plays a role in the healthy functioning of the digestive system and in maintaining a balanced gut flora — a real benefit given how sensitive a horse's digestion can be.

That said, as with any supplement, moderation is key! Generally, horses are good at self-regulating and will 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 licks, each with different compositions. Here's an overview to help you choose based on your horse's needs:

The white salt lick (pure salt)

The simplest option. Made up essentially of sodium chloride, it provides salt only, without any other minerals. It's ideal for horses that already receive a well-balanced diet or supplements containing other trace elements.

✔️ Ideal for: horses at grass, hardy ponies, or horses fed on 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 outdoors year-round

Salt licks

This takes things to the next 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, available in flavours like apple, cherry, banana, raspberry, carrot and more 🔥

How to use a salt lick?

Make the 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 mount. It's important to keep it protected from moisture to prevent it dissolving too quickly, and keep an eye out to make sure your horse isn't consuming it excessively 😉

When licks aren't enough: other sources of minerals?

While a salt lick is a good foundation, it doesn't always cover all of a horse's mineral needs — especially during intense exercise, growth, pregnancy, or when grazing on mineral-deficient land. Here are other ways to supplement your horse's minerals:

Powdered or granule mineral supplements

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

✔️ Advantage: you have full control over the quantities given
❗️ Disadvantage: some horses can be fussy about the taste

Liquid supplements

Easy to administer, they are absorbed quickly by the body. They are often used in courses to support the body 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 of sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride and magnesium. Unlike a salt lick, they act more quickly.

✔️ Give after exertion 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, yet highly useful addition to your horse's wellbeing. It doesn't replace a balanced diet or a well-thought-out supplementation plan, but it helps to maintain a good sodium intake and can contribute to the overall mineral balance.

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