Summer Nutrition for Horses
The 3 Nutrients Most Commonly Missed in Hot Weather
Summer brings longer days, harder ground, more riding, more sweating, and often less reliable pasture. Yet despite these seasonal changes, many horse owners continue feeding the same diet they fed months ago.
The result?
Nutritional gaps can quietly develop, affecting hydration, performance, recovery, and overall wellbeing long before obvious signs appear.
At FeedXL, we regularly analyze horse diets from across North America and see the same pattern emerge every summer. Three nutrients are commonly overlooked, yet they play a critical role in helping horses cope with heat, exercise, and changing pasture conditions.
Let’s take a closer look.
1. Salt: The Most Commonly Deficient Summer Nutrient
If we had to choose one nutrient that causes the most problems during summer, it would be salt.
Not electrolytes.
Not supplements.
Just plain salt.
Horses lose salt every time they sweat. During hot weather, these losses can be substantial, particularly for horses in work.
What many owners don’t realise is that salt plays a major role in stimulating thirst. When salt levels are low, a horse may not feel driven to drink enough water, even when plenty is available.
This can increase the risk of:
- Dehydration
- Reduced gut motility
- Poor temperature regulation
- Reduced performance
- Increased risk of impaction colic
How Much Salt Does a Horse Need?
A horse in light work requires approximately 10 grams of salt per day at a minimum. This equates to roughly two teaspoons of table salt.
Horses in moderate or heavy work, particularly in hot weather, may require significantly more.
Pasture generally supplies very little salt. Most commercial feeds contribute only small amounts. Salt licks can help, but intake is often inconsistent and difficult to monitor.
For many horses, adding measured loose salt to the daily feed is the simplest and most reliable solution.
What to Check
Review your horse’s diet and determine whether it is supplying adequate salt for their workload and climate.
Many owners are surprised to discover their horse is consuming far less than required.
2. Electrolytes: Replacing More Than Just Water
When a horse sweats, they lose much more than fluid.
Horse sweat contains significant amounts of:
- Sodium
- Chloride
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Calcium
These minerals are essential for normal muscle function, nerve transmission, hydration, and recovery.
For horses working in hot conditions, replacing these losses is often necessary to maintain performance and wellbeing.
Why Electrolytes Matter
Electrolyte depletion can contribute to:
- Lethargy
- Muscle soreness
- Reduced willingness to work
- Slower recovery after exercise
- Reduced gut motility
- Increased risk of impaction colic
- Muscle dysfunction and tying-up episodes
Not All Electrolyte Supplements Are Equal
Many products marketed as electrolytes vary considerably in their formulation.
When assessing a supplement, look for:
- ✓ Sodium and chloride as primary ingredients
- ✓ Meaningful levels of potassium and magnesium
- ✓ Clear ingredient information and dosing instructions
Be cautious of products containing large amounts of sugar or glucose relative to electrolyte content.
One Critical Rule
Electrolytes should never be provided without ensuring access to fresh water.
Electrolytes and water work together. Supplementing electrolytes without adequate hydration can create additional problems rather than solving them.
3. Vitamin E: The Summer Nutrient Many Horses Need More Of
Vitamin E often flies under the radar because deficiency develops slowly.
Unlike water-soluble vitamins, Vitamin E is stored within body tissues. As a result, signs of deficiency may take months to appear.
Summer creates a perfect storm for Vitamin E shortfalls.
Why Summer Increases Risk
Fresh green pasture is naturally rich in Vitamin E.
However:
- Pasture quality often declines during summer.
- Drought conditions can reduce access to fresh forage.
- More horses spend time on hay-based diets.
- Exercise levels frequently increase.
At the same time, horses in work produce more oxidative stress within their muscles. Vitamin E acts as one of the body’s primary antioxidants, helping protect cells and support recovery after exercise.
In many cases, a horse’s requirement increases just as their intake decreases.
Signs Vitamin E May Be Low
Early signs can include:
- Poor muscle recovery
- Unexplained muscle soreness
- Reduced stamina
- Lack of sparkle or performance
- Slower recovery following exercise
More severe deficiencies can eventually contribute to neurological problems, although these are generally associated with long-term inadequate intake.
Natural vs Synthetic Vitamin E
If supplementation is required, it’s worth checking the label.
Natural Vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) is considerably more bioavailable than synthetic Vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol).
For horses with higher requirements, this difference can be important.
The Common Theme
Salt, electrolytes, and Vitamin E have something important in common.
They’re all relatively simple to correct once you know whether a deficiency exists.
The challenge is that most nutritional gaps are invisible.
A horse that isn’t drinking enough, recovering poorly after work, feeling flat, or struggling through summer conditions may not need another supplement. They may simply need their diet assessed properly.
Is Your Horse’s Summer Diet Meeting Their Needs?
As pasture changes and workloads increase, now is the ideal time to review your horse’s diet.
FeedXL allows you to analyze your horse’s complete diet, compare nutrient intake against requirements, and identify gaps before they become problems.
A few minutes spent reviewing your horse’s nutrition today could make a significant difference to their health, performance, and wellbeing throughout the summer season.
FeedXL members — now’s the perfect time to double-check your horse’s diet.
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