Minerals: Important for Quality Horse Nutrition

While most horses get the majority of their nutrients from pasture and grain, many might not be receiving the mineral nutrition needed for optimum health.
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When it comes to enjoyment and quality of life, a horse’s true fitness might mean more than just a pasture and some oats. While most horses get the majority of their nutrients from pasture and grain, many might not be receiving the mineral nutrition needed for optimum health.

“It is important to remember that mineral content of forages and hay are determined by the mineral make-up of the soil where they are grown,” notes Glennon Mays, DVM, clinical associate professor at Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “Therefore, if the soil lacks the mineral then the plant grown there will not have that mineral.”

Since soil types can vary from farm to farm and no one soil type has all minerals needed by a horse, mineral supplements are necessary, he says.

“Horses foremost need the minerals salt, calcium and phosphorus,” states Mays. “Salt is lost through sweat and urine so it should be available free choice to the horse at all times. Calcium and phosphorus are needed for healthy teeth and bones. Greatest need is in the first year of a horse’s life when it grows the majority of its height. Accordingly, lactating mares need higher amounts of calcium and phosphorus to keep elevated levels in their milk

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