Proper electrolyte balance and hydration should be a main priority for horse owners. In stressful situations, such as travel, breeding, or heavy training, horses might not be taking in all the fluids they need. In some cases, feeding daily electrolytes is recommended for horses working in performance and endurance disciplines, pre- and post-event animal care, or with increased temperature or humidity, says Jack Grogan, CN, and chief science officer for Uckele Health & Nutrition.

Grogan explains that many effective electrolyte formulas contain balanced amounts of the major electrolytes sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride: "Highly concentrated products offer the best advantage because smaller amounts can be utilized to give the greatest benefit."

He adds that these products often aid hard-working horses in maintaining mineral balance, maintaining the balance and flow of vital body fluids, transmitting nerve impulses, and maintaining healthy function of the muscles and the circulatory system.

Owners can easily add powdered electrolyte supplements to horses’ water or feed. To reduce metabolic stress and maintain proper electrolyte balance, nutritionists and veterinarians might recommend a well-balanced, electrolyte-rich, low-sugar product. Grogan says that although some sugar or carbohydrate is required to improve hydration and absorption of the electrolytes, some products are high in carbohydrate content with only a little bit of added salt