Electrolytes for horses: better absorbable thanks to vitamin B2 The advice and information platform for all horse and dog enthusiasts.

Electrolytes are ions of salts, acids, and bases that are in liquid form in the body. Horses (and humans) need these electrolytes for the proper functioning of the nervous system, to recover after exertion, and for muscle flexibility.

Warm weather = 10 to 15 liters of sweat

A horse can sweat as much as 10 to 15 liters per hour during heavy exercise and/or warm weather! This also means a significant loss of sodium, chloride, and potassium. Potassium regulates the water intake of organs, bones, and muscles. Sodium ensures good nerve and muscle impulses. Chloride is important for proper digestion. In addition, salts are important for a good water balance in the body.

Salt lick is insufficient

For horses that work hard and sweat a lot, offering only a salt lick is not sufficient. Many horses with a salt or mineral deficiency do not make enough use of it. Moreover, not all necessary minerals are present in all types of salt licks. A liquid electrolyte supplement (or a supplement that you mix with water) can quickly restore the mineral balance. This helps prevent muscle pain and fatigue on warm days and/or after intense training. Electrolyte supplements are actually like 'sports drinks' for horses.

Absorbability is essential

The effectiveness of an electrolyte supplement depends on its absorbability. That is why you should always feed these supplements in liquid form: they are absorbed most quickly in the intestines and enter your horse's bloodstream almost immediately. The advantage of buying liquid electrolytes is that they are always mixed in the correct proportions. Mineral absorption is best with isotonic drinks. 'Isotonic' means that the number of dissolved particles per liter is equal to that of another solution, in this case, your horse's blood. This makes the transfer (osmosis) easier. An isotonic supplement has approximately the same concentration of particles as body fluids. Isotonic solutions are also used in hospitals as intravenous drips.

Vitamin B2 enhances electrolyte absorption

It is wise to add vitamin B2 to the electrolytes for your horse. Vitamin B2 helps the body better absorb electrolytes. Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is a water-soluble and heat-stable vitamin that the body uses to convert fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into glucose for energy. In addition, riboflavin acts as an antioxidant. Vitamin B2 plays a role in the immune system and contributes to healthy skin and coat. Without enough vitamin B2, macronutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins cannot be digested. You can add vitamin B2 yourself, but there are also products on the market where this vitamin is already added to the electrolytes. Then the ratio is already good. Convenient!

Supplement for picky eaters

Not all horses enjoy electrolytes, and sometimes the supplements are not easy to ingest in the quantities desired. In this case, it is good to know that you need less of an electrolyte supplement with vitamin B2. Because electrolytes with vitamin B2 are better absorbed, the daily dosage is lower. It is therefore easier to give enough, and it is also liquid.