AHFS Electrocare

The correct daily electrolyte requirement for a horse depends on body weight, temperature, work level, and sweating, but there are widely accepted baseline ranges for the main electrolytes lost in sweat. Horses lose mainly sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate when sweating.

Below are typical daily replacement targets for a 450–500 kg horse in moderate work.

Daily Electrolyte Requirements (Approximate)

Element Daily Requirement When Sweating / Working Hard

Sodium (Na) 10 – 20 g 30 – 60 g

Chloride (Cl) 30 – 50 g 60 – 120 g

Potassium (K) 20 – 30 g 40 – 80 g

Calcium (Ca) 10 – 20 g 20 – 30 g

Magnesium (Mg) 5 – 10 g 10 – 15 g

Bicarbonate buffer 5 – 15 g 10 – 20 g

For a 500 kg horse

Maintenance / mild work:

40 – 60 g per day

Moderate sweating:

60 – 90 g per day

Heavy sweating / competition / hot weather:

90 – 120 g per day

Always provide free access to fresh water.

Very Important

Electrolytes should ideally be given:

After work

Split into two feedings

Mixed with feed or dissolved in water

Never give a large dose to a dehydrated horse.