Equine Electrolytes Comparison Chart
Electrolyte balance is essential to optimal performance in horses, regardless of discipline or level of competition. Electrolytes support normal bodily functions and maintain healthy levels of hydration.
An equine electrolyte supplement (or equine electrolyte) must contain the essential minerals, sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium and calcium. These minerals are crucial to supporting normal nerve and muscle function, maintaining healthy hydration, regulating blood pH levels, and facilitating nutrient absorption.
When horses exercise, they lose significant amounts of electrolytes through their sweat. Electrolyte loss can be further exacerbated during hot weather or strenuous exercise. If these electrolytes are not replenished, it can lead to electrolyte imbalances and dehydration.
Dehydration in horses can cause a range of health issues, including poor performance, muscle cramps, fatigue, and even colic. That’s why it is vital for horse owners and trainers to understand the importance of providing a well-balanced electrolyte supplement.
Electrolyte supplementation can help horse athletes maintain optimal performance and prevent dehydration. These supplements come in various forms, such as powders, pastes, or granules, and are usually added to the horse’s feed or water.
Whether you are riding down the trail or competing at the highest level of your sport, the type and duration of exercise plays a key role in determining the right electrolyte supplement for your horse. We have provided a handy reference chart below to help you pick the perfect equine electrolyte formula to support optimal performance in your horse.
Download a printable electrolyte comparison chart here.
Still have questions? Call us at 859-873-2974.
Summer Games Electrolyte®
Summer Games is a specially formulated electrolyte supplement that was initially developed for horses participating in the 1996 Olympics. Based on extensive research of the composition of equine sweat, this supplement contains the essential electrolytes and trace minerals in the exact proportions found in equine sweat.
Summer Games Ingredients
Calcium – 170 mg
Phosphorus – 150 mg
Salt – 16.7 g
Magnesium – 160 mg
Potassium – 3.5 g
Copper – 10 mg
Iron – 52 mg
Manganese – 4 mg
Zinc – 25 mg
Recommended for:
- Daily electrolyte replacement and to encourage drinking in horses of all ages.
- Horses in light to moderate work, seniors, horses in hot, humid climates, horses being shipped/trailered regardless of distance. During the winter, to support adequate hydration.
Unique advantages:
- Research-based formula replaces the electrolytes and trace minerals lost in sweat.
- Concentrated formula makes it easy to adjust the level of supplementation as environmental and/or workload conditions change.
- Available in a powder and a paste. Paste contains a stomach buffer.
Endura-MaxTM
Endurance horses, unlike the average horse, engage in low-intensity, long-duration endurance rides which deplete their electrolyte reserves differently. Research shows that these horses lose not only sodium, chloride and potassium during their prolonged sweating, but also high levels of calcium and magnesium. Maintaining electrolyte balance is crucial for overall health and optimal performance, making it essential to replenish all the electrolytes lost during sweating.
Endura-Max Ingredients
Sodium – 5,528
Chloride – 11.886 mg
Potassium – 3,657 mg
Calcium – 754 mg
Magnesium – 153 mg
Recommended for:
- Specially formulated to support electrolyte, mineral balance and hydration in endurance horses. Use daily while in training and as needed during competition.
Unique advantages:
- Unlike other electrolytes, Endura-Max contains added calcium and magnesium. During long rides, calcium and magnesium may be lost in amounts high enough to result in such metabolic disorders as thumps and tying up. Calcium and magnesium are added to Endura-Max in highly available forms, so they are quickly absorbed and readily available.
- Available in a powder or a paste. The paste contains stomach buffers.
ElectrolyteWiseTM
ElectrolyteWise is a specially formulated supplement designed to replenish electrolytes, trace minerals and B vitamins lost during sweating in horses. By stimulating the thirst response, ElectrolyteWise ensures that horses remain hydrated and healthy.
ElectrolyteWise Ingredients
Calcium – 170 mg
Phosphorus – 150 mg
Salt – 17.6 g
Sodium – 6.9 g
Magnesium – 160 mg
Potassium – 3.5 g
Chloride – 13.2 g
Copper – 10 mg
Iron – 52 mg
Manganese – 4 mg
Zinc – 25 mg
Nicacin – 19.7 mg
d-pantothenic acid – 25 mg
Recommended for:
- Daily use in horses that are under stress or as needed to support electrolyte replacement and hydration in acute situations.
- Horses in vigorous training/competition, heat-stressed or dehydrated horses.
- In support of other treatments for colic and diarrhea.
Unique advantages:
- Research-based formula provides electrolytes in proper ratios, chelated trace minerals, and B vitamins often found lacking in a stressed horse.
- Concentrated formula makes it easy to adjust the level of supplementation as needed to address acute or chronic issues.
- Sold through licensed veterinarians only. Learn more at https://www.kppvet.com/electrolytewise/.
It is essential to always provide fresh water to horses, especially when feeding them electrolytes to promote hydration and replenish lost minerals. It is crucial to consult with a veterinarian to determine the proper electrolyte supplementation for your horse based on their individual needs and activity level. Additionally, maintaining a salt block or loose salt availability for horses is important for their overall health and well-being. By following these guidelines, you can support your horse’s hydration needs.
Article written by KPP staff.
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Since 1998, Kentucky Performance Products has simplified a horse owner’s search for research-proven nutritional horse supplements that meet the challenges facing modern horses. Our horse supplements target specific nutritional needs and are formulated to complement today’s feeds, thus safeguarding against over-supplementation. Each product is scientifically formulated and made with high-quality ingredients at certified manufacturing facilities. Kentucky Performance Products is proud to offer a quality assurance promise backed by a money-back guarantee. Kentucky Performance Products brings you horse supplements you can count on because the horse that matters to you, matters to us. KPPusa.com
