Question

Is there any difference in the amount of salt consumed when horses are given a choice between a salt block and loose salt? Is one better than the other?

Answer

Voluntary salt intake among horses has not been researched extensively. A study conducted by Kentucky Equine Research measured the intake of loose and block salt and evaluated how salt intake affects water consumption. Results of the trial indicated that salt intake was more consistent from week to week when horses were offered a block, though total consumption of the loose form was greater. Water consumption was significantly increased when horses were given access to loose salt.

Horsemen typically prefer to offer salt blocks to horses because they are easier to maintain. By placing a large block in a pasture or a small brick in a stall, horses have immediate access to it, and it’s easy for caretakers to tell when a block must be replaced. Loose salt, on the other hand, requires more management. In outdoor feeding situations, loose salt must be placed in an easily accessible, covered feeder. The salt should be checked often and more added when necessary. In stalls, a separate bucket or corner feeder must be used to supply loose salt.