Just like for people, it is important that horses consume vitamins and minerals for a balanced diet. One of the best ways for horses to receive the vitamins and minerals they need is through a mineral block.
While some horses can get the essential vitamins and minerals from feed or supplements, having a mineral block can be a great option for your horse. Not only do horses enjoy licking them but they will receive beneficial nutrients for a balanced diet. There are different types of mineral blocks you can feed your horses including Himalayan, brown, and red.
Horses require a range of macro and micro minerals in order to be healthy. Macro minerals, needed in the largest numbers, include sodium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. Microminerals, also known as trace minerals, include iodine, cobalt, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, and selenium.
Most horse mineral blocks contain salt as well as minerals such as zinc, iron, copper, iodine, manganese, or cobalt. Certain blocks will also contain vitamins, such as A, D, and E. Ideally, you want to avoid artificially flavored mineral blocks as they are more processed.
Best Mineral Blocks for Horses
1. UMAID Himalayan Salt Lick
Himalayan licks provide horses with the essential salt intake they need as well as 84 trace minerals including calcium, magnesium, and potassium for a balanced diet. They contain no preservatives or additives so you know your horse is only receiving the best.
Himalayan salt licks are weather-resistant so you can place them anywhere in your horse’s pasture or stall. They are hard so horses can not easily bite off chunks. The added rope makes them easier to hang and allows them to last longer than traditional mineral blocks.
2. Purina Animal Nutrition Free Balance Block
Purina’s Free Balance Horse Mineral Block provides horses that aren’t fed concentrated feed with the nutritional balance they need. The highly palatable block includes natural flavors that horses will love.
In addition to essential minerals, the block also includes added antioxidants such as Vitamin E for immune support. It is weather-resistant so you can place it outside in your pastures for your horses to enjoy. The vitamin stability offers long-lasting bioavailability.
3. Constant Comfort Supplement Block
Tribute’s Constant Comfort Supplement Block is specifically designed to support gastric health in horses. The mineral block is designed to soothe and support your horse’s stomach, as your horse can access the benefits of it at any time.
The block includes essential vitamins and minerals including seaweed-derived calcium to help horses to maintain proper stomach pH. In addition, it contains Equi-Ferm XL, a pre-and probiotic that supports hindgut pH and total diet digestibility.
4. North American Salt Trace Mineral Brick
This trace mineralized salt block includes core micro-minerals needed for a horse’s well-being. Such minerals include zinc, manganese, cobalt, copper, iodine, and iron.
This is an all-around solid option for your horse as it offers essential nutrients. The smaller size is great for putting in stalls or mounting to walls.
5. Redmond Rock
Redmond Rock is mined exclusively from a protected mineral deposit located in Utah. It consists of an average composition of 93% salt and 7% natural mineral content, providing horses with the nutrients they need.
The essential minerals and electrolytes found in Redmond Rock provide horses with a healthy balance for a healthy lifestyle. There are over 60 trace minerals in the rock with a natural flavor your horse will enjoy. Redmond Rock is weatherproof and includes essential electrolytes that encourage your horses to drink more water.
Can a Horse Have Too Much Mineral Block?
It is very unlikely that your horse will receive too much intake of trace minerals from a mineral block. As long as your horse has access to fresh water they can have free access to a mineral block. Mineral blocks are mostly salt and have a relatively low mineral content so horses can’t overdo it.
Most horses will consume between one to four ounces of a mineral block per day. However, consumption will vary by horse and individual nutritional needs.
Where Should I Put My Horse’s Mineral Block?
Mineral blocks should be placed in a horse’s stall or pasture where they can have regular access to them. They generally should go near a source of water or wherever you feed your horse.
You can place your mineral block directly on the ground or place it into a tray or bucket. You can also hang certain mineral blocks up or place smaller ones in a block holder that can be mounted on the wall. Some people will also place the small blocks in feeding troughs.
If you use a mineral block, your horses should have access to it all year round. If placing a mineral block outside, it is best to it inside a shed to prevent it from wearing down quicker from exposure to the elements.
What are the Signs of Mineral Deficiency in a Horse?
Vitamins and minerals play an important part in your horse’s diet and are vital for their health. Signs of mineral deficiency in horses include decreased appetite, weight loss, lack of sweat, sore muscles, lethargy, cracked hooves, dull coat, and loss of coordination.
If your horse displays any of these signs you should make sure they have access to a mineral block and consider a mineral supplement. Be sure to discuss with your veterinarian if your horse is displaying any of these symptoms to make sure there is not another underlying cause.
Does My Horse Need a Mineral Block?
If your horse is receiving concentrated feed daily or a vitamin/mineral supplement they likely are getting all of the nutrients they need. However, horses on forage-based diets can benefit from having free access to a mineral block.
While many horses enjoy licking mineral blocks others do not find them palatable. If you are worried that your horse is not receiving enough vitamins and minerals it is best to talk to your veterinarian. They may even recommend a mineral supplement for your horse.
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