Horse Mineral Supplements

Horse owners generally are aware of the feed requirements of their animals. New horse owners usually provide plenty of grain and hay. But nutrients necessary for the overall health of the horse are not always provided in the hay and grain purchased at the feed store. Trace minerals are vital for maintaining equine good health and body function.

  1. Mineral Block

    • Setting out a mineral block is the simplest way to provide your horse's needed minerals. Offered in the same shape and size as a typical salt block, the mineral block contains salt as its main ingredient, but it also contains needed trace minerals, including cobalt, copper, selenium, zinc and manganese. The horse licks the block for the salt and picks up the other minerals as well.

    Loose Minerals

    • Adding loose minerals to feed is a frequently used method of providing horses with mineral supplements. High-quality minerals mixed with a salt base form loose crumbles that are added to the horse's feed. Often a measuring cup is provided, and the label instructions explain how much to give per day. You also can put loose minerals in a feed pan and allow the horse to self-feed as he would with a mineral block. Be careful to follow label instructions.

    Mineral Tub

    • This product comes in large plastic tubs, is similar to the mineral block, and usually combines a feed and protein supplement with needed minerals. Molasses in the mix encourages the horse to lick, and the tub can be quite large - up to several hundred pounds. It must be kept where it will be protected from rain and where horses can have free access to it. Mineral tubs are a good choice for horses kept out on large acreages.