The importance of Water

When formulating a diet plan for your horse water is often somewhat overlooked as a key nutrient. However this crucial substance makes up more than two thirds of the horse's body and is the single biggest resource allowing the body systems to function. Scientific Nutritional Products takes a look in our latest blog.

The water content of a horse weighs in at a huge 68-72% of their total body weight and horses need around six-eight gallons of water per day in order to stay properly hydrated. Water is vital as it acts as both a solvent and a delivery mechanism, dissolving essential vitamins and nutrients from food and delivering them to cells.

Horses also rely on the intake of water to flush out toxins, regulate body temperature and aid in metabolism and in order to produce the 10 gallons of saliva, and maintain the 30 gallons of water they need for proper digestion. 

At best a dehydrated horse is physically incapable of performing at their best and at worst dehydration can lead to system wide and digestive problems.  

So as well as always providing ample fresh, clean drinking water in the stable and at pasture what do horse owners need to be aware of?

Equine sweat is what is known as isotonic. This means that the sweat contains salts, known as minerals, including sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and chloride. Losses of these minerals can cause our horse's to suffer from tiredness, muscle stiffness, dehydration and in severe cases colic. When exercising intensely a horse can lose up to 15 litres of sweat per day so it is clear to see with such considerable losses it is vital to replenish our equines depleted stores of both water and lost body salts!

Providing an Electrolyte supplement in the diet after travelling, competing or a strenuous training session can help your horse naturally recover post exercise by correcting the balance of electrolytes and water within the body. Supplying Horse Electrolytes alongside ample fresh water to accompany the supplement allows equines to refuel their bodies- ideal for competing horses and leisure horses on hot days giving horses and ponies the extra boost they need by ensuring the necessary nutrients are available.

Scientific Nutritional Product's Horse Electrolytes Supplement has been formulated with MSM and consists of Dextrose, Sodium, Chloride, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium and Vitamins E & C giving your horse the correct balance of horse electrolytes and water within the body needed to optimise quick natural recovery.

 

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