Macrominerals - Sodium, Potassium and Chloride

The importance of minerals in the diet of horses is well recognized by horse owners and equine nutritionists alike. The type and quantity of minerals required are very diverse and essential minerals include the major or macrominerals and the trace or microminerals. This discussion will be restricted to three macrominerals, sodium, potassium, and chloride (Na+, K+, Cl-), that are essential to the physiological well-being of the horse. Whereas certain assumptions are often made about the requirements for these three minerals, the demands for these minerals can vary substantially depending on age and activity. The following paper will elaborate on some of the basic dietary guidelines for sodium, potassium, and chloride and, by describing the role and use of these macrominerals in the body, provide a broader perspective as to how these basic requirements for the horse may be altered in different circumstances.