Hay provides energy and fibre, but not always enough vitamins and trace elements. What is missing depends on the soil the grass grew on and how long the hay has been stored. This page contains balancers, single vitamins, minerals and salt licks for horses and ponies that fall short on forage alone.
From broad to targeted
- Broad-spectrum balancers such as Vita Forte and the liquid Total Balance top up a basic ration in one go.
- Vitamin E in Vitamin E Plus is an option for horses that get little or no fresh grass. Fresh grass is an important source of vitamin E; in hay, the level falls during storage.
- Magnesium as Magnesium Citrate, for those who want to supplement this mineral separately.
- Seaweed in the form of Seaweed Pellets, a natural source of minerals and iodine.
- Cod liver oil as Liver Oil, traditionally given for vitamins A and D.
- Salt lick and lick tub: the Excellent Horse Salt Lick Mineral, Himalayan salt in various weights and Horslyx Original.
How to choose
If your horse already gets a complete hard feed in the amount stated on the bag, it usually contains enough vitamins and minerals. A balancer is intended for horses that get little or no hard feed. A single product such as vitamin E or magnesium only fits once you know that this particular nutrient is lacking, for example after a hay analysis. Salt is an exception: a salt lick can always be added.
Watch out for doubling up
If you give a balancer, a lick tub and a single mineral at the same time, you feed some substances twice. That is not always harmless; with trace elements in particular, more is not better. So add up the levels from all products and, if in doubt, consult a nutrition adviser or your vet.
If you are mainly looking for salt for a horse that works hard and sweats, see electrolytes. For hoof horn and coat shine, there is a separate page on hooves and coat, and for supporting movement, muscles and joints. Back to all horse supplements.
Frequently asked questions
Does a horse at grass also need extra vitamins?
A horse on good grass takes in plenty of vitamins. Minerals and trace elements can still fall short; a mineral lick or balancer tops that up.
What is the difference between a salt lick and a mineral lick?
A salt lick mainly contains sodium chloride. A mineral lick also contains other minerals and trace elements.
Can I combine a balancer with hard feed?
You can if you feed less hard feed than stated on the bag. If you feed the full amount, a balancer is usually unnecessary.