Minerals & Trace Elements

What is the function of minerals in the horse’s body?

Understanding and managing mineral intake for horses is essential to ensuring optimal health, performance and well-being. Each mineral plays a unique and important role in the horse’s body, from strengthening the skeleton and facilitating muscle function to optimizing metabolic processes and supporting the immune system.

Minerals are divided into macro and micro minerals (also known as trace elements). The macro minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sulfur and sodium, are necessary in larger amounts, while the micro minerals such as copper, selenium, iron, zinc, iodine, cobalt, manganese and molybdenum are needed in smaller quantities but are equally important for the horse’s well-being.

It is not just the amount of each mineral that counts, but also the balance between them, which is crucial for optimal absorption and health benefits. For example, the ratio of calcium to phosphorus should be within a specific range to ensure proper absorption and utilization in the body. This balancing act emphasizes the importance of focusing not only on individual minerals but also on their interrelationships and how they affect each other.

The source of these minerals also plays a crucial role in how well they can be utilized by the horse. Organic minerals, or chelated minerals, which are bound to amino acids, offer examples of how bioavailability can be improved, making it easier for the horse to absorb and benefit from these nutrients.

This guide aims to provide a deeper understanding of the importance of minerals in the horse’s diet, how to properly balance these essential nutrients, and insights into the different forms of minerals to ensure your horse is getting what it needs to feel good and perform at its best.