water - basic electrolytes

Question
hello ma'am, is water a basic electrolyte for horses? what is the difference between supplement and electrolyte? how these both are different?

Answer
Hi Rohit,

Thank you for your question.  Electrolytes is a term given to the macro-minerals that are lost during exercise for which there are no readily available body stores, that need to be quickly replenished to maintain the horse's anion/cation balance.  Electrolytes include calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and chloride.  Water is not an electrolyte, although hard water may contain some of the electrolyte minerals.

Supplement is a general term that means anything used to add a nutrient lacking in the diet.  Supplements can be energy, protein, fiber, mineral or vitamin based.  In this instance you would be looking for an electrolyte supplement.

Hope that helps.

Thanks, Corlena