DOES MY HORSE NEED AN ELECTROLYTE SUPPLEMENT?

THE WHAT, WHEN AND HOW OF ELECTROLYTES

Article courtesy of CEVA EQUINE | Sarah Gallagher BAppSc Animal Studies

WHAT ARE ELECTROLYTES?

Electrolytes are mainly minerals that have an important function in the body – from regulating heartbeat, to allowing muscles to contract for movement or digestion, fluid balance, nerve function, and much more. The primary electrolytes consist of Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Calcium, Phosphorous and Magnesium – although they aren’t the only electrolytes.

Because these crucial nutrients help stimulate nerve function throughout the body, as well as help with balancing fluid levels, a loss or imbalance of these electrolytes can cause serious concerns, and even death. Poor nutrition, too little or too much exercise, excess sweating, dehydration, or illness (including diarrhoea or malabsorption) are potential causes of an electrolyte disbalance.

Energetic Isotonic Powder, a handy powder sachet, can provide those balanced electrolytes, as well as highly bioavailable energy and antioxidants to support recovery.

SIGNS OF ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCE MAY INCLUDE:

• Failing the pinch tent test
• Muscle fatigue
• Typing up
• Poor performance
• Constipation
• Lethargy, weakness or general listlessness

WHAT IS INSIDE ENERGETIC ISOTOMIC, AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

• Sodium, Chloride, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium and Phosphorous provide balanced electrolytes to help maintain optimum fluid composition and prevent dehydration.
• Glucose and triglycerides provide readily available energy, suitable for a body under stress or pre-event.
• Essential branch chain amino acids (which deplete from muscle in sever exertion) to support muscle recovery.
• Antioxidants to support recovery and overall health.

WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSIDER USING ENERGETIC ISOTONIC?

Your own horses’ unique needs for a electrolyte supplement may be high or low but are influenced by factors including the weather, exercise intensity and overall health. Special considerations should be given to:

• Horses in exercise that produce a significant amount of sweat
• Horses in prolonged exercise, such as trail rides or endurance
• Pre and post competition
• Travelling, especially prolonged travel
• Acute illnesses such a diarrhoea
• Chronic, long-term illnesses (work with your veterinarian on the best advice for managing any illnesses)

HOW DO YOU USE ENERGETIC ISOTONIC POWDER?

This powder can be added to water for the horse to consume. Offer it mixed into drinking water or into water used to wet-down feed. Use energetic Isotonic whenever recovery from stress, exertion, illness, or when an energy boost is required. The resealable 250g sachet is perfect for your first aid kit or saddle pack.

While Energetic Isotonic Oral Electrolyte Powder for horses might not be necessary for every day use, it is important that you stay prepared for the possibility. Keep it in your first aid kit, in your saddlebag when on trails, or in your float at competitions for a quick electrolyte booster.