Salt licks are an easy and convenient way to make sure your horse always has access to salt as it’s a really important part of his diet. They are also frequently used as part of a stable toy to prevent boredom.
Sodium is one of the main electrolytes that horses need and if their levels become low, their body will signal the horse to avoid drinking, which could lead to dehydration. Providing the ideal amount will help your horse’s body to function at its best – it works with chloride to aid nerve and muscle function – particularly at times of stress, such as during performance or hot weather. Some horses are good at regulating their salt intake and will only consume what their body needs, but others will over-consume or completely ignore their salt lick, so it’s wise to monitor your horse’s intake.
There are a few different types of salt to offer – the main ones are white, red or Himalayan. White salt blocks contains sodium chloride and are a good place to start if you’ve not offered your horse a salt lick before. Red trace mineral blocks also contain copper, zinc, manganese, cobalt, iron and iodine – your horse might not need these, especially if he’s fed a complete feed or balanced diet, but he may prefer the taste and therefore it will encourage him to consume it. Himalayan salt is sourced from the nutrient-rich water and soil found in the Himalayan mountains. This pink salt is high in calcium and may help to strength bones, joints, teeth and hooves.
We’ve rounded up a great selection of licks on the market and grouped them into the following categories:
Himalayan salt licks for horses
Lincoln Himalayan Salt Lick
Sizes: 1kg, 2kg, 3kg
RRP: £4.99 for 1kg
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
NAF Himalayan Salt Lick
Sizes: 750g, 2kg, 4.25kg
RRP: £2.65 for 750g
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com
Hilton Herbs Black Himalayan Salt Lick
Sizes: 1kg
RRP: £6.16 for 1kg
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Likit Himalayan Rock Salt
Sizes: 1kg
RRP: £3.29
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Flavoured salt licks for horses
Flavoured licks are fun for owners and keep things interesting for horses. Many are compatible with the best stable toys, which makes them ideal for keeping horses entertained while they’re inside.
Likit Flavoured Licks
Flavours: Wide choice
Sizes: 650g
RRP: £2.95
These licks are compatible with Likit holders (available on Amazon) and Boredom Breakers (also on Amazon).
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Rockies Flavoured Health Lick
Flavours: Apple, carrot, cherry, garlic, or mint
Sizes: 2kg
RRP: £3.99
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Horslyx Mini Licks
Flavours: Original, garlic, mint, cherry, pro digest, mobility or respiratory
Sizes: 650g
RRP: £4.60
These licks can be held in your hand and are handy for distracting and practising stretches.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com
Bizzy Bites Lick Refill
Flavours: Original, garlic, mint or apple
Sizes: 1kg
RRP: £10.06
To be used with the Bizzy Bites toy (available on Viovet) that can be hung, wall mounted or used on the floor.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Field licks for horses
Paddock licks typically contain more vitamins and minerals than a standard salt lick. They are a great way to ensure your horse is getting some extra nutrients, particularly if he doesn’t receive a hard feed. They are harder to monitor for intake, and if your horse shares a field there’s no way of knowing who is benefitting – apart from perhaps a telltale sticky muzzle.
KM Elite Ultimate Oil Lick
Sizes: 7.5kg
RRP: £18
This vitamin, mineral and trace element lick is designed to support your horses’ diet throughout the year.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Likit Paddock Lick
Sizes: 8kg
RRP: £17.69
This lick offers a broad spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals, plus the added benefits of garlic, yeast and oils
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Dodson & Horrell Uniblock
Sizes: 12.5kg
RRP: £27.75
This lick provides vitamins and minerals that are not always present in grazing.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk
SmartLick Original
Sizes: 12.5kg
RRP: £19.99
This lick contains a blend of essential vitamins and minerals, plus a yeast-based prebiotic to support beneficial intestinal bacteria.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk
Simple System Salt Lick Tub
Sizes: 10kg
RRP: £15.95
This lick comes in a flexible tub to provide sodium and a top up of magnesium.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Horslyx Original
Sizes: 15kg
RRP: £31.99
Also available in respiratory, mobility, pro digest and garlic varieties.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com
Nettex Supalyx Original
Sizes: 6kg
RRP: £31.99
This lick is full of vitamins and minerals to help support your horse’s diet.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
You might also like:
12 toys to help horses beat their boredom
Why electrolytes are vital for healthy horses – and what’s on the market?
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