Horses and most other animals have healthy nerve and muscle function thanks to Magnesium.Depending on the feed situation, your horse may need a magnesium supplement.If your horse develops a deficiency, it is important that you understand how to feed it magnesium and what supplements are available.
Step 1: Determine the weight of your horse.
If you want to give your horse the correct amount of magnesium, you need to know how much he weighs.Depending on your horse's age and breed, it could weigh up to 1210 lbs.The weight is between 400 and 500 kilograms.Your vet should have a scale to weigh your horse.A weight tape can be used to approximate your horse's weight.
Step 2: Make sure you measure the right amount.
Give your horse 10 grams of magnesium a day.This should be safe no matter what type of supplement is used.Before increasing the dose, consult with a vet.Follow the manufacturer's instructions if you increase the dose.It can be difficult to calculate a dosage based on a horse's weight and diet.It's a good idea to consult with your vet before increasing the dose.If you decide to dose the horse yourself, be aware that increasing the dosage may result in dehydration.This could make your horse sick and possibly kill it.
Step 3: Put the supplement in your horse's feed.
Put the correct amount of supplement into your horse's feed once you have figured it out.Stir the supplement into the mix if it is grain.You can sprinkle it on their hay.They will take less magnesium this way.All of the supplements need to be mixed with your horses feed or another food.Don't mix magnesium supplements with oils.The oil may make it difficult for the horse to absorb magnesium.
Step 4: The supplement should be mixed with a treat.
Adding molasses or applesauce to your horse's magnesium supplement will make it taste better.Your horse will not eat the supplement if you do not mix it with something.
Step 5: A mineral block is an alternative to feed mixes.
If you don't want to mix magnesium with your horse's feed, you can get a mineral block.These are designed for cattle, which require less trace minerals than a horse, but they can provide some help.
Step 6: If you want a cheap supplement, try Epsom salts.
Magnesium sulfate is a cheap source of magnesium that you can feed your horse.Large quantities of it can be found at most farm supply stores.The horse will only absorb a small amount of magnesium from the salts, so you need to feed them more.This increases the risk of your horse getting sick.Talk to your vet before taking any supplements.
Step 7: If you want a higher concentration of magnesium, use magnesium oxide.
When it comes to magnesium supplements, this mineral will give you the most bang for your buck.Because magnesium oxide has a higher concentration of magnesium, it gives your horse more of the mineral.A little of the compound can go a long way.It is bitter so you will have to mask it.It's best to mix magnesium oxide with salt.It is possible to hide the bitter taste of magnesium oxide by mixing it with applesauce or molasses.
Step 8: For most efficient absorption, get magnesium aspartate.
The magnesium supplement is water-soluble.You don't need a lot, and what you use will be absorbed quickly through the lining of your horse's intestines.It is a higher end horse supplement, so you might want to use it over cheaper options.
Step 9: Ask your vet to give you a general supplement.
If your horse has a lot of work, you may want to give it a magnesium supplement.Horse vitamins are usually in the form of a powder, paste, or pellet.A high-quality multivitamin can be recommended by your vet.
Step 10: Do you know the makeup of your soil?
Grass that grows in low magnesium soil will be low in minerals as well.If your horse gets most of its magnesium through a normal diet, it's important to know if your soil is helping or hurting it.You can either use a commercial test kit or hire a soil testing service.Maintaining your pastures is the easiest way to avoid magnesium deficiency in your horse.
Step 11: Evaluate magnesium levels in feed.
Grasses can be deficient in magnesium depending on the soil they grow in.The same thing happens with horse feed.This can cause a magnesium deficiency in your horse.Make sure the grass and feed that your horse is eating is high in magnesium and other important minerals.Information on the mineral make up of the feed should be provided by your retailer or distributor.
Step 12: Consider the time of year.
During rainy seasons, magnesium can easily be removed from the ground.If it has rained a lot recently, the grass may not have enough magnesium in it, leading to a deficiency in your horse.The magnesium in the soil can be increased by sprinkling magnesium or Epsom salts in a field or pasture where your horse feeds.
Step 13: If your horse is nervous, look at it.
There is a symptom of magnesium deficiency in horses.Magnesium can be a supplement to help horses relax.It's possible that your horse is suffering from a magnesium deficiency.There isn't much scientific evidence to support this claim.If your horse is acting anxious, it's a good idea to consult your vet.