Magnesium for Horses

FLOODING AND INCLEMENT WEATHER OFTEN CAUSE MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY

Increasing stress from inclement weather often causes magnesium deficiency, which can have a cascade of adverse side effects for skin and coat, immune system and nervous system. 

Magnesium deficiency symptoms can manifest with symptoms of anxiety and jumpiness, muscle spasms, metabolic issues and lethargy, skin problems with itchiness and sores (like psoriasis), slow wound healing and bone and hoof disorders.  This is because when magnesium is deficient it suppresses mitochondrial metabolism, which lowers energy to the immune system, digestion and detox, and also collagen production for skin and bones. When magnesium is low and carbohydrates in diet are too high it can lead to acidosis and metabolic syndrome.

Sufficient magnesium supplementation in the diet is essential, especially during humid and wet times, because these conditions tend to be more favourable for pathogens, fungi and inspects. Grasses also tend to be more magnesium-depleted because the excessive rain washes away magnesium from surface soils.

Magnesium is essential for the whole electrical system. Even the beneficial gut bacteria rely on sufficient magnesium to work properly. However, it is also important to support the gut microbiome’s detox process. Common natural methods and supplements include apple cider vinegar for pH balance, gum mastic or clays for toxin binding, and essential oils and herbs for anti-bacterial effects when needed. And make sure that the balance in feeds of fats, proteins and carbs is right for your horse. An holistic approach to health maintenance has always proven to be the best, because the ‘whole’ is greater than the sum of the parts.

Elektra Magnesium® (Magnesium4Horses) – certified food grade magnesium chloride hexahydrate – has been used since 2009 by horse owners all over Australia as a horse feed nutritional supplement… It is an ideal magnesium for horses because it is so easy to digest and more bio-available.  The original and the BEST!

How much does my horse need?

See Horse Feeding Methods – FAQ & Deficiency Symptoms

The Importance of Food Grade Magnesium Chloride (article click link)

A sample of what our customers say…

“Hopper has been consistently quiet and calm, with no spookiness or aggression, since his diet was changed late in 2009 and magnesium chloride flakes were added to feeds.”
Deb Benstead, Horse Therapist

“All horses are displaying calm temperaments, increased balanced energy levels, improved hoof condition and coats, and general overall health improvements since commencing supplementation of feeds with Magnesium4Horses magnesium chloride flakes.”
Liz Inder, Customer

” I am having great success with the flakes/solution in feeds. And I apply Magnesium Lotion to the coronet bands of the hooves of the old TB and his feet look great. At 25 years old he looks very fit and well!”
Di Botten, Customer

“Will is doing so well on the magnesium!! He’s a lot more chilled out and I even had a ride tonight, and he was amazing. His movement felt more free and his muscles were a lot looser when I massaged him. Yay! When I practiced the leading, he was perfect. Thank you so much!” Jeane Dekter, Horse Groomer

Food Grade Magnesium for Horses

Magnesium4horses Food Grade Magnesium Chloride is a natural salt harvested from a pristine region 3,000m above sea level:
Elektra Magnesium® Chloride Hexahydrate (MgCl2.6H20) are natural salt flakes comprising magnesium chloride in a crystal complex of 6 water molecules (hexahydrate) plus 2% trace minerals. They are naturally evaporated food grade magnesium chloride salt flakes, with Australian laboratory trace mineral analysis showing NO mercury and NO lead contaminants. They also contain the highest level of elemental magnesium (over 16%) of all the magnesium chlorides in the range (range = 12-16%).

Magnesium chloride is the most soluble and bio-available form of magnesium, and requires no work to digest once it is dissolved in water. Cells can take it up immediately – even transdermally! Other magnesium compounds encounter digestive issues and are less bio-available. For example, magnesium oxide, a commonly used magnesium supplement, is only 4% bio-available, which means that most is expelled via the digestive system regardless of how magnesium deficient the horse may be.

If a horse is suffering from acidosis and gut disorders then oral supplementation of magnesium chloride may be substitued with transdermal absorption until the digestive issues are corrected.
For study reference using transdermal magnesium on race horses click here.
Calmer, happier horse with enough magnesium in the diet.