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 your horse requires 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 |
View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk or rideawaystore.com
NAF Himalayan salt lick
Sizes: 750g, 2kg, 4.25kg | RRP: £2.65 for 750g |
View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, rideawaystore.com, equus.co.uk, naylors.com or gooutdoors.co.uk
Hilton Herbs Black Himalayan salt lick
Sizes: 1kg | RRP: £6.16 for 1kg |
View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or equus.co.uk
Likit Himalayan rock salt
Sizes: 1kg | RRP: £3.29 |
View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or sportsdirect.com
Wholefood Earth Natural Himalayan pink salt
Sizes: 1kg | RRP: £4.99 |
View now at amazon.co.uk
Flavoured salt licks for horses
Flavoured licks are fun for owners and keep things interesting for horses. Many are compatible with stable toys, which makes them ideal for keeping horses entertained while they’re inside.
Likit flavoured licks
Flavours: Apple, banana, carrot, cherry, garlic, honey/camomile, mint, molasses or salt | Sizes: 650g | RRP: £2.95 |
These licks are compatible with Likit holders and Boredom Breakers.
View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk, rideawaystore.com, naylors.com or equus.co.uk
Rockies flavoured health lick
Flavours: Apple, carrot, cherry, garlic, or mint | Sizes: 2kg | RRP: £3.99 |
View now at viovet.co.uk or amazon.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.
View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, naylors.com, equus.co.uk or rideawaystore.com
Bizzy Bites Lick refill
Flavours: Original, garlic, mint or apple | Sizes: 1kg | RRP: £10.06 |
To be used with the Bizzy Bites toy that can be hung, wall mounted or used on the floor.
View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or rideawaystore.com
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.
View now at amazon.co.uk, rideawaystore.com or equus.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
View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, rideawaystore.com, equus.co.uk or elandlodge.com
Dodson & Horrell Uniblock
Sizes: 12.5kg | RRP: £27.75 |
This lick provides vitamins and minerals that are not always present in grazing.
View now at amazon.co.uk or 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.
View now at viovet.co.uk or equus.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.
View now at amazon.co.uk
Horslyx Original
Sizes: 15kg | RRP: £31.99 |
Also available in respiratory, mobility, pro digest and garlic varieties.
View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, naylors.com or gooutdoors.co.uk
Nettex Supalyx Original
Sizes: 6kg | RRP: £31.99 |
This lick is full of vitamins and minerals to help support your horse’s diet.
View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or rideawaystore.com
You might also like:
5 toys to help horses beat their boredom
Why electrolytes are vital for healthy horses – and what’s on the market?
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