Horse Lick It Treat? Best 173 Answer

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Salt licks are an easy and convenient way to ensure your horse always has access to salt as it is a really important part of their diet. They are also commonly used as part of a stable toy to prevent boredom.

Sodium is one of the most important electrolytes your horse needs and when its levels get low, its body will signal the horse to avoid drinking, which could lead to dehydration. Providing the ideal amount helps your horse’s body function at its best – it works with chloride to support nerve and muscle function – especially during times of stress, such as overweight. B. during performance or in hot weather. Some horses are good at regulating their salt intake and only consuming what their body needs, but others overeat or completely ignore their salt lick, so it is wise to monitor your horse’s intake.

There are a few different types of salt on sale – the main ones being white, red or Himalayan salt. White blocks of salt contain sodium chloride and are a good place to start if you have never offered your horse a salt lick before. Red blocks of trace minerals also contain copper, zinc, manganese, cobalt, iron and iodine – these your horse may not need, particularly if fed complete feed or a balanced diet, but they may prefer the taste and will encourage them to eat it. Himalayan salt is extracted from the nutrient-rich water and soil of the Himalayan mountains. Rich in calcium, this pink salt can help strengthen bones, joints, teeth, and hooves.

We have compiled a wide range of licks on the market and divided 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 Himalaya 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 |

Watch now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or sportsdirect.com

Wholefood Earth Natural Pink Himalayan Salt

Sizes: 1kg | RRP: €4.99 |

Watch now at amazon.de

Flavored salt licks for horses

Flavored salt licks are fun for owners and keep things interesting for horses. Many are stable toy compatible, making them ideal for entertaining horses while indoors.

Likit flavored licks

Flavours: apple, banana, carrot, cherry, garlic, honey/chamomile, mint, molasses or salt | Sizes: 650 g | RRP: €2.95 |

These licks are compatible with Likit holders and Boredom Breakers.

Watch now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk, rideawaystore.com, naylors.com or equus.co.uk

Rockies flavored health lickstone

Flavors: apple, carrot, cherry, garlic or mint | Sizes: 2kg | RRP: €3.99 |

Watch now on viovet.co.uk or amazon.co.uk

Horslyx mini licks

Flavors: Original, Garlic, Mint, Cherry, Pro Digest, Mobility or Respirator | Sizes: 650 g | RRP: €4.60 |

These licks can be hand held and come in handy for distraction and practicing stretches.

View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, naylors.com, equus.co.uk or rideawaystore.com

Bizzy Bites Lick Refill

Flavors: Original, Garlic, Mint or Apple | Sizes: 1kg | RRP: £10.06 |

For use with the Bizzy Bites toy which can be hung, wall mounted or used on the floor.

View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or rideawaystore.com

Lick blocks for horses

Paddock salt licks tend to contain more vitamins and minerals than a traditional salt lick. They’re a great way to ensure your horse is getting extra nutrients, especially when not on hard feed. They’re harder to monitor for pick-up, and when your horse shares a field there’s no way of knowing who’s benefiting – aside from maybe a telltale sticky snout.

KM Elite Ultimate oil lick

Sizes: 7.5kg | RRP: £18 |

This vitamin, mineral and trace element lick is designed to support your horse’s nutrition all year round.

View now at amazon.co.uk, rideawaystore.com or equus.co.uk

Likit lick paddock

Sizes: 8kg | RRP: €17.69 |

This salt lick offers a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals, plus the added benefits of garlic, yeast and oils

View now on amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, rideawaystore.com, equus.co.uk or elandlodge.com

Dodson & Horrell Uniblock

Sizes: 12.5kg | RRP: £27.75 |

This salt lick provides vitamins and minerals that are not always available when 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 gut bacteria.

Watch now on viovet.co.uk or equus.co.uk

Simple System salt lick pan

Sizes: 10kg | RRP: €15.95 |

This salt lick comes in a flexible can to replenish sodium and magnesium.

Watch now at amazon.de

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 salt lick is packed with vitamins and minerals to support your horse’s diet.

View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or rideawaystore.com

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Clinical signs and response to treatment may indicate that your horse has ulcers, but a gastroscopy (gastroscopy) is the only way to confirm the diagnosis of gastric ulcers and assess their severity. There is no connection between the signs and the severity of ulcers. Some horses show very few signs but have severe ulcers, while others show many signs but have less severe ulcers.

In gastric scoping, an endoscope (a small camera) is passed through the horse’s nose to the stomach and the beginning of the small intestine to view the lining of the stomach. This requires the horse to be fasting so the stomach is empty and lightly sedated to make passing the camera easier.

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Trying to decide what type of treat to feed your horse? Apples could be the answer to your dilemma! Apples are a healthy and nutritious treat that many horses love.

Can a horse eat apples?

Horses love to eat apples and they are safe for most horses. Horses can eat apples as a treat as long as they are fed in moderation and properly prepared.

Remember, just because you can eat apples doesn’t mean you should eat a whole bagful a day.

Most horses enjoy eating apples and probably don’t even realize they’re eating a healthy treat. Apples range in flavor from super sweet to tart, and horses often prefer one flavor over another when given a choice.

As with any food, there is always some risk in feeding certain treats to certain horses, but with the information below you should be able to easily determine whether or not apples are the perfect treat for your horse.

Apples are healthy for horses

Apples are mostly healthy for horses and most horses absolutely love them.

Apples contain potassium, fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C. They also contain antioxidants that help break down damaged molecules in the body that often cause inflammation and other problems.

Many horse owners find that their horses prefer apples to other treats. The key to healthy apples is to feed them in moderation, which means just a few apples a day is more than enough.

You should never feed a large amount of a treat in a single day as this can cause digestive problems in your horse.

As with any new food, start small and feed them just a few pieces of apple at first and observe them for a day. If they are doing well, they should have no problem eating apples.

Types of Apples Horses Can Eat

With so many varieties of apples, you may be wondering which varieties of apples horses can eat.

Fresh apples are the best option when feeding horses. Here are the top 10 best apple varieties to feed your horses:

Fuji apples

Gala apples

Cortland apples

Honey crisp apples

Red delicious apples

Pink lady apples

Golden delicious apples

Granny Smith apples

McIntosh apples

Sun-ripened apples

Remember that horses can eat apples of any color, including red, green, and yellow apples.

Horses like to eat cooking apples. You will find them just as delicious as other varieties. While they eat them cooked, horses tend to prefer their apples raw.

Problems with feeding apples to horses

While apples are generally safe, there are a few instances where they could potentially pose a problem. Let’s examine some of the most common things to consider when feeding apples.

Avoid overfeeding

The main problem with feeding horses apples is that horse owners sometimes feed their horse too many apples at once.

You should feed each treat in moderation to avoid upset stomach and colic in your horse.

Horses’ digestive systems are extremely vulnerable when not fed the right diet.

Feeding your horse a lot of apples at once can definitely lead to severe stomach upset and possibly a vet visit.

To avoid this and keep your horse happy and healthy, stick to feeding only 1 or 2 apples a day.

If you like, cut up an apple in the morning and feed part of it early in the morning and the rest later in the afternoon. This will keep your horse happy and help him avoid stomach problems.

Be careful around horses with dental problems

Horses with dental problems often have trouble chewing their feed. Apples are naturally crunchy in texture and require chewing. They may not be the perfect feed for your horse if it has dental problems.

If your horse has some teeth left and can chew something, you can cut the apple into really small pieces that won’t hurt him if he swallows them whole.

If your horse doesn’t have teeth, you may want to avoid apples or find a way to prepare them so that they are softer and easier for your horse to handle.

You can do this by pureeing them using a food processor or blender.

applesauce

Avoid feeding horses with metabolic problems

Some horses suffer from metabolic problems such as Cushing’s and insulin resistance. Unfortunately, since apples contain sugar, they should not be fed to these horses.

There are healthier treats specifically designed for these horses that you can feed instead.

Avoid feeding horses with HYPP apples

Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HYPP) is a condition that causes the horse to become unable to handle potassium and actually leaks it from its muscles, causing serious problems.

Apples contain potassium and are not recommended for horses suffering from HYPP. (Source)

How to prepare apples for your horse

Should You Peel Apples Before Feeding?

You can definitely feed your horse apple peels. They actually tend to love the peel, and since it’s relatively thin, they have no problem shredding it along with the rest of the apple.

The apple peel contains extra fiber that is beneficial for your horse’s digestive system. You may want to rinse the apple first, just to make sure there are no toxins or pesticide residues.

You can also look for organic apples which shouldn’t have any pesticides on the skin, or if you happen to have an apple tree on your property you can feed them apples picked straight from the source.

Should you chop up apples or feed them whole?

Horses eat whole apples. Smaller apples fit entirely in their mouths, where they can chew them. They usually bite from larger apples.

Many horse owners feed their horses whole apples, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right method for your horse.

Some horses tend to eat too quickly and may swallow a whole apple too quickly, causing it to get stuck in their throat.

To avoid this, simply cut the apple into smaller pieces before feeding. This will also help trick your horse into thinking he’s getting a lot of treats instead of just one that’s cut up.

It’s safer and helps you avoid a costly vet visit. Remember that suffocation can also lead to pneumonia and no horse owner wants to deal with pneumonia.

Another way to feed horses apples

Aside from feeding your horse regular apple slices, there are a few different ways you can prepare apples for your horse.

Mix with Bran Mash

As a special treat, add chopped apples to your horse’s bran porridge. Don’t overindulge, however, and always remember that moderation is key in all goodies.

Baked Apple Treats

There are a number of apple baked treats that you can prepare for your horse.

Just make sure any ingredients you use are safe for a horse and that you don’t add too much or any sugar if possible.

Frozen apple lick

Some creative horse owners like to make frozen salt licks for their horses. You can use an empty ice bucket, fill it with water and add some treats, like crushed apples, to the water.

Freeze it completely, remove the container and set it out for your horse to lick on a hot summer day.

apple oatmeal

Some horse owners prepare a portion of apple oatmeal as a treat for horses. Again, make sure any ingredients you use are horse safe and that you don’t add too much sugar, as apples already contain something.

Baked/soft apples

You can boil and soften apples to make them easier to chew for horses with dental problems. Just make sure they are cut into smaller pieces and easy for those horses to swallow.

frequently asked Questions

Can apples kill horses? Apples and other treats fed in large quantities can cause colic, which can be potentially fatal to horses. Can horses eat apple seeds? A horse can eat the whole apple including the peel, core and seed. Can horses eat fallen fruit apples? Horses can eat small amounts of fallen fruit apples. Care should be taken to ensure that the apple is not rotten and only feed a few a day.

Final Thoughts

I have yet to find a horse that doesn’t like treats, but finding one that loves it can be difficult at times. Luckily, most horses seem to love apples and really enjoy eating them. They are nutritious and natural so I don’t worry about feeding them to my horses.

Apples should always be fed in moderation and only to horses that can tolerate the sugar and potassium content of an apple. If you follow these two suggestions, you should have no trouble feeding your favorite horse apples as a treat.

We encourage you to mix and match combinations of fruits, vegetables and juices to find one that your horse enjoys best. Not only horses love a nice cool down, but also many other animals around the farm! Show us on Facebook and Instagram how your pets are braving the heat and enjoying their popsicles!

As the summer heat rises, it can be difficult to keep horses cool and comfortable. A cool bath, perhaps with an invigorating brace, refreshes your horse after a sweaty ride. But if you’re looking for a cool treat for your horse after a tough workout, or something to keep them occupied in the stable or out in the paddock, we have three fun do-it-yourself popsicle recipes to try created this summer. Start by figuring out what fruits and vegetables your horse likes and dislikes, and pay close attention to the list of foods you shouldn’t feed your horse. If you have any further questions, please consult your veterinarian or equine nutritionist.

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Our experience as riders and horse owners ourselves is that in most situations one year is sufficient to assess proper fit and function. PLUS: In the case of manufacturer defects, we extend the manufacturer’s guarantee to a maximum of 24 months, regardless of their individual policies. (AND: Manufacturer guarantees longer than 24 months are also recognized and supported by us up to the duration of these guarantees).

Exceptions: Safety items such as helmets and protective vests can only be returned within 30 days if the original labels are intact. Saddles and riding boots can be returned within the one year period but will be subject to a pro rata refund based on usage. Used saddles can only be returned within 30 days. For everyone’s protection, treats and veterinary medicines that have been opened are non-returnable and returned blankets must be clean and free of dirt. Click here for our full return policy.

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A. Most horses and ponies with laminitis are placed on a restricted diet so we would recommend Snak-a-Ball as this is an excellent way to keep the small rations they are given much longer. The Snak-a-Ball can be filled with your own llami-friendly food or with our low-sugar Likit Snaks. Not only does the Snak-a-Ball increase feeding time and encourage natural grazing, but it also helps relieve boredom and stress, which is especially important when they are on stall rest or bare paddocks.

Alternatively we manufacture salt based Likits and Little Likits to be used in conjunction with our range of toys. This is a great way to provide free access to salt. Just keep in mind that horses don’t “play” with salt for long periods of time, so it may not relieve the same level of boredom as the glucose varieties.

The largest source of sugar in your horse’s diet is the feed it eats. For example, grass in the summer can provide one to two kilos of sugar per day for a 500 kg horse, and good hay can provide up to half a kilo in the winter.

Other sources of sugar can be chaff/chops (200 g sugar/kg) or sugar beet (50 g sugar/kg) treated with molasses and compound feed containing ‘sweeteners’ in the form of syrup/molasses/etc 100 g sugar/kg .

The average sugar content of Likits is 80%, so at the maximum recommended intake of 300g per day, the total sugar intake of Likits would be only 240g, which is very similar to the intake of a kilo of treacle or 2.4 kilos of concentrate.

The horse has evolved into a herbivore, eating grass and other pasture plants naturally rich in sugars. As it is consumed under natural grazing conditions, we can conclude that sugar is a normal part of the average horse’s diet. Simple sugars are digested very well in the horse’s small intestine and do not reach the large intestine. Sugar is essential for the horse’s well-being because without it the horse would die.

Human consumption of sugar is a major cause of tooth decay, but it’s not the total amount you eat that matters, it’s how you eat it! Frequent consumption of sugary foods, drinks or sweets provides bacteria with food, from which they produce acid, which breaks down tooth enamel. Eating sugar in a meal is less harmful as saliva helps wash away residual sugar, and brushing your teeth after a meal eliminates the problem.

This is completely different with the horse, which salivates copiously when eating and thus “washes its teeth regularly”. It is practically impossible that sugar residues remain on the teeth and thus no food is available for the possibly acid-forming bacteria. Of course, if the horse’s teeth are damaged in any way, food debris can become trapped with subsequent risk of tooth decay. But as we all know, it is important to have our horse’s teeth checked every six months to ensure they remain in good condition and thus eliminate any risk of tooth decay.

Sugar is not the main cause of tooth decay in horses!

dr Derek Cuddeford, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Back to science

Really fun and entertaining, Likit treats and toys for horses are a mainstay on The Cheshire Horse shelves. This unique line of toys has been shown to reduce the boredom and stress horses experience in a stable and allows them to stay mentally stimulated. In this blog we explore the benefits of using Likit horse treats and toys in your stable and pasture while also discussing proper toy selection.

More than a toy

While many horse owners buy Likit toys because they’re just plain fun for horses (and highly entertaining for those watching), they have many additional benefits. “Likit toys were developed by veterinarians and animal behaviorists to combat boredom and stress in the stable,” explains Paul Mattas, North American representative for Likit horse treats and toys.

Horses live outdoors and are constantly on pasture, so spending a lot of time in a stable goes against their natural instincts. By enriching their stable environment, you can discourage them from developing stable vices like nipping, chewing, and weaving. According to a Cornell University study conducted in 2011 by Katherine Houpt, VMD, PhD (read a summary here), the Likit Tongue Twister has been clinically proven to reduce biting in horses.

Likit horse toys are easy to use and very economical, making them a practical choice for many horse owners. However, they are particularly useful for nervous horses, cribbers and especially those who spend time in a stable as part of their routine or for injury/rehabilitation purposes. They are also a wonderful addition to your horse’s environment during the winter months when your horse may not have as much access to pasture or exercise.

The Likit Tongue Twister has been clinically proven to reduce biting in horses. Cornell University study conducted by Katherine Houpt, VMD, PhD in 2011

The right toy for you

“Likit is the only comprehensive range of equine activity toys in the world,” says Paul. Their products range from the simplest, the Likit Holder, to the mid-sized toys, the Boredom Breaker and Tongue Twister, or the more challenging, Boredom Buster. By incorporating treats into the toy, the Likits stimulate your horse’s brain and make him think, “How do I get access to this reward?” The toys vary in difficulty to make them suitable for horses of all motivation levels.

The Likit Holder is the simplest toy they offer. This toy consists of a delicious Likit treat that hangs in your horse’s stall and the swinging motion prevents it from biting or eating it… and “licking” it instead. The more your horse plays with the toy, the more he moves, making it all the more challenging the more engaged he is.

Likit Holder When your horse plays with this toy, the Likit Holder moves, making him work harder for his reward.

The Boredom Breaker adds an element of difficulty to the Likit holder by incorporating a ball under the Likit. The ball contains the Lil Likit treats so you can offer your horse a variety of delicious flavors.

Likit Boredom Breaker This toy’s multi-directional movement and ability to add different flavors and refill sizes will interest your horse.

If you’re looking for alternatives to hanging toys from the stable ceiling, the Tongue Twister attaches directly to the stable wall and rotates while your horse licks the treat. This is a great option for horses who may be wary of anything hanging from the ceiling. Additionally, it has been clinically proven by Cornell University to reduce biting by 23%.

Likit Tongue Twister Toy This toy is a great option if space is at a premium in your stall.

If your horse needs a bigger challenge, try the Boredom Buster. This advanced toy hangs from the ceiling and spins in different directions as your horse plays with it. This is for exceptionally playful and mischievous horses… other horses may become frustrated with the difficulty and stop playing with the toy. In general, it is recommended that you allow your horse to experiment with less difficult toys before trying this challenging one!

Likit Boredom Buster This challenging toy will provide your horse with hours of mental stimulation.

The Likit Snak-a-Ball takes the fun outside to the pasture! This durable ball releases tiny clumps of grain when your horse pushes it around with his nose. It encourages natural feeding behavior and helps them stretch over their topline and build muscle tone while nibbling on the pelleted food. This makes it an excellent choice for horses with insulin resistance or glucose issues as you can use low starch granules or hay pellets. “The Snak-a-Ball is an excellent weaning product for foals and young horses as it encourages a slow and steady forage release, which is beneficial to their digestive system, and also encourages natural grazing motion,” explains Paul.

Likit Snak-A-Ball This toy encourages natural feeding behavior that is good for the horse’s digestion.

“There’s a Likit toy that suits every horse’s personality and it’s important to keep that in mind when choosing a toy for your horse,” Paul continues. “For example, many people start with the Likit Holder since it’s the entry-level product, but for a feed-motivated, smart horse, it’s better to start with a Boredom Breaker, which is much more challenging. For a less adventurous horse, the tongue twister would be more appropriate.” If you have any questions about which toy is best for your horse, we recommend using the handy product selector tool on the Likit website.

Correct Usage

In order to safely use the toy in your horse’s stable, manger or paddock, proper installation is essential. All toys should be used according to the instructions in the manual, otherwise it may cause excessive consumption or injury.

“First, insert the treat from your hand and gently encourage your horse to lick it,” explains Paul. “Lick your hand happily once, put the likit in the toy and hold it again to lick. Finally, hang the toy as directed (3 feet from the stall wall and at withers height in most cases) and hold it still to allow it to lick. They’ll get the idea soon!” By hanging toys about a meter from the stall wall and at wither height, they can’t push the toy against the wall and grab the treat, forcing them to lick it (hence the name!) .

Provided the Likit treat is hung correctly, it should last anywhere from 2 to 5 days (they often last considerably longer). If the horse eats faster, it needs a more challenging toy like the Boredom Breaker or the Boredom Buster. As with any new feed, ensure that it is fed to your horse slowly and under your supervision, and ensure that fresh, clean water is always available.

Flavors galore!

Just like the toys, the treats have been developed with your horse’s health in mind. All treats are made with glucose, the same type of sugar found in weed. The treats do not contain rock candy like sucrose. There are so many great flavors to choose from including molasses, mint, apple and banana. Some horses with health issues like Cushing’s, Insulin Resistance (IR) or glucose issues may not be good candidates for the Likit Treats with Glucose, but they can still have fun! The Himalayan Rock Salt Likit is suitable for all horses and ponies and fits in the Likit Holder or the Boredom Breaker.

In addition to the range of Likit Treat Toys, The Cheshire Horse stock the Likit Horse Treats, which are conveniently pre-cut to allow for on-the-go feeding. Many riders use these delicious bars for training purposes or simply to treat their lucky equine companions.

Consider enriching your horse’s surroundings with a Likit horse toy. More than a toy, they are also proven to have positive effects on your horse’s mental health.

These activity toys are really fun! If you have any questions about our full range of Likit horse toys and treats, or need help choosing the right toy for your playful pony, we encourage you to speak to one of our friendly, horse-loving sales representatives.

Horse mineral licks and horse salt licks are ideal for supplementing your horse’s diet with essential minerals. We have a wide range of mineral licks and salt licks here at Millbry Hill so you are sure to find the perfect choice for your horse.

From natural salt to flavored mineral licks, our extensive range means you can choose a product to suit your horse’s preferences and needs. Salt licks not only provide your horse with the minerals it needs to stay healthy, but can also act as a stall reliever as they encourage the horse’s natural feeding instincts. Some horse licks also contain specific minerals, herbs, and natural ingredients to help or address specific health issues, such as mobility, breathing, or coat and skin care.

You might be interested in the fact that we also offer other types of feed. So if you want to stock up, browse our selection of chaff, haylage and goodies too. We offer free UK mainland delivery for orders over £75 (weight and remote/offshore postcode restrictions apply). Order online today.

challenge selection

Easy

Our entry level product, the Likit Holder has a low level of challenge making it ideal for horses who have never used Likits as it allows them a gentle introduction to the range which is particularly important for horses who are not typically forage motivated – Sometimes they can be put off if the challenge is too great at first.

Middle

The Medium Challenge Level includes the Snak-a-Ball and the Tongue Twister. Firstly the Snak-a-Ball, this is suitable for all horses and ponies and can be used indoors or outdoors. The challenge for this product increases when the horse uses the product. Simply fill with any dry food, ideally pelleted, or fill with our new Likit Snaks. When the horse nudges the ball, it rolls and the food trickles out. The less food left in the ball, the greater the challenge for the horse.

Second, the Tongue Twister, this product is designed to be secured to a wall at withers height and is ideal for horses in smaller stalls or those who tend to ‘startle’ easily. Just use a Little Likit or two and when the horse uses the toy the ball will spin making it harder for them to reach their reward. To increase the challenge, just insert a Little Likit, gravity will pull the treat down. Studies have shown that environmental enrichment works best when animals are exposed to changes in their environment. From time to time try to change the taste of the Little Likits and even more so the location of the toy.

Difficult

One of our more challenging toys, the Boredom Breaker is ideal for experienced Likit users or particularly feed-motivated horses. Make sure the ball is hung at the withers, well away from walls to encourage the horse to lick rather than bite. We recommend using one of our salt based Likits on the top Likit holder and using 1 or 2 small Likits in the sphere. As with the Tongue Twister, we would recommend rotating both the flavors and the position of the ball regularly to keep the horse interested.

Salt licks are important parts of animal life and diet. They play a key role in the health and growth of most animals, both wild and farmed. In fact, one of the most famous animals to consume salt is a deer.

A salt lick for deer can be very attractive. Deer look for mineral salt deposits in nature for a variety of reasons. If you’re wondering “why deer like salt,” you’ll find the answer in this article. In this detailed guide we go into detail about “lick stone for deer”.

Salt Lick For Deer: Why Do Deer Like Salt?

Salt licks, also known as mineral licks, are necessary components in the diet of animals. They contain essential minerals from salt deposits and trace elements such as phosphorus, iron, zinc and calcium.

Mineral lickstones are commonly found in nature. Animals regularly visit places where natural salt licks are plentiful to supplement their diet. In addition to natural salt licks, there are artificial salt licks that are used by humans for livestock farming.

Additionally, some people use artificial mineral licks to support wildlife and the ecosystem, while some hunters use them to attract wild animals like deer to their hunting ground. If you ask, “Why do deer like salt?” Because these salt licks are rich in minerals, which deer need for healthy bone and muscle growth, especially in spring.

Salt lick for deer in winter and other seasons

Why do deer like salt, especially in winter? To be clear, they not only “like” salt, they need it. Salty mineral licks are usually exposed during inclement weather, which attracts animals to these locations. Sites with saline mineral deposits play a crucial role in ecology and organism diversity as they provide significant nutritional benefits.

And for those nutritional benefits we mentioned earlier, deer have been hunting natural salt licks for ages. They need salt to form hydrochloric acid, which helps digest food in their stomachs. The need for deer salt varies depending on the season. Different species of deer require salt intake at different times of the year.

For example, the white-tailed deer needs salt in the summer and spring. That’s because their antlers often grow during these times of year. These seasons are also when they often give birth and nurse their fawns. In such cases, they need more salt than usual in their diet. During the winter months, deer need salt to adapt to the harsh and cold weather conditions.

For more information on animal salt licks, see our in-depth article Why do animals need salt?

What type of deer salt lick is your best option?

Now you know that deer need salt. But do you know exactly what type of salt lick is the best option for deer? While you may think that any type of mineral lick will do, that is not true. If you buy salt licks for cattle or horses, they will not attract deer.

Not all salt blocks are made equal. They contain different minerals in varying amounts determined by the nutritional needs of the intended animal. It is therefore best to choose a salt lick for deer and not just any other salt lick.

Types of salt licks for deer

There are many types of deer salt licks that you can find in the market. However, depending on the salt lick used for deer purposes, you should weigh each one carefully.

Granular mineral lick

Because of their small size, granular mineral licks blend easily into the soil. Additionally, some granular deer salt licks require mixing with non-chlorinated, distilled water, while others do not require water to mix.

mineral block

Mineral blocks last longer compared to other salt licks. However, they take longer to mix with the earth. Because of this, they are usually favored in areas with high levels of rainfall, causing the salt blocks to seep into the land more quickly.

Liquid salt lick for deer

We can say that liquid salt licks are the exact opposite of hard, solid mineral blocks. Its liquid form allows it to seep into the ground more quickly. However, liquid salts don’t last as long as mineral blocks.

Do you know what liquid salt is? Check out our article What is Liquid Salt?

How to make a salt lick for deer

Although artificial, salt licks can be made to look natural. These types of salt licks are usually placed near a feeding ground where deer often feed. Let’s look at how to make a salt lick for deer.

Mix 1 part dicalcium phosphate, 2 parts mineral salt, and 1 part table salt in a large bucket. Find the path that deer often walk or a place they visit. Begin digging a hole that is about 12 inches deep and 36 inches in diameter. Fill the hole with granular salt and mineral mix. Put soil on top of the mix you added. If you have an old tree stump, water it up around the hole. Pour sprinkles of the mixture on top to make it easier for the deer to spot. Place your trail camera.

experimental techniques

Not all techniques work equally for all sites and locations when it comes to installing a deer salt lick. Because of this, you should experiment to find out which one works best for your particular site. Here are some basic points to keep in mind when placing mineral licks:

Find the best place

Finding the perfect location for a deer salt lick is crucial. It can be difficult to spot one, but try to take your time choosing a location if you don’t want it to go to waste.

Locate areas of high deer usage

The best places to place salt licks are usually in the areas of high deer use. Try to find active ridges and funnels that are in the deer trails as deer can easily find the salt there.

Protect the natural habitat

Don’t forget to protect the natural habitat. Avoid leaving packaging of the minerals.

cattle salt

We have touched on the deer salt lick and how to make a deer salt lick. But not only wild animals like deer need salt. World-class salt exporter Koyuncu Salt produces animal feed salt for all types of livestock, from poultry to beef.

Koyuncu Livestock Salt is available in fine salt, coarse salt, medium salt and salt lick that contains all the necessary minerals essential to animal health.

Our readers support us. This post may contain affiliate links. We earn from qualifying purchases. learn more

Horses are social animals and generally enjoy the company of others. They often form close bonds with their owners.

After spending time together, your horse often shows affection for you. There are many different ways to tell if a horse likes you.

Here are 8 signs a horse likes and trusts you

1. They come to greet you

If a horse likes you, it will often greet you when it hears you coming. They can run to the fence or wait longingly for you at their stable door.

When a horse is dying to say hello to you, it’s his way of showing he likes you. When they come to greet you, they look forward to spending time with you.

2. They nod or whinny for you

Horses often whinny and whinny to people they are familiar with. They often vocalize with a whinny or nod when trying to get the attention of other horses or humans.

If your horse nods when he hears you coming, he is looking forward to seeing you. Nickering is a way for them to greet you as someone they care about.

3. They lay their head on you

When a horse lays his head on you, it’s a sign of trust. They are comfortable around you and like you enough to lay their head on you.

When a horse lays its head on you, it’s a way for it to bond with you and show affection. They let you know that they enjoy being around you. It’s like her way of giving a hug.

4. They nudge you

Although a nudge can mean other things, it is often associated with a horse showing affection towards you. Poking can be the equivalent of a horse hugging or kissing you.

If a horse likes you, it will often nudge you to get your attention. Gentle nudges can be a way for a horse to show love for you. They mean that in addition to their nudge, they will even lick or lip you.

5. They are relaxed around you

When a horse is relaxed around you, it is a sign that they like and trust you. When you see your horse relaxed with you, it shows that he feels safe with you.

Signs that your horse is relaxed around you include things like licking and chewing, bowing his head, letting out a sigh, and cocking his hind leg.

A horse that trusts you will be comfortable enough to relax around you.

When a horse lets you get close to him while lying down, that’s a real show of trust. Horses are vulnerable when lying down. So if they let you come to them lying down, they have a lot of trust and love for you.

6. They groom you back

Grooming is one of the best ways to bond with your horse. When your horse brushes you back, it sees you as a friend.

Horses grooming themselves in the wild not only because it feels good to them, but also because it’s a way to show affection for one another. They will nibble at each other’s withers, back, and neck.

When your horse nibbles on your shoulder or head, it is his way of grooming you. This is a way for them to show you that they like you.

Also check out our guide to the best horse grooming kits.

7. They show you respect

With horses, respect is a sign of trust. If your horse likes you and trusts you, it will respect you.

A horse that trusts you will see you as a leader. They will respect your space and your orders. A horse that likes you will be happy to follow you, which is also a sign of respect.

Some horses even follow their owners. When a horse follows you, they trust you to take care of them. This is how they show you their respect.

8. They breathe on your face

When a horse comes up and breathes your face, it’s the ultimate show of respect and trust. Horses show affection by gently blowing air through each other’s nostrils.

When a horse blows in your face, it’s a sign that he sees you as a loyal companion. Horses will breathe in your face when they see you as part of their family.

It’s one of the best ways horses show their affection for loved ones.

Every colic is unique. You should balance the factors involved in your horse’s care, feeding and activity. Work with your veterinarian and stable manager (if accommodated) to determine the best plan for your horse. Review these plans annually to change your practices based on changes in activity, diet, illness, and other factors.

Horses are prone to colic, and many types of colic are unavoidable. However, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure your horse is at the lowest possible risk of colic.

Above all, be a proactive owner. If your horse is at an unnecessary risk of colic, try to change the situation. These measures should reduce the risk of colic, but do not guarantee elimination of it.

Always have fresh, clean water

Research shows that horses without water for one to two hours had an increased risk of colic. This risk increased tenfold in horses over the age of six. Horses prefer to drink from buckets rather than automatic drinkers. This preference is likely due to the ability to drink large volumes faster.

In the winter, always make sure automatic drinkers and other water sources have free-flowing water. Horses drink more in colder weather when the water is warm. Putting hot water in buckets twice a day works just as well as continuous warm water. Learn more about watering horses in winter.

On longer drives, stop to let the horses drink. A veterinarian can also give you mineral oil before you travel.

allow grazing

Horses with access to two to three different pastures in the previous month had a lower risk of colic than horses without access to pasture. Research shows that feeding from round bales increases the risk of colic. This increase may be related to a decrease in round bale quality due to weather conditions and outdoor storage, hay variety and/or the free consumption of certain hay varieties. More information on pasture and hay.

Avoid feeding hay on the ground in sandy areas

Horses can eat enough sand to upset their gut or impair mobility. To reduce the amount of sand picked up:

Use feed buckets or hay racks

Place rubber mats or drip trays under the racks so horses can eat leftovers without sand

Only feed grain and pellets when needed

For every one pound increase in whole grain or corn food, the risk of colic increases by 70 percent. Compared to horses fed 100 percent hay:

Pelleted feed led to a 6- to 9.5-fold increased risk of colic

Sweet food led to a 4- to 7.5-fold increased risk of colic

For more information on basic nutrition, see Ten Things Everyone Should Know About Adult Horse Nutrition.

Monitor horses carefully for colic after changes in exercise, stable, or diet

The risk of colic increases within two weeks of changes. Farms that make more than four feed changes in a year have three times as much colic as farms with fewer than four feed changes. Changing the batch of hay can also increase the risk of colic. Make gradual changes in diet, posture, and exercise whenever possible. To change food, mix 1/4 new food with 3/4 old food for about seven days, then gradually increase the percentage of new food.

Float your horse’s teeth every six months

Floating teeth of a horse.

Regular hovering ensures your horse is chewing its feed properly and thoroughly. When floating, the sharp melting points are abraded buccally and lingually. Buccal is the cheek surface of the upper teeth. Lingual is the lingual surface of the lower teeth. Learn more about caring for your horse’s teeth.

control parasites

Horses that are dewormed daily or regularly have less colic. Learn more about horse deworming and parasites.

Supervise and care for your horse yourself as much as possible

Horses have two to three times less colic when cared for by their owner compared to a stable manager or trainer. You’ll notice subtle signs or habit changes more quickly when you become familiar with your horse’s “normal.” Learn more about knowing what is normal for your horse.

Observe broodmares and horses that have suffered from colic

You should closely monitor broodmares for the two months following foaling. Also observe horses that have been ill or had colic in the past. These horses are at higher risk of colic and early treatment is important.

Discuss your use of Bute with a veterinarian

Bute (phenylbutazone) treatment may predispose horses to some types of colic and may mask early signs of colic. Discuss proper amounts of bute with your veterinarian and avoid using large amounts or long-term use.

By Scott R. McClure, DVM, PhD, Diplomat ACVS, Diplomat ACVSMR

Why do horses get ulcers?

Stomach ulcers in horses can affect any horse at any age. Up to 90 percent of race horses and 60 percent of show horses, but also non-performance horses and even foals are affected by gastric ulcers in horses. These are the result of erosion of the stomach lining due to prolonged exposure to normal stomach acid. Unlike human ulcers, bacteria do not appear to cause gastric ulcers in horses. Horses are designed to be grazers with a regular intake of roughage. Because the horse’s stomach constantly secretes acid, stomach ulcers can develop if the horse does not eat regularly because there is less feed to neutralize the acid.

The horse’s stomach is divided in two. The lower part is glandular and secretes acid and has a protective coating to prevent it from being damaged by acid. Ulcers occur in the glandular area of ​​the stomach, but this is less common. The upper part of the stomach is used to mix the stomach contents and is not as protected from the acid. This is the most common place to find stomach ulcers.

Ulcers are often a man-made disease. Stable alone can lead to the development of stomach ulcers. Horses that are kept away from other horses and horses that are kept and exercised in urban areas are more likely to develop squamous gastric ulcers. When horses are fed twice a day, the stomach is left without food for an extended period of time to neutralize the acid. In addition, a high-grain diet produces volatile fatty acids that can contribute to the development of ulcers.

Stress (both environmental and physical) can also increase the likelihood of ulcers. Even typical exercise and recreational performance has been shown to induce ulcers within a five to seven day period. Dragging and shuffling groups of horses, as well as horses in training, can cause ulcers. Strenuous exercise can reduce both the gastric emptying function and the gastric blood flow, thereby contributing to the problem.

Many foals that are hospitalized for routine or critical care, or foals in a stressful environment, are frequently and prophylactically medicated to prevent stomach ulcers.

Finally, chronic administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as phenylbutazone, flunixin, meglumine, or ketoprofen can decrease the production of the stomach’s protective lining of mucus, making it more prone to ulcer formation in the glandular area of ​​the stomach.

The majority of horses with gastric ulcers show no outward symptoms. They have more subtle symptoms like loss of appetite and poor coat. The impact on performance is not well understood. Poorly performing Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses have a higher incidence of squamous gastric ulcers. More severe cases present with abdominal pain (colic) and/or bruxism (teeth grinding).

Some horses lie on their backs or are constantly “ejected” in their stalls, as this position appears to offer some relief from severe stomach ulcers.

The only way to definitively diagnose ulcers is with gastroscopy, which involves inserting an endoscope into the stomach and looking at its surface. To make this possible, the stomach must be empty, so most horses are not fed for 12 to 24 hours and are not allowed to drink water for two to three hours. Under light sedation and possibly a twitch, the endoscope is passed through the nostril and down the esophagus into the stomach. The light and camera at the end of the endoscope allow the vet to view the lining of the stomach.

Treatment of ulcers is aimed at eliminating the predisposing factors and reducing acid production. Whenever possible, horses should be given free access to grass or hay. Environmental factors also need to be considered, which may include relationships with other horses or the horse’s job description. Horses that require stabling should be arranged so that they can see and interact with other horses and have constant access to feed. Some horses seem to enjoy having a ball or other object in the stable to pass the time.

More frequent feedings help buffer acid in the stomach. Reducing grains that produce volatile fatty acids may help some horses. The energy from the grain can be replaced with a higher-fat feed. For horses with a lower calorie requirement, grass hay of your choice with the appropriate vitamin and mineral supplements helps.

Drugs to reduce acid production are only required in horses showing clinical disease or when predisposing factors cannot be controlled, such as: B. in some horses in race training or in aggressive tournament fights. While antacids sound like a good idea, they would need to be administered six to 12 times a day to be effective. Antacids in feed are relatively ineffective because they are ingested at the same time as the feed, thereby buffering the acidity. Although there are many options available to you and your veterinarian to treat stomach ulcers, very few are labeled for this purpose. Consult your equine veterinarian and use a product that is specifically labeled and FDA approved to prevent and/or treat gastric ulcers in horses. Omeprazole is currently the only drug approved to treat gastric ulcers. Studies have shown a lack of active ingredient or lack of effectiveness when using some compound drugs.

Preventing ulcers is key. Limiting stressful situations, frequent feeding and free access to grass or hay is imperative. This provides a constant supply of feed to neutralize acidity and stimulate saliva production, which is nature’s finest antacid. There are many dietary supplements on the market that claim to prevent squamous gastric ulcers. Many are ineffective and lack validation. Horse owners should use squamous ulcer prevention products that have been validated in competent scientific studies. When this is not sufficient or possible, horses at greatest risk benefit from medication (omeprazole) to reduce acid production.

In any case of suspected peptic ulcer disease, a qualified equine veterinarian should be consulted to determine the best course of action and treatment for the individual horse.

Reviewed and updated by the original author in 2016.