With the start of the endurance and camel racing season in the UAE and the Gulf, many horse and camel owners ask: Is water alone enough after training? The answer in most cases: No. An animal that sweats heavily loses important mineral salts with sweat, and their replacement is done through electrolytes for horses and camels. In this guide, we explain as a veterinarian what electrolyte salts are, when your animal needs them, and how to choose the right product and use it safely.
What is the electrolyte for horses and camels?
Electrolytes are mineral salts that dissolve in body fluids and carry an electrical charge, the most important of which are:
- Sodium and Chloride: Maintain fluid balance and blood pressure, and are the most lost in horse sweat.
- Potassium: Essential for muscle contraction and heart function.
- Calcium and Magnesium: Important for nerve and muscle function and preventing cramps.
Veterinary electrolyte supplements combine these salts in studied proportions, and sugar (dextrose or sucrose) may be added to improve absorption and taste, along with Vitamin C or B vitamins and amino acids to support recovery.
Why do horses and camels need replacement salts?
Horse sweat is very rich in salts compared to human sweat, so a horse that trains or travels in the hot Gulf weather may lose large amounts of salts in a short time. Water alone replenishes fluids but does not replace lost salts; in fact, the salts themselves stimulate the animal to drink. Camels are more tolerant of thirst, but racing camels and those transported over long distances or exposed to heat stress also benefit from regular compensation.
Tags indicating that your animal needs an electrolyte
- Heavy sweating after training or racing, especially in hot or humid weather.
- Lethargy, rapid fatigue, poor performance, or slow recovery after exertion.
- Muscle cramps or stiffness.
- Dry gums, and slow return of neck skin to its place when pinched (pinch test).
- Reduced drinking or urination or a change in urine color to dark.
- After long transport and travel in trucks.
Important Notice: If the horse shows signs of colic, refuses to drink and eat, or experiences flank twitching with each heartbeat (known as Thumps), or severe collapse and fatigue, this is an emergency requiring a veterinarian and may require intravenous Fluids, as oral compensation is not sufficient.
How does the electrolyte work in the animal's body?
When salts are given with water or feed, they are absorbed from the intestines into the blood, restoring fluid balance inside and outside the cells, supporting muscle contraction and nerve signal transmission. The presence of sugar in the formula helps transport sodium across the intestinal wall, while vitamins and antioxidants help muscles recover from stress. The result: better drinking, less fatigue, and a faster return to normal performance.
How to choose the right electrolyte salts?
- Effort level: Light training requires smaller doses or spaced days, while races, endurance, and stamina need daily replenishment.
- Form: Powder is economical for large stables and farms, ready-made sachets are convenient for travel and competitions, and liquid is useful for animals that refuse powder.
- Composition: Look for a good ratio of sodium, chloride, and potassium, and preferably Vitamin C or B vitamins if the goal is recovery support.
- Number of animals: Large packages (10 or 20 kg) are more economical for those with several horses or camels.
Selected electrolyte products from Shopivet for horses and camels
Electrolyte+C 2kg – Electrolyte Plus C
Mineral salts with Vitamin C to compensate for severe sweating loss. According to the leaflet: 30 gm daily for light work and 60 gm for intense work.
50 AED
Electrolyte Gold 30×50g – Electrolyte Gold
Electrolyte with antioxidants and amino acids. According to the leaflet: One sachet daily before racing, in heat, and during transport, and one sachet every two days for light training.
320 AED
EVERYDAY Electrolyte 20kg – Everyday Electrolyte
Designed for long-term daily use in stables. According to the leaflet: 50 gm (scoop) for horses and 25 gm for fillies and foals.
573 AED
ELYTAAN LIQ 1000ml – Elytaan Liquid
Liquid electrolyte with trace elements and B vitamins. According to the leaflet: Orally with feed or water, and the dose is determined by the veterinarian.
294.50 AED
How to give electrolytes to horses and camels step by step
- First, ensure the animal drinks water normally, and provide unlimited clean water.
- Read the product leaflet and determine the dose according to the type of effort (light or intense) and the type of animal.
- Mix the dose with the usual feed, or dissolve it in water according to the product instructions.
- If you put it in drinking water, always leave another bucket of plain water next to it for the animal to choose.
- Give them on hot days, before or after a race, and before and after travel according to the instructions.
- Monitor drinking, urination, and activity, and record each animal's response.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Giving salts to an animal that does not drink water may worsen dehydration.
- Doubling the dose thinking more is better; the excess is excreted in urine and does not benefit.
- Relying only on electrolytes without a balanced diet and clean water at all times.
- Relying solely on a salt block for horses in intensive training, as it is often insufficient to compensate for heavy sweating.
- Ignoring signs of severe heat stress and trying to treat them at home.
Frequently asked questions about electrolytes for horses and camels
Can electrolytes be given to horses daily?
Yes, some products are designed for daily use like Everyday Electrolyte, provided clean water is always available and the dosage on the leaflet is followed.
When should I give electrolytes to the horse: before or after the race?
It depends on the product and training plan; many products are given before and after competition and during transport. Follow the leaflet and consult your veterinarian to create a program suitable for your horse.
Do camels need rehydration salts despite their thirst tolerance?
Racing camels and those transported long distances or exposed to extreme heat benefit from rehydration, as exertion and sweating deplete salts despite their high endurance.
What is the difference between powder, sachets, and liquid?
Powder is more economical for large quantities, sachets are pre-dosed and convenient for travel, and liquid is easy to mix and beneficial for picky eaters.
Is electrolyte a substitute for intravenous fluids?
No. Oral rehydration is for prevention and mild cases, while severe dehydration or collapse requires veterinary intervention and intravenous fluids.
When should you visit the veterinarian immediately?
- Animal refusing water and food after exertion.
- Signs of colic or excessive sweating with general weakness.
- Flank tremors with heartbeat or strong muscle spasms.
- Increased body temperature after racing that does not decrease with rest and cooling.
To fully prepare your horse, read our guide on caring for horses before racing, and to learn about major health issues in camels, read common diseases affecting camels and prevention and treatment methods.
Note: This article is for general education and does not replace a veterinary examination. Always follow the instructions on the leaflet or your doctor's prescription.
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