HP Electrolytes+

HP Electrolytes+

HP Electrolytes+ by Health & Performance is a complementary feed for horses and ponies, developed to replenish electrolytes lost through sweating. It contains a balanced combination of sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, supplemented with the essential amino acids lysine and threonine and the readily available energy source dextrose.

When a horse sweats, it loses not only fluids but also important minerals. These electrolytes play an essential role in maintaining fluid balance, normal muscle function, and nerve signaling. Losses can be particularly significant during intensive training, competitions, and hot weather conditions.

HP Electrolytes+ is formulated to replenish these losses and support recovery after exercise. The proportions of the different minerals are based on the electrolyte requirements of horses and the composition of equine sweat.

In addition to electrolytes, the product contains lysine and threonine, two essential amino acids involved in protein metabolism and the maintenance and repair of muscle tissue. The added dextrose provides readily available glucose and contributes to energy replenishment after exercise.

Properties and benefits

HP Electrolytes+ combines several nutrients that are important for fluid balance, muscle function, and recovery after physical activity.

• Electrolyte replenishment: contains sodium, potassium, and chloride, the main minerals lost through sweating in horses.
• Support for fluid balance: sodium and chloride play important roles in regulating fluid distribution throughout the body and help maintain the normal thirst response.
• Normal muscle function: potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium are involved in the normal functioning of muscle and nerve cells.
• Support for muscle recovery: the essential amino acids lysine and threonine contribute to protein metabolism and the maintenance and repair of body tissues.
• Energy replenishment: dextrose provides glucose that can be used directly as an energy source and contributes to the restoration of energy reserves after exercise.
• Suitable for different activity levels: the dosage can be adjusted according to daily activity, training intensity, and fluid loss.
• Easy administration: the powder can be mixed with feed or dissolved in water.

HP Electrolytes+ can be used daily when the regular diet does not provide sufficient electrolytes. It is particularly useful for performance horses that regularly lose significant amounts of electrolytes through sweating during training, competitions, transportation, or hot weather.

When to use HP Electrolytes+?

HP Electrolytes+ can be used in various situations, including:

• After intensive training sessions or competitions during which the horse has sweated considerably.
• During hot and humid weather conditions.
• For horses that sweat heavily during transportation.
• For performance horses with demanding training or competition schedules.
• For horses that regularly lose more electrolytes than their normal diet provides.
• To support recovery during the first few days following periods of heavy sweating.

Electrolyte supplementation may also be beneficial during lighter exercise if the horse sweats heavily. The amount of electrolytes lost depends not only on exercise intensity but also on its duration, environmental conditions, and the individual horse’s sweat production.

Adequate hydration is always essential. Electrolytes must be replenished together with sufficient water to restore normal fluid balance.

Composition

Sodium chloride, dextrose, potassium chloride, magnesium salts of organic acids, and sodium tripolyphosphate.

Added nutrients include L-lysine and L-threonine. The product also contains calcium lactate and lactic acid as technological additives.

The main electrolytes supplied by HP Electrolytes+ are sodium, potassium, and chloride. The product also provides calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Directions for use and dosage

HP Electrolytes+ can be administered daily or during periods when a horse loses additional electrolytes through sweating. Preferably mix the powder with slightly moistened feed or dissolve it in a separate bucket of water.

Dosage according to the manufacturer:

Maintenance

• Ponies: 10 g daily, given with one feeding.
• Horses: 20 g daily, given with one feeding.

Light to moderate training

• Ponies: 20 g daily, given with one feeding.
• Horses: 40 g daily, given with one feeding.

Intensive training or competitions

• Ponies: 40 g daily, divided between two feedings.
• Horses: 80 g daily, divided between two or three feedings.

After heavy sweating or during periods of extreme heat

According to the manufacturer, the following daily amounts can be administered for one to three days:

• Ponies: 40 g daily, divided between two feedings.
• Horses: 80 g daily, divided between two or three feedings.

These amounts represent the total daily dosage and should not automatically be added to the regular training dosage.

Important: always ensure that the horse has access to sufficient fresh drinking water. If HP Electrolytes+ is dissolved in drinking water, a separate bucket containing plain, fresh water must also be available at all times.

The amount of electrolytes required depends on actual sweat losses and the composition of the existing diet. Do not exceed the recommended daily dosage without veterinary advice.

Packaging and duration of use

HP Electrolytes+ is supplied in a 5 kg package.

The duration of use depends on the daily dosage:

• 10 g daily: approximately 500 days.
• 20 g daily: approximately 250 days.
• 40 g daily: approximately 125 days.
• 80 g daily: approximately 62 days.

The manufacturer specifies a maximum shelf life of 24 months from the manufacturing date. The actual remaining shelf life depends on the production batch. Always check the expiration date on the packaging, particularly if the product will only be used occasionally.

Store the product tightly closed in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Advice from the equine veterinarian

Replenishing electrolytes is an important part of recovery after intensive exercise. Horses lose considerable amounts of sodium, chloride, and potassium through their sweat. During prolonged exercise or hot weather, these losses can increase rapidly.

For performance horses, I recommend paying attention not only to how much water they drink but also to the minerals they lose through sweating. Drinking water alone does not replace these electrolytes.

I consider HP Electrolytes+ an interesting formulation because, in addition to the main electrolytes, it contains lysine and threonine. These essential amino acids are involved in protein metabolism and the maintenance and repair of muscle tissue. The added dextrose also provides readily available energy.

I particularly recommend targeted electrolyte supplementation for horses undergoing regular intensive training, competing frequently, or sweating heavily during transportation and hot weather. Replacing lost electrolytes helps restore mineral balance and supports normal recovery after exercise.

Timing is also important. I recommend providing electrolytes around periods of significant sweat loss, preferably after exercise. When higher daily amounts are required, divide the dosage between several feedings.

Access to fresh drinking water remains essential. Electrolytes can help stimulate the normal thirst response, but horses must always have the opportunity to drink plain water. Sufficient forage, a balanced diet, and adequate rest are also important for recovery.

My recommendation is to use HP Electrolytes+ according to training intensity, weather conditions, and the individual horse’s sweat production. For performance horses that regularly sweat heavily, an appropriate electrolyte supplementation program can be a valuable part of their daily nutritional and recovery management.