Real Salt for Your Animals

One often-overlooked aspect of alternative farming is the type of salt we use for our livestock. We buy Himalayan or sea salt for ourselves, but I never thought about giving it to our animals we just used the regular white salt block from the farm store for them.

However, when we went to the Okie Homesteading Expo a few months ago, there was a representative of the Redmond Salt Company there talking about why we shouldn't be using white salt for our animals. It totally made sense, so we ordered salt from their company and won't be going back to white salt!

In this blog post, I'll share the advantages of using real salt for your animals and why it is a great alternative to conventional white salt.

Understanding the Importance of Salt in Animal Nutrition

Salt is vital for animal health and plays several key roles in bodily functions, including:

1. Electrolyte Balance: Sodium and chloride, which are the main components of salt, maintain the electrolyte balance in animal cells. This is crucial for proper cell function.

2. Nerve Function: Salt is essential for transmitting nerve impulses, critical for muscle contractions and coordination.

   
   

3. Water Regulation: Salt helps control fluid balance. This is especially important in hot weather when hydration needs increase.

   

The Problem with White Salt

Many of us unknowingly rely on standard white salt, probably not even aware that there is another option. However, table salt undergoes heavy processing, stripping it of essential minerals.

Moreover, white salt lacks the beneficial trace minerals found in natural sources. If your animals only get white salt, they might be missing out on crucial nutrients. Research shows that animals receiving a diet rich in trace minerals can experience up to a 20% increase in productivity, which reinforces the importance of choosing the right salt.

What is Real Salt?

Real salt, known as unrefined or natural salt, comes straight from the earth and retains important minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium. These elements are essential for animal health.

Benefits of Using Real Salt for Your Animals

Nutritional Benefits

Real salt offers a treasure trove of trace minerals that are essential for an animal's overall health. For example:

• Magnesium: Supports muscle and nerve functions.

• Potassium: Vital for heart health and regulating blood pressure.

• Calcium and Phosphorus: Necessary for strong bones and teeth.

  
  

Adding real salt into your animals' diets can result in improved growth rates and a remarkable boost in resistance to diseases. For instance, farmers using real salt in their livestock's diets have reported up to a 15% increase in milk production.

Enhanced Hydration

Unlike white salt, which may dehydrate animals if consumed in large amounts, real salt contributes to better hydration. The trace minerals help maintain a healthy electrolyte balance, preventing dehydration.

Improved Digestion

Essential minerals in real salt can improve digestion and appetite stimulation. This benefit is especially important for animals recovering from illness or experiencing stress.

Stress Reduction

Stress is common in domesticated animals, particularly during changes in routines. Real salt can ease stress by providing the minerals needed for stability.

Using Real Salt on Your Homestead

Where to Purchase Real Salt

You can order real salt from the Redmond website and have it shipped directly to you.

Offering Real Salt

If possible, you should offer loose salt free choice to animals like goats, sheep, and cows and any other animals that are usually given salt blocks. It is hard for animals to get enough salt from blocks but if for whatever reason you have to use a block Redmond offers real salt blocks as well.

Clearing Up Misconceptions About Salt and Animals

Myth 1: All Salt is Created Equal

Not all salts serve the same purpose! White salt lacks critical minerals necessary for holistic health. Real salt provides the nutrients your animals need to thrive.

Myth 2: Salt is Bad for Animals

Salt is essential for animals! They require an appropriate intake for optimal health. The right type of salt can actually prevent deficiencies when used correctly.

Myth 3: Animals Will Overindulge on Salt

While animals can overindulge on some foods, with monitoring, real salt is a healthy addition to their diet. Most animals can self-regulate their salt intake effectively.

Cost Benefits of Real Salt

Switching to real salt can also offer economic advantages. Healthier animals often mean fewer veterinary visits and lower supplement costs.

Wrapping Up

Making the switch to real salt can greatly improve your animals' health and vitality. From better digestion to enhanced hydration, the benefits are clear. If you are using white salt, I encourage you to consider this nourishing alternative.