Vitamins, Minerals & Trace Elements

Wild horses obtain the minerals they need by licking or nibbling on rocks and soil in areas that they specifically seek out as sources of essential minerals using their natural instincts. This soil has been analysed and found to be highly enriched with minerals and trace elements. In addition to a sufficient supply of high-quality hay, mineral feed is also an essential requirement for horses. The mineral needs of horses depend on the quality of the staple feed as well as the age and activity of the horse. Our wide range of mineral feeds ensures that each horse's individual needs can be met.

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Why does a Horse Need Additional Minerals and Vitamins?

Horses obtain a large proportion of their mineral requirements from their basic feed, i.e. hay and pasture grass. However, not all minerals are always present in sufficient quantities. This can vary greatly depending on the soil conditions, the vegetation, but also on the time of harvest and the drying conditions of the hay. To prevent mineral deficiency symptoms, a good mineral feed should therefore be offered regularly to compensate for any imbalances in the basic feed.

What Makes a Good Mineral Feed?

The first characteristic of a good mineral feed is that it contains all the necessary minerals and trace elements that the organism needs for a smooth metabolism. As not every bale of hay is analysed, it is often unclear whether certain nutrients are deficient. It has also been shown that minerals should be offered in inorganic form. These are recognised by special receptors in the intestinal wall and are only absorbed when needed. All minerals are stored in the body, filled when there is an adequate supply and emptied when there is a deficiency. When the reservoir for a mineral is sufficiently full, it is no longer absorbed in large quantities but excreted in the faeces. This prevents oversupply and reduces the strain on the kidneys. 

Why is Inorganic Mineral Feed Better for Daily Use?

The administration of organic minerals involves a completely different process to the one described above. They cannot be 'pre-sorted' in the intestine. If there is a known deficiency, for example in zinc or copper, it makes sense to 'trick' this selection mechanism, but in a mineral feed organic minerals place a considerable additional burden on liver and kidney function. 


We have therefore deliberately opted for the inorganic variants, which can be sufficiently selected and metabolised by the horses. To avoid oversupply, we have also opted for the granulated form (G) for almost all mineral feeds (except MineralConcentrateVit+  P). A minute amount of two percent molasses is added as a dust binder to prevent the horse from inhaling mineral dust during feeding.

What is the Best Way to Give OKAPI Mineral Feed?

OKAPI Mineral Feed can be added to the daily ration in accordance with the feeding recommendations and feeding instructions.

Alternatively, a small amount can be filled into an appropriate container and offered to the horse every day. If the horse needs minerals, it can take a maximum of two to three mouthfuls. If the horse continues to ignore the mineral feed, the mineral deposits may be full. In this case, the mineral feed can be omitted for about two weeks before being offered again. OKAPI Mineral Blocks do not contain any sugar adhesives. They are manufactured using a special process in which the raw materials react directly with each other to give a plaster-like consistency. Initially, the mineral block should only be offered under supervision, e.g. in the grooming area or during mucking out, so that it is not overused due to unrecognised mineral deficiency or boredom. If, over time, the horse ignores the mineral block, it can be left in the stable for free access. 

Only the Necessary Ingredients.

Our granulated mineral feeds deliberately avoid carriers that make the feed taste ‘particularly delicious’. We use grape seed flour as a carrier, which often gives our mineral feeds a nutty odour. In addition, we deliberately avoid the use of organic selenium and iron, brewer's yeast and other ingredients that we believe do not belong in a horse's healthy diet. Our aim is to formulate mineral feeds that provide horses with optimum nutrition without putting extra strain on their metabolism.

Do You still Have Questions? We will be Happy to Advise You Personally.

Do you have any concerns or questions? Do you need advice or tips about our mineral feeds? Whether you are a breeder, veterinarian, therapist, ambitious leisure rider, stable owner or professional rider, we are passionate about helping you choose the right product for your horse and yourself. We are still committed to taking the time to provide you with individual and, above all, expert feed advice right from the start. From one horse lover to another - because your horse's health and your mutual wellbeing are our motivation. Just get in touch, we would love to hear from you! 

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