Ever watch your horse eagerly lick a block and wonder what exactly they are getting from it? It seems simple, but the world of horse lick tubs is surprisingly complex. Choosing the right one for your equine friend can feel overwhelming. Do you need salt? Minerals? Maybe something to keep them busy? The wrong choice might mean wasted money or, worse, your horse missing out on important nutrients.
This isn’t just about throwing any old block in the field. Your horse has specific needs based on their diet, workload, and even the weather. Finding the perfect balance of essential elements like salt, calcium, and trace minerals is key to keeping them healthy and happy. It’s a small part of horse care that makes a big difference in their overall well-being.
Inside this guide, we will break down the confusing labels and ingredients. You will learn exactly what to look for, what to avoid, and how to match a lick tub to your horse’s lifestyle. Get ready to confidently select the best supplement for your partner. Let’s dive into making sure your horse gets exactly what they need from their favorite treat.
Top Horse Lick Tubs Recommendations
- This small/mini feed tub measures 14 inches across (diameter) and is 9 inches deep
- Features an 18 quart/4.5 gallon capacity. Suitable for use with a variety of animals
- Proudly made in the USA from durable polyethylene
- Features 3 integrated "u" bolts for hanging. Can also be placed on the ground for use
- Designed for durability, and long lasting daily use
- This small/mini feed tub measures 14 inches across (diameter) and is 9 inches deep
- Features an 18 quart/4.5 gallon capacity. Suitable for use with a variety of animals
- Proudly made in the USA from durable polyethylene
- Features 3 integrated "u" bolts for hanging. Can also be placed on the ground for use
- Designed for durability, and long lasting daily use
- Stall snacks include one treat holder and one treat (treat refills sold separately)
- The perfect boredom buster for horses stalled for long periods of time
- Designed to be hung in the stable away from walls, the Stall Snack will swing and spin as your horse licks, making them work to access the treat
- Multi-directional movement is sure to keep your horse entertained and make stall time more fun
- Each treat block lasts approximately 3 weeks when used as directed
- CRUSH/CRACK PROOF - This tub's rubber body is resistant to being crushed and cracking. It's freeze proof corded rubber body makes the container extremely durable and flexible.
- GREAT FOR INDOOR OR OUTDOOR USE - This rubber pan is perfect for indoor and outdoor use. Its flexible design is great for indoor storage use or outdoor yard work and animal upkeep.
- EASY TO KEEP CLEAN - The tub's rubber body is easy to spray, wash and keep clean. It's durable corded rubber body holds its' shape after extended use. The tub also has hook for easy wall or fence attachment.
- PERFECT FOR HORSES AND LIVESTOCK - This tub's convenient large size is great for taking care of horses and livestock.
- SIZE OPTIONS AVAILABLE - This tub comes in 6 different size options: 2 Quart, 15 Gallon, 4 Quart, 3 Gallon, 6.5 Gallon and 8 Quart.
- This Large Feed Tub measures 22 inches across (diameter) and is 10 inches deep
- Features a 30 quart/7.5 gallon capacity, suitable for use with a variety of large animals
- Proudly made in the USA from durable polyethylene
- Features 3 integrated "u" bolts for hanging. Can also be placed on the ground for use
- Designed for durability, and long lasting daily use
- All Natural Himalayan Salt, No Preservatives or Additives. 84 Trace Minerals in this Natural Rock.
- This Himalayan Salt on a Rope is the most economical salt lick available nationwide. As a natural rock, our Salt on a Rope will last 3 times longer than a pressed salt lick! Helps improve health condition of your pets and animals.
- This Salt on a Rope product come with a sturdy and long rope as opposed to nylon or cotton. Himalayan Salt on a Rope contains no added iodine, preservatives, or additives. Helps replace lost electrolytes
- Himalayan salt contains up to 84 trace minerals including Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium all of which are vital to your animal's health!
- Net Weight of This Salt on a Rope imported is 6 lb Actual size may vary between 4 lb and 6 lbs.
- These Premium quality Salt Licks are mined in the Himalayan Mountains and are entirely natural. These salt blocks are of genuine Himalayan pink salt and have a high thickness that prevents breakage and prolongs their shelf life. Many of the natural minerals that your horse requires for a balanced diet are present in these salt rocks on ropes for Horses.
- Himalayan salt blocks are essential for animal’s salt intake since they contain 98 percent sodium chloride and no artificial fillers. Moreover, they are also a great source of natural supplements for animals due to the presence of 84 minerals that are excellent health boosters for your animal. Himalayan Salt on a Rope contains no added iodine, preservatives, or additives. They help in replacing lost electrolytes and maintaining body pH.
- Himalayan salt has a better flavor for horses than regular salt. Licking on the salt block on rope stimulates animals to drink more water which keeps them hydrated. It’s also beneficial for dairy animals’ health. A good consumption of salt helps cattle with milk production.
- Himalayan pink salt aids in the proper function of the nervous system in cattle. Cattle with a salt deficiency may experience a loss of appetite and inefficient weight gains. It also helps in muscular development.
- Specifications: The actual size may vary between 4.4 lbs. and 6.6 lbs.
- 🌈HOW TO USE: This clever horse toy is designed to be hung freely in the stable from the rope provided and used in conjunction with a Likit Refill (650g), Likit Himalayan 1kg or Likit Granola (550g) which are sold separately. As your horse plays with the toy, the Likit Holder will move – making them work harder for their reward.
- 🌈EASY TO USE: The Likit Holder has a low-level challenge, so it is ideal for horses that have never used Likits before as it gives them a gentle introduction to the product range, which is important particularly for horses that are not normally food motivated. Sometimes Horses can be put off if the challenge is too great initially. It is also very simple to assemble.
- 🌈TOP TIP: If you don’t have a beam to hang the Likit Holder from, you can use baler twine/rope across a corner and hang the Likit Holder from the middle of the baler twine to create a beam.
- 🌈HELP BOREDOM: The Likit Holder can provide horses with mental stimulation and entertainment. By placing a Likit Treat in the Likit Holder, it requires the horse to engage in problem-solving and physical interaction to access the treat. This can help alleviate boredom and provide a healthy outlet for their natural curiosity.
- 🌈EASY TO CLEAN: The Likit Holder is easy to clean and can be washed with soap and water, ensuring that it remains hygienic and safe for the horses to use.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Horse Lick Tubs
Horses need essential minerals to stay healthy. Horse lick tubs provide these minerals in an easy-to-access way. Choosing the right tub helps keep your horse happy and well-nourished. This guide will help you pick the best lick tub for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a horse lick tub, several features matter a lot. These features affect how long the tub lasts and how much your horse uses it.
Mineral Content and Formulation
- Essential Minerals: Check the label for key minerals like salt, calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals (like selenium and zinc). Different tubs offer different balances.
- Specific Needs: If your horse has a known deficiency, look for tubs formulated to address that specific need (e.g., high magnesium for grass tetany concerns).
Durability and Weather Resistance
- Hardness: A good lick tub should be hard enough so the horse doesn’t consume it too quickly. Softer tubs wear down fast.
- Weatherproofing: The tub must handle rain and sun. Poorly made tubs can dissolve quickly or crack when exposed to the elements.
Size and Weight
- Size Options: Lick tubs come in various sizes. A larger tub lasts longer but takes up more space.
- Weight: Heavier tubs are less likely to be knocked over by wind or a playful horse.
Important Materials and Construction
The material used to make the lick tub directly impacts its performance and safety.
The Lick Itself
- Compressed Salt/Mineral Mix: Most tubs are made from compressed, baked, or extruded mineral mixes. High-quality compression ensures the block stays together longer.
- Ingredients Safety: Ensure all ingredients are food-grade and safe for equine consumption. Avoid tubs with unnecessary fillers.
The Container (If Applicable)
- Plastic vs. Rubber: Some tubs come in durable plastic or heavy-duty rubber containers. These containers protect the mineral block from excessive rain runoff.
- UV Resistance: If the container is plastic, make sure it resists damage from strong sunlight.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s also about how the tub holds up in the field.
Quality Enhancers
- Binding Agents: Good binding agents keep the lick firm, reducing waste from crumbling.
- Trace Element Delivery: Higher quality tubs ensure trace minerals are evenly distributed throughout the block.
Quality Reducers
- Excess Moisture: If a lick tub absorbs too much water, it becomes mushy and dissolves rapidly, leading to waste.
- Poor Compression: Blocks that crumble easily are low quality. This waste means your horse doesn’t get the intended nutrition efficiently.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you will use the lick tub.
Placement
- Pasture vs. Stall: In an open pasture, you need a very weather-resistant tub, perhaps one held in a feeder. In a dry stall, the formulation matters more than extreme weatherproofing.
- Accessibility: Place the tub where horses naturally gather, but ensure it is secured so it cannot be buried or easily tipped.
Consumption Monitoring
- Tracking Intake: A good experience means you can monitor how fast your horse eats the tub. If consumption is too high or too low, you may need to adjust the type of lick or consult your vet.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Horse Lick Tubs
Q: How often should I replace the horse lick tub?
A: This depends entirely on the size of the tub and how many horses use it. A standard 25-pound tub might last one horse several months, but horses in heavy work might go through it faster.
Q: Can too many horses use one lick tub?
A: Yes, too many horses can deplete the tub too quickly, or dominant horses might guard it. It is often best to offer more than one tub if you have a large herd.
Q: Should I use a tub with added molasses?
A: Molasses makes the tub tastier, encouraging horses to lick more. However, it can also attract insects and may cause excessive consumption if the horse has no other treats.
Q: Are salt blocks and mineral tubs the same thing?
A: No. A salt block is primarily sodium chloride. A mineral tub contains salt plus essential vitamins and trace minerals needed for overall health.
Q: What happens if the lick tub gets wet?
A: If it is a high-quality, well-compressed tub, it might temporarily soften but should re-harden when dry. Low-quality tubs will dissolve and wash away.
Q: Where is the best place to put a lick tub outside?
A: Place the tub under a shelter or in a dry corner of the paddock. Avoid placing it in areas where water pools after rain.
Q: Can I use a cattle mineral tub for my horse?
A: It is generally safer to use tubs specifically formulated for horses. Cattle needs, especially regarding copper levels, can be different from equine requirements.
Q: My horse ignores the tub. What should I do?
A: First, ensure the tub is clean and not covered in dirt or mud. If the horse still ignores it, try a different formulation, perhaps one with a slight molasses flavor, or consult your veterinarian.
Q: Do lick tubs expire?
A: While they don’t technically “expire,” their effectiveness can decrease over time, especially if stored improperly where they absorb too much humidity or are exposed to extreme heat.
Q: How do I know if my horse is getting enough minerals?
A: A healthy horse will self-regulate its intake from the tub. If your horse is showing signs of deficiency (like licking dirt), or if intake seems obsessive, check with your vet about blood testing.