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Why do some horses eat sand or dirt2007-11-24 21:23:22

The other thing is Pica:The expression of pica behavior sometimes indicates an underlying health problem. This problem may be the lack of dietary bulk fiber, or the deficiency of individual nutrients such as salt, phosphorous and potassium. Phosphorous and iron deficiencies are known to induce soil eating.

Also a cause is stress or boredom, boredom alone can lead to eating of dirt. Try putting toys that are safe on their pens like tires, rubber road cones, milk jugs tied to a rafter (with a few rocks as rattles), jolly balls and similar items can greatly relieve the boredom of sitting all day. I have some horse that get worked, are in large areas and still are bored silly so they have lots of toys to occupy their time and they love them.

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It's normal. You will probably need to put a salt and mineral block out in the field, because your horses are most likely looking for the "missing piece" in their diet. Still, however, I've known horses that continue that sort of behavior even after being introduced to the blocks. Don't sweat it! It probably isn't a good idea to have a LOT of sand in the field, though. It can make them sick... :-)

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you should get a mineral block

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the reason some horses eat sand and dirt is because they are malnourished. they will eat it for salt and little amounts can help with their digestive tract.

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My horse just ate dirt about two days ago, she does that about a few times every few months. She does have a salt lick in her stall. She licks the sand because it has certain minerals in it that she can't get from a regular salt lick. I have never had any problems with her digestive system and have had her for 6 years.

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It may be to do with the amount of minerals that the horses are having. A horse of ours had something wrong with the level of minerals and so was nibbling on a dead ram's hoof. Then again, she was an odd horse!