Sometimes I am sent products to test. I never say anything if the product doesn’t test well. But, if the product definitely shows an improvement in my horse or is well received, I talk about it.
A week ago, I was sent Skode’s Salt Squares to test on my fuzzies. I was so busy, I had to put it off for a week. But yesterday, I brought the bag to my taste testers, camera in hand, to record the event.
But first, the facts about the product…
SKODES SALT SQUARES- A SALT SUPPLEMENT IN THE FORM OF A COOKIE (no affiliation) THE WHYs
Skode Salt Squares were created to replenish the salt a horse needs after exercise (2 Squares per day will do ya), and to encourage a horse to drink so that he will moisten up after sweating. Dehydration is not good, as we know.
I know that my heavy trail riding friends and my endurance riding friends are always fighting the salt/sweat hydration war. Same with any performance horse… You can use these Salt Squares to “pre-load” before competition and then you can “after-load” to replace electrolytes.
Well, my horses don’t do much so they don’t lose too much salt. However, it sure gets hot here in Grass Valley and often I wish I had something to give Finn to make him drink after a ride – sometimes he drinks and sometimes he doesn’t. That worries me a bit. And I always wonder if my mineral supplements are giving them what they need, saltwise.
When I saw that 2 Salt Squares would give a horse his daily (sea)salt, I liked the simplicity. And, the bonus of these treats encouraging drinking is all good! So the thought behind the Salt Squares made sense to me.
Skode's Salt Squares, top and bottom. (Click on image to go to the website)
INGREDIENTS
I flipped over the bag that was sent to me and saw that all the ingredients are 100% Human Grade and Organic whole foods with Certified Organic herbs. The total combined sugar/starch combination is only 4.1%. Again, all good, especially because I have a few insulin resistant equines here.
Then I read the brochure and here is what impressed me besides the quality of the ingredients:
–The Salt Squares are made of:
And, a quote from the doctor of Naturopathy that helped formulate the recipe:
WHAT MY HORSES HAD TO SAY…
I set out to the Ranch Lab where all my equines awaited eagerly. (I know they know when I have treats…)
The first thing I did was open the bag that contained the Squares. I was a bit nervous that I had waited too long and the cookies had gone bad. But, the Squares had a lovely fragrance and were fine (without preservatives). This was a very good thing because many folks order products and cannot get to them right away. So Skode’s got a ‘thumbs up’ from me for having successful packaging.
I also had some trepidation because I wasn’t sure my horses would like salty things (some eat the salty minerals I put out and some don’t). I know I prefer chips to cookies, but there are plenty of people who like cookies over chips.
Also, I wasn’t sure that salt + sweet would be a good combination. What would that taste like and would they accept the odd flavor?
HERE IS A PHOTO JOURNAL OF HOW IT WENT DOWN…
First up was Norma. (I hadn't gotten my one-handed photo skills down yet) I could tell that she was surprised by the taste and she ate the Square very cautiously.
Remi held the Square for a minute to understand the initial taste/smell.
Remi asked for another and I obliged.
I felt a gentle push from behind and it was Norma, asking for another...
And then Remi having thirds. (She had 4 total.)
Bodhi stuck his nose through the fence to get his.
The ponies got wind of what was happening and ran over. Here is Slick pushing Dodger out of the way for his cookie - which he ate messily all by himself.
Dodger, ever polite, waited for me to give him a Square. He seemed non-plussed. The only horse who seemed to not care one way or the other.
Bodhi did his low 'love rumble' nicker so I have him another.
Gwen, my Einstein, is very particular. She had two.
Finn was waiting patiently so I gave him a Square.
BG came running when she heard the commotion! (Finn had another while we waited for BG,)
OMG! You'd think I'd given her crack cookies. BG went NUTS!
BG ate 4 in a row. She must have needed the salt.
I had to body block Finn and BG so that little Wrigley could have one.
BG finagled another out of me... (She had a total of 6.)
Mama Tess will eat anything I give her - as demonstrated here.
The bag was empty just as Wild Woman Sam approached the fence. She is wild so this was unusual. I poured the crumbs into my palm and she licked them all up. I couldn't get a photo because my hands were slimy.
This says it all... as I was going back to the house, Finn and BG made it clear they wanted MORE! Wrigley is in the back, of course. Poor guy.
IN CONCLUSION
10 of my 11 horses gobbled them up.
I think having these in my trail bag would be a real boost of confidence for me on long or hot rides. I know Finn and BG will eat them easily – replenishing their salts – and most likely the Squares will encourage them to drink afterward. Yay!
HOW TO GET SOME FOR YOUR TASTE TESTERS?!
Click here. Or, click on the image below. Let me know how it goes for you!
Click image to order! It will take you to their website.
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Copyright
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Oh my! Even Sam came up and licked your hand! Good to see Norma out and about. I’ll be interested to hear more about their water consumption, especially by those who just couldn’t get enough.
Do you have insulated water troughs, or know anyone who has? I don’t know if it’s true, but I’ve heard they encourage hydration. More water consumed both summer (cooler water) and winter (less ice build-up and warmer water). Also less algae growth.
I found DIY plans online. They seem quite complicated, and I don’t think they’d be easy to dump. The commercial units are expensive, but I read a testimonal from one gentleman that his have lasted more than 20 years!
I investigated them (along with other “sustainable” products) when writing a grant for a “Renewable Ranch”. Less wasted water by using insulated troughs, off-the-grid power, “recycling” manure, etc. Didn’t get the grant, but I learned a lot.
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