Best Time to Feed Magnesium: Timing Your Horse’s Calm & Recovery

Magnesium works in real time—steadying neuronal firing, relaxing muscle fibers, and buffering lactic acid as soon as it reaches systemic circulation. Because the mineral is water-soluble and not stored in large free reserves, when you feed it can matter almost as much as how much you feed.

Morning vs. Evening: Does It Matter?

Horses absorb magnesium most efficiently when small amounts trickle through the small intestine every few hours, mimicking natural grazing. In practical terms:

• Morning feedings set the tone for a focused schooling session or a calm day in turnout.

• Evening feedings replenish stores lost to work and sweating, aiding overnight muscle recovery and preparing the horse to cope with early-morning barn activity.

Splitting the total daily dose—half at breakfast, half at dinner—therefore delivers a one-two benefit: mental steadiness while the horse is handled, and physical relaxation while he rests.

Pre-Event Loading

Stressful events such as hauling, clipping, or a first trip to the indoor ring raise cortisol and accelerate magnesium loss through urine and sweat. Giving an extra “top-off” dose three to four hours beforehand can provide just-in-time support, especially when you use a fast-acting, highly bioavailable form like Nupafeed® MAH® Magnesium paste.

Feeding with or without Grain

Magnesium uptake improves when paired with a small amount of carbohydrate or fat that slows gut transit. A handful of soaked beet pulp or the horse’s regular concentrate is ideal. Avoid delivering the entire dose in plain water or on an empty stomach—both rush passage through the small intestine and limit absorption time.

Seasonal Adjustments

Hot, humid weather and lush spring grass raise potassium intake and sweat loss, both of which compete with magnesium absorption. During these periods, keep the same split-dose schedule but step the quantity up 25–50 percent. Come autumn, ease back to your normal maintenance amount.

Put Timing to Work with Nupafeed MAH®

Nupafeed’s patented MAH® complex absorbs quickly and predictably, so you can fine-tune morning/evening and pre-event doses without guessing. Shop Nupafeed MAH® Magnesium Supplements and feel the difference in rideability, recovery, and year-round composure