Introduction
Keeping your horse properly hydrated is essential, especially during intense training, competition, or hot weather. Electrolyte pastes are a convenient way to replenish lost minerals and support recovery, but not all options are created equal. I recently tested Redmond Electrolyte Paste, Smartlytes, Apple Elite, and KER Restore to compare their effectiveness, texture, taste, and overall value. Here’s what I found!
Explanation of Table
Choosing the right electrolyte supplement for your horse is essential for maintaining hydration, peak performance, and overall health. In our recent comparison, we’ve taken a closer look at the electrolyte values for Smartlytes, KER Restore, Apple Elite, and Redmond Electrolyte Paste. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve created a comparison chart that breaks down these products based on the required amounts of electrolytes, which are supported by research and references listed.
At the top of the chart, you’ll find the recommended electrolyte values, which are backed by industry research and provide the ideal balance of minerals like sodium, potassium, and others necessary for hydration and digestive health. These values serve as a guide to ensure your horse receives the right amounts of electrolytes to prevent dehydration, fatigue, and issues like colic.
When it comes to the Smartlytes, KER Restore, Apple Elite, and Redmond Electrolyte Paste, we’ve listed the electrolyte values for each product. This allows for a direct comparison so you can evaluate which paste offers the best balance of electrolytes for your horse.
For Redmond, we reached out to their team to request the specific electrolyte values, as they are not listed on the product’s packaging, website, or any promotional materials. After contacting them, they provided the following electrolyte values, which we have compiled into the table below for clarity. This breakdown provides a clearer view of what’s inside the Redmond Electrolyte Paste. However, it’s important to note that the paste does not provide values for calcium and phosphorus, key electrolytes found in other leading products.
Whether you’re prioritizing price, ingredient composition, or ease of dosing, this comparison will give you the insight you need to choose the best electrolyte paste for your horse.
Tested Products
Redmond Electrolyte Paste ($14.97, May Increase in Price)
Redmond Electrolyte Paste was the most expensive option in this lineup, and unfortunately, it didn’t justify the price. Right away, I noticed that each tube contained 25cc of air, meaning I was only getting 70cc of actual product—a frustrating issue given the high cost. The paste itself was brown in color, smooth in texture, and had a very pungent peppermint smell. Taste-wise, it was overwhelming, with a salty, spicy, and sour flavor that left a strong aftertaste. While it did smear well, the complex and overpowering taste, missing product, and the addition of a GI buffer made this paste a hard pass for me. Additionally, Redmond is only available through select stores or their website, making it less accessible than other brands.
Smartlytes ($11.53)
Smartlytes stood out as a budget-friendly and palatable option. The paste was carrot-colored, smooth, and runny, with no detectable smell. Its salty but subtly sweet taste was surprisingly pleasant and left no aftertaste, making it one of the more horse-friendly options. It also smeared well and was easy to administer. The downside? The tube doesn’t have a measuring ring, which makes precise dosing a bit trickier. However, the affordable price, smooth texture, and mild flavor make this a great choice, especially for horses that may be picky about taste. Plus, it’s widely available through Chewy, SmartPak, and tack stores, adding to its convenience.
Apple Elite ($10.99)
Apple Elite had one of the best ingredient compositions in this lineup, making it an attractive choice for those who prioritize formula quality. The paste was white in color, thick, and grainy, with no noticeable smell. Unlike Redmond or Smartlytes, this paste had no flavor or aftertaste, which can be a plus for sensitive horses. The larger tube size and included measuring ring made dosing accurate and easy, a big advantage over Smartlytes. However, the thick and chunky texture made it slightly more difficult to work with. Despite that, Apple Elite remains a great option for those looking for precise dosing and a well-balanced electrolyte formula. It’s also easy to find through Chewy, SmartPak, and tack stores.
KER Restore ($12.30)
KER Restore offered a solid ingredient composition but came with a slightly higher price tag. The paste was carrot-colored with darker flecks, had a mild coarse texture, and no noticeable smell. It was salty but had no distinct flavor or aftertaste, making it neutral for most horses. While the product arrived full in the tube, it lacked a measuring ring, which made precise half-dosing more difficult. Additionally, it didn’t smear as easily as the other pastes, which could be frustrating when administering it. Despite these minor drawbacks, KER Restore is still a high-quality option and is available through Chewy, SmartPak, and tack stores.
Final Verdict: Which One is Best?
Each electrolyte paste had its pros and cons, but some stood out more than others. Smartlytes was my top pick for best value and taste, thanks to its affordability, smooth texture, and mild flavor. Apple Elite was the best option for precise dosing, thanks to its measuring ring and full tube of product, despite its thicker consistency. KER Restore had a good formula but was slightly pricey and lacked a measuring ring, making it less convenient. Unfortunately, Redmond Electrolyte Paste was the most disappointing, with missing product, an overwhelming flavor, and a high price point that wasn’t justified.
At the end of the day, the best electrolyte paste for your horse depends on your needs—whether it’s affordability, ingredient quality, or ease of dosing. Have you tried any of these pastes? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!
K&B Lessons 