{"product_id":"sodium-free-choice-mineral-buffet","title":"Sodium (Na) Mineral Refill Pack","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"199\" data-end=\"621\"\u003eSodium (Na) is a primary extracellular electrolyte essential for fluid balance, nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and acid-base regulation. This Sodium Free-Choice Mineral Refill Pack is designed specifically for use in a Free-Choice Mineral Buffet \/ Free-Choice Mineral Bar system so animals can self-select sodium intake according to forage moisture, climate conditions, production stage, and physiological demand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"623\" data-end=\"816\"\u003eSweet Medicine Farm offers Sodium as part of a Free-Choice Mineral Buffet \/ Free-Choice Mineral Bar, so animals can self-select based on real-time needs instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"818\" data-end=\"860\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"862\" data-end=\"917\"\u003eWhy Sodium Matters in a Free-Choice Mineral Buffet\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"919\" data-end=\"1028\"\u003eIn pasture-based and regenerative herd mineral programs, sodium availability fluctuates significantly due to:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1030\" data-end=\"1229\"\u003e• Forage sodium dilution during rapid growth\u003cbr data-start=\"1074\" data-end=\"1077\"\u003e• High rainfall regions with soil leaching\u003cbr data-start=\"1119\" data-end=\"1122\"\u003e• Heat and humidity increasing sweat losses\u003cbr data-start=\"1165\" data-end=\"1168\"\u003e• Lactation demands\u003cbr data-start=\"1187\" data-end=\"1190\"\u003e• High potassium pasture environments\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1231\" data-end=\"1262\"\u003eSodium plays a central role in:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1264\" data-end=\"1471\"\u003e• Maintaining osmotic pressure and hydration balance\u003cbr data-start=\"1316\" data-end=\"1319\"\u003e• Nerve impulse transmission\u003cbr data-start=\"1347\" data-end=\"1350\"\u003e• Muscle contraction and coordination\u003cbr data-start=\"1387\" data-end=\"1390\"\u003e• Nutrient transport across cell membranes\u003cbr data-start=\"1432\" data-end=\"1435\"\u003e• Rumen fluid balance in ruminants\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1473\" data-end=\"1733\"\u003eUnlike many trace minerals, sodium is frequently deficient in forage-based systems. Actively growing pasture is typically low in sodium, particularly in high-rainfall regions. Animals often exhibit strong salt-seeking behavior when sodium intake is inadequate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1735\" data-end=\"1915\"\u003eIn ruminants, sodium supports saliva production and rumen buffering capacity. In horses, sodium losses through sweat during work or heat exposure can increase demand significantly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1917\" data-end=\"1959\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1961\" data-end=\"2004\"\u003eRegional Trends \u0026amp; Mineral Interactions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2006\" data-end=\"2139\"\u003eSodium does not function in isolation. It interacts dynamically with potassium, chloride, magnesium, and overall electrolyte balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2141\" data-end=\"2161\"\u003eCommon interactions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2163\" data-end=\"2415\"\u003e• High potassium pasture can increase sodium requirement\u003cbr data-start=\"2219\" data-end=\"2222\"\u003e• Excess sodium without adequate water can disrupt hydration balance\u003cbr data-start=\"2290\" data-end=\"2293\"\u003e• Sodium works alongside chloride to maintain acid-base equilibrium\u003cbr data-start=\"2360\" data-end=\"2363\"\u003e• Heat stress increases sodium and chloride losses\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2417\" data-end=\"2640\"\u003eIn lush spring pasture, potassium levels often rise, which can alter sodium balance and influence magnesium metabolism. A self-selection minerals system allows animals to regulate intake according to seasonal forage shifts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2642\" data-end=\"2744\"\u003eWater availability always matters. Sodium intake must be paired with continuous access to clean water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2746\" data-end=\"2788\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2790\" data-end=\"2837\"\u003eWhat Low Sodium Availability May Look Like\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2839\" data-end=\"2917\"\u003eSigns can overlap with general electrolyte imbalance. Producers often observe:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2919\" data-end=\"3102\"\u003e• Reduced appetite\u003cbr data-start=\"2937\" data-end=\"2940\"\u003e• Decreased milk production\u003cbr data-start=\"2967\" data-end=\"2970\"\u003e• Lethargy or reduced performance\u003cbr data-start=\"3003\" data-end=\"3006\"\u003e• Rough hair coat\u003cbr data-start=\"3023\" data-end=\"3026\"\u003e• Pica behavior (chewing wood, soil, or objects)\u003cbr data-start=\"3074\" data-end=\"3077\"\u003e• Lower feed efficiency\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3104\" data-end=\"3301\"\u003eBecause sodium directly influences fluid balance and nerve function, deficiency can affect multiple systems simultaneously. Observing herd behavior around salt sources is often the first indicator.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3303\" data-end=\"3345\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"3347\" data-end=\"3408\"\u003eWhy the Free-Choice Mineral Buffet Approach Is Different\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3410\" data-end=\"3558\"\u003eSodium demand varies widely by species, climate, workload, lactation, and forage type. Fixed supplementation assumes uniform intake across the herd.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3560\" data-end=\"3674\"\u003eThis product is designed exclusively for Buffet-only use within a Free-Choice Mineral Buffet \/ Mineral Bar system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3676\" data-end=\"3679\"\u003eIt:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3681\" data-end=\"4005\"\u003e• Supports self-selection minerals across horses, goats, cattle, bison, deer, elk, and sheep\u003cbr data-start=\"3773\" data-end=\"3776\"\u003e• Allows animals to balance electrolyte needs seasonally\u003cbr data-start=\"3832\" data-end=\"3835\"\u003e• Avoids forced, uniform supplementation\u003cbr data-start=\"3875\" data-end=\"3878\"\u003e• Integrates into a broader herd mineral program\u003cbr data-start=\"3926\" data-end=\"3929\"\u003e• Fits regenerative livestock systems where forage variability is expected\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4007\" data-end=\"4090\"\u003eImportant: This is for Buffet use only. Do not top-dress or mix into feed or water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"4092\" data-end=\"4134\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"4136\" data-end=\"4151\"\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"4153\" data-end=\"4176\"\u003ePlacement \u0026amp; Setup\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4178\" data-end=\"4488\"\u003e• Offer in a clean, dry compartment within your Free-Choice Mineral Buffet\u003cbr data-start=\"4252\" data-end=\"4255\"\u003e• Keep protected from moisture, manure splash, and contamination\u003cbr data-start=\"4319\" data-end=\"4322\"\u003e• Place in a calm, low-traffic area where all animals can access comfortably\u003cbr data-start=\"4398\" data-end=\"4401\"\u003e• Provide adequate space to prevent dominant animals from blocking timid herd members\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4490\" data-end=\"4602\"\u003eMineral access is behavioral ecology. Sodium intake should reflect biological demand rather than herd hierarchy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"4604\" data-end=\"4631\"\u003eMaintenance \u0026amp; Storage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4633\" data-end=\"4919\"\u003e• Refill regularly and maintain at least half-full compartments\u003cbr data-start=\"4696\" data-end=\"4699\"\u003e• Refresh and stir if clumping occurs\u003cbr data-start=\"4736\" data-end=\"4739\"\u003e• Maintain clean compartments to prevent cross-contamination\u003cbr data-start=\"4799\" data-end=\"4802\"\u003e• Store refills in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight\u003cbr data-start=\"4867\" data-end=\"4870\"\u003e• Ensure fresh, clean water is always available\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"4921\" data-end=\"4946\"\u003eTransition Guidance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4948\" data-end=\"5197\"\u003eWhen first introducing a Free-Choice Mineral Buffet system, temporary higher intake may occur if animals were previously sodium deficient. Intake typically stabilizes within 2–6 weeks depending on forage moisture, climate, and prior mineral program.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5199\" data-end=\"5412\"\u003eAnimals should have continuous, unrestricted access to the Free-Choice Mineral Buffet at all times so they can adjust intake based on biological demand, forage shifts, reproductive stage, and environmental stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"5414\" data-end=\"5456\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"5458\" data-end=\"5496\"\u003eGuaranteed Analysis \u0026amp; Ingredients\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"5498\" data-end=\"5521\"\u003eRice Hull Carrier\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5523\" data-end=\"5586\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5523\" data-end=\"5556\"\u003eGuaranteed Analysis (per lb):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"5556\" data-end=\"5559\"\u003eSodium – 26–27% (Min-Max)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5588\" data-end=\"5657\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5588\" data-end=\"5604\"\u003eIngredients:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"5604\" data-end=\"5607\"\u003eSodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Carbonate, Rice Hulls\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"5659\" data-end=\"5677\"\u003eSalt Carrier\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5679\" data-end=\"5744\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5679\" data-end=\"5712\"\u003eGuaranteed Analysis (per lb):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"5712\" data-end=\"5715\"\u003eSodium – 26.5–27% (Min-Max)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5746\" data-end=\"5809\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5746\" data-end=\"5762\"\u003eIngredients:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"5762\" data-end=\"5765\"\u003eSodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Carbonate, Salt\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"5811\" data-end=\"5853\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"5855\" data-end=\"5895\"\u003eSpecies Notes \u0026amp; Practical Use Cases\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5897\" data-end=\"5967\"\u003eOften included in multi-species Free-Choice Mineral Buffet setups for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5969\" data-end=\"6253\"\u003e• Horses – Sweat loss replacement and performance support\u003cbr data-start=\"6026\" data-end=\"6029\"\u003e• Goats \/ Sheep – Lactation and forage-driven electrolyte balance\u003cbr data-start=\"6094\" data-end=\"6097\"\u003e• Cattle \/ Bison – Rumen fluid balance and milk production\u003cbr data-start=\"6155\" data-end=\"6158\"\u003e• Deer \/ Elk – Seasonal forage transitions\u003cbr data-start=\"6200\" data-end=\"6203\"\u003e• Swine \/ Poultry – Growth and hydration balance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6255\" data-end=\"6375\"\u003eSodium demand is commonly elevated during hot weather, peak lactation, rapid pasture growth, and heavy workload periods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"6377\" data-end=\"6419\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"6421\" data-end=\"6443\"\u003ePackaging Options\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6445\" data-end=\"6526\"\u003e• Resealable Bags: 0.5 lb, 1 lb, 2 lb, 5 lb, 10 lb, 15 lb\u003cbr data-start=\"6502\" data-end=\"6505\"\u003e• Bulk Boxes: 25 lb\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"6528\" data-end=\"6570\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"6572\" data-end=\"6600\"\u003eWhy Sweet Medicine Farm\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6602\" data-end=\"6689\"\u003eSweet Medicine Farm builds minerals around animal agency and practical herd management:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6691\" data-end=\"6931\"\u003e• Designed specifically for the Free-Choice Mineral Buffet \/ Mineral Bar system\u003cbr data-start=\"6770\" data-end=\"6773\"\u003e• Clear labeling for simple, consistent refills\u003cbr data-start=\"6820\" data-end=\"6823\"\u003e• Built to match real pasture variability\u003cbr data-start=\"6864\" data-end=\"6867\"\u003e• Supports regenerative livestock and soil-conscious producers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6933\" data-end=\"7062\"\u003eThis is not a premix strategy. It is a mineral framework built for dynamic pasture systems and biologically responsive livestock.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sweet Medicine Farm","offers":[{"title":"0.5 lb \/ Rice Hulls","offer_id":48381290643685,"sku":"Na-RH-0.5","price":3.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 lb \/ Rice Hulls","offer_id":48381290676453,"sku":"Na-RH-1","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 lb \/ Rice Hulls","offer_id":48381290709221,"sku":"Na-RH-2","price":9.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5 lb \/ Rice Hulls","offer_id":48381290741989,"sku":"Na-RH-5","price":17.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"10 lb \/ Rice Hulls","offer_id":48381290774757,"sku":"Na-RH-10","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"15 lb \/ Rice Hulls","offer_id":48381290807525,"sku":"Na-RH-15","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"25 lb \/ Rice Hulls","offer_id":48381290840293,"sku":"Na-RH-25","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"0.5 lb \/ Salt","offer_id":48381290873061,"sku":"Na-S-0.5","price":3.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 lb \/ Salt","offer_id":48381290905829,"sku":"Na-S-1","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 lb \/ Salt","offer_id":48381290938597,"sku":"Na-S-2","price":9.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5 lb \/ Salt","offer_id":48381290971365,"sku":"Na-S-5","price":17.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"10 lb \/ Salt","offer_id":48381291004133,"sku":"Na-S-10","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"15 lb \/ Salt","offer_id":48381291036901,"sku":"Na-S-15","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"25 lb \/ Salt","offer_id":48381291069669,"sku":"Na-S-25","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0801\/1802\/2373\/files\/free-choice-horse-mineral-refill-sodium-sweet-medicine-farm.webp?v=1772902871","url":"https:\/\/sweetmedicinefarm.com\/products\/sodium-free-choice-mineral-buffet","provider":"Sweet Medicine Farm","version":"1.0","type":"link"}