Complete 2026 Review: Leading Chelated Mineral Blocks and Licks for UK Horses — Premium Free-Choice Nutritional Solutions for Year-Round Herd Health

Rockies Horse Mineral Block with Garlic tops this list for combining chelated trace minerals with a garlic inclusion that improves palatability and offers a modest natural fly-deterrent effect; the slow-release, hard block construction gives consistent free-choice intake and high mineral bioavailability compared with cheaper, non-chelated options. Financially it punches above its weight for mixed herds because long lifespan and reduced replacement frequency lower running costs, and it sits as a pasture-ready alternative to Horslyx tubs or Likit refills when you need a low-maintenance, herd-wide supplement.

Horslyx Respiratory Balancer is a market leader due to its specialist formulation of chelated minerals, vitamins and botanical actives aimed at supporting airway health while delivering controlled licking intake; its tub format is highly palatable and long-lasting, making it technically superior for targeted management of respiratory-prone horses. Although it carries a premium price versus basic blocks like NAF, its targeted mode of action and proven intake control make it a cost-effective choice where respiratory support is a priority, and it complements energy tubs such as Red Mills rather than replaces them.

NAF Free Choice Mineral Block is the reliable, budget-friendly option on this list, offering chelated trace minerals in a simple block that is easy to deploy across large groups; its affordability and broad availability make it the go-to for yards watching cost per-head while still improving mineral uptake over inorganic salts. Technically it is less specialised than Horslyx or Rockies, but its price-performance and consistency make it a practical base supplement to pair with targeted refills like Likit or energy tubs like Red Mills for horses with higher needs.

Likit Little Likit Mineral Refill is a compact, hygienic lick refill that stands out for individualised, transportable supplementation — ideal for competition horses or small stables where controlled dosing matters; the chelated mineral formula in a lick format reduces waste and ensures steady intake, though it is more expensive per kilo than bulk blocks. Technically it delivers excellent intake control compared with yard-wide blocks and tubs, making it a smart supplementary option alongside a general block such as NAF or Rockies.

Red Mills Equi-Jewel Rice Bran is included as the high-energy tub choice that pairs well with chelated mineral blocks for horses needing condition or extra calories; while not a primary chelated mineral block, its oil- and fat-rich profile supports body condition and coat quality, offering a cost-effective route to improved energy balance compared with feeding larger amounts of conventional hard feeds. Use it as a complementary tub to the mineral-focused products here — especially for hard keepers where improving energy intake is as important as trace mineral status.