What Are Himalayan Salt Lick Blocks?
Himalayan salt lick blocks are natural mineral supplements carved or compressed from ancient Himalayan rock salt, mined from the Khewra Salt Range in Punjab, Pakistan — a deposit formed over 250 million years ago. Unlike plain white salt blocks, Himalayan lick blocks contain 84+ naturally occurring trace minerals that are essential for the health, growth, and productivity of livestock.
Animals instinctively self-regulate their mineral intake by licking these blocks. The coarse crystalline surface provides gentle abrasion that animals prefer, encouraging regular use. Salt lick blocks serve as a passive, zero-waste mineral delivery system for farms, ranches, equestrian facilities, safari parks, and wildlife refuges worldwide.
Kohenoor International has been exporting Himalayan salt products since our founding in 1957. We supply natural mined lick blocks and compressed blocks in a range of sizes and configurations to meet the diverse needs of global livestock importers, pet supply distributors, and feed supplement companies.
Product Variants & Configurations
We offer a comprehensive range of Himalayan salt lick block configurations to meet the requirements of different livestock operations and retail markets:
| Product Type | Available Weights | Shape Options | Special Features |
|---|
| Natural Lick Block | 2kg, 3kg, 5kg, 10kg, 25kg | Rectangular, irregular natural | Rough natural surface, maximum mineral density |
| Compressed Lick Block | 2kg, 3kg, 5kg, 10kg | Rectangular, round | Uniform shape, smoother surface, consistent weight |
| Rope/Hanging Lick Block | 2kg, 3kg, 5kg | Round, oval, rectangular | Pre-drilled hole for rope, ideal for horse stables |
| Flat-Bottom Trough Block | 5kg, 10kg, 25kg | Rectangular flat base | Sits in standard salt block holders, non-slip base |
| XL Outdoor Cattle Block | 25kg | Rectangular, reinforced | For open pasture use, weather-resistant density |
| Pet/Small Animal Lick | 0.5kg, 1kg, 2kg | Round, heart, star shapes | For horses, deer, rabbits, birds — retail packaging |
Mineral Composition — 84+ Trace Minerals
The distinctive pink-to-rose color of Himalayan salt is caused by its rich iron content and mineral profile. Below are the primary trace minerals present in every Himalayan salt lick block and their key functions in livestock health:
NaCl
Sodium Chloride
95–98% — core electrolyte for hydration, nerve and muscle function
Fe
Iron
Oxygen transport in blood, energy metabolism, immune function
Ca
Calcium
Bone and teeth development, milk production, muscle contraction
Mg
Magnesium
Enzyme activation, nervous system function, grass tetany prevention
K
Potassium
Fluid balance, heart function, muscle contraction in horses
Zn
Zinc
Skin and hoof health, immune response, reproductive function
Mn
Manganese
Bone formation, cartilage health, antioxidant enzyme support
Cu
Copper
Coat color, connective tissue, red blood cell formation
Full third-party mineral analysis (Certificate of Analysis) is available upon request. Our lick blocks are tested for heavy metals including lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury to comply with EU, US, and Australian import standards.
Benefits by Animal Species
Himalayan salt lick blocks are suitable for a wide range of livestock and domesticated animals. The benefits vary by species and are well-documented in animal science literature:
Cattle & Dairy Cows
- Replaces minerals lost in milk production — critical for high-yield dairy herds
- Reduces incidence of grass tetany (hypomagnesemia) when used alongside magnesium supplementation
- Encourages water intake, supporting feed conversion and weight gain
- Improves coat condition and reduces skin issues related to mineral deficiency
Horses & Equines
- Replaces electrolytes lost through sweat during exercise and hot weather
- Supports hoof quality and structural integrity through zinc and calcium supply
- Reduces behavioral issues related to sodium deficiency (wood chewing, fence licking)
- Preferred by equestrian facilities as a stall-hung or paddock supplement
Goats & Sheep
- Supports milk production in dairy goats and ewes
- Improves fleece quality in wool sheep breeds through trace mineral balance
- Self-regulated consumption prevents over-supplementation
Camels (GCC Markets)
- Essential for camel farms across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, and Oman
- Supports hydration management in desert conditions
- Improves milk yield and quality for camel dairy operations
Deer, Zoo Animals & Wildlife
- Used in deer parks, safari facilities, wildlife rescue centers, and zoos worldwide
- Provides natural mineral enrichment that mimics animals' wild mineral licking behavior
- Available in large outdoor weatherproof blocks for permanent placement
Target Export Markets
Kohenoor International is a recognized exporter of Himalayan salt lick blocks to the following key markets:
🇺🇸
United States
Primary market: equestrian facilities, horse farms, dude ranches, and retail pet supply. US buyers typically import in 40ft containers with printed shrink-wrap retail packaging. FDA compliance documentation provided.
🇪🇺
European Union
Germany, Netherlands, France, and UK are key markets for cattle farm operators and equestrian supply distributors. EU import certificates, phytosanitary documentation, and TRACES NT compliance supported.
🇦🇺
Australia & New Zealand
Livestock farms, horse studs, and agricultural supply chains. DAFF import permit requirements met. We provide AQIS-compliant phytosanitary certificates.
🇸🇦
GCC — Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Oman
Major market for camel farms, dairy cattle, and goat operations. Halal certified. SFDA and GCC conformity documentation available. Direct shipment from Karachi port.
Certifications & Quality Standards
All Himalayan salt lick blocks from Kohenoor International are produced and tested under the following internationally recognized standards:
GMP — Good Manufacturing Practice
HACCP
ISO 22000 Food Safety
ISO 9001:2015
Halal Certified
FSSC 22000
Every export shipment is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA), Certificate of Origin (issued by FPCCI), Phytosanitary Certificate, and Health Certificate. Third-party lab testing for heavy metals (As, Pb, Cd, Hg) is available on request. Our testing meets the standards required by USDA, EU Regulation 2017/625, DAFF Australia, and SFDA Saudi Arabia.
Packaging & Container Loading
We offer flexible packaging solutions tailored to the requirements of importers, retailers, and farm supply distributors:
| Packaging Type | Block Weight | Units per Carton | Carton Weight |
|---|
| Printed shrink-wrap (retail) | 2kg, 3kg | 6–10 blocks | 12–25kg |
| Poly bag (bulk agricultural) | 5kg, 10kg | 4–6 blocks | 20–50kg |
| Reinforced kraft paper sack | 25kg | 1 block | 25kg |
| Private label custom packaging | All sizes | Per buyer spec | Per buyer spec |
Cartons are palletized on standard export pallets (1200×1000mm or 1200×800mm EUR pallets) and stretch-wrapped for container loading.
| Container Type | Approximate Capacity | Pallets | Notes |
|---|
| 20ft Standard | 18–20 Metric Tons | 10–11 pallets | Floor-loaded available for maximum density |
| 40ft Standard | 24–26 Metric Tons | 20–22 pallets | Preferred for large wholesale orders |
| 40ft High Cube | 26–28 Metric Tons | 21–23 pallets | Maximizes volume for lightweight retail packs |
All shipments depart FOB Karachi Port. We coordinate with freight forwarders for CIF, CFR, and DAP delivery terms. Transit time to major ports: USA (East Coast) 25–30 days, Europe 18–22 days, GCC 5–8 days, Australia 20–25 days.
Frequently Asked Questions — Salt Lick Blocks
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for Himalayan salt lick blocks?
Our standard MOQ is 5 Metric Tons for bulk wholesale orders. However, we accommodate smaller trial orders for new importers — contact us to discuss your requirements. We ship in 20ft (approx. 18–20 MT) and 40ft (approx. 24–26 MT) containers FOB Karachi.
What sizes of salt lick blocks do you supply?
We supply natural and compressed Himalayan salt lick blocks in 2kg, 3kg, 5kg, 10kg, and 25kg sizes. Custom weights are available upon request. Blocks can be supplied with or without a drilled hole for rope hanging, in round or rectangular shapes.
Are Himalayan salt lick blocks safe for horses?
Yes. Himalayan salt lick blocks are widely used in equestrian facilities worldwide. They provide horses with essential sodium chloride plus 84+ trace minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron — supporting hydration, muscle function, and bone health. No artificial additives are used.
What is the mineral composition of Himalayan salt lick blocks?
Himalayan salt lick blocks contain 95–98% NaCl with the remaining percentage comprising 84+ trace minerals: iron (which gives the pink color), calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, manganese, copper, selenium, and many more. This natural mineral profile makes them superior to plain white salt blocks.
How long do salt lick blocks last for livestock?
Shelf life is unlimited when stored properly in a dry environment — Himalayan salt does not expire. For livestock usage, a 5kg block typically lasts one cattle animal 2–4 weeks, depending on animal size, diet, and access frequency. Horse lick blocks are consumed at a similar rate.
What certifications do your salt lick blocks hold?
Our Himalayan salt lick blocks are produced under GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), HACCP, ISO 22000 Food Safety Management, and Halal certification. The facility operates under ISO 9001:2015 quality management standards, and products are tested for heavy metals and contaminants before export.
Do you offer private label or custom branding on salt lick packaging?
Yes. We offer full private label services including custom shrink-wrap labels, printed poly bags, and branded cartons with your company logo, barcode, and product specifications. Minimum quantities apply for private label runs — typically 500kg or more per SKU.
Which countries do you export Himalayan salt lick blocks to?
We export to the United States (equestrian and livestock farms), European Union (cattle, horse, and sheep farms), Australia (livestock), GCC countries (camel farms, dairy cattle), South Africa, Canada, and Southeast Asia. We are experienced with import documentation for all major markets.
How are the salt lick blocks packaged for shipping?
Individual blocks are wrapped in printed shrink-wrap or polybags. They are then palletized in wooden or plastic pallets, stretch-wrapped for stability. A 20ft container holds approximately 18–20 MT and a 40ft container holds approximately 24–26 MT. We provide all export documentation including CoA, health certificate, phytosanitary certificate, and bill of lading.
What is the HS code for Himalayan salt lick blocks?
Himalayan salt lick blocks for animal use are classified under HS Code 2501.00.10 (salt for animal feeding). This code is accepted in the USA, EU, Australia, and GCC. We provide all export documentation including the certificate of origin from the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce.
