A healthy set of hooves is the basis to a sound horse. A key design feature of a fully functional hoof is its great strength as an architecturally tight unit. This enables the hoof to accommodate the traumatic pressure of continuously striking the ground at a high rate of speed. The hoof, however, is only as strong as its weakest link. Therefore, it is paramount to take a holistic approach when dealing with your horse’s feet. Incorporating a good feed program with routine farrier work is crucial to the health of the hoof and soundness of your horse. If your horse has been receiving good-quality forage and a complete vitamin/mineral supplement for at least eight months and it still has mediocre feet, then it is time to consider a hoof supplement. There are specific nutrients that have been proven to help horses with less than desirable hooves.
Protein is not only important for muscles and growth, it also is key in hoof structure and growth. A horse’s hooves and hair are more than 90% protein. Cells in the hoof wall contain three different types of protein groups: keratin, keratin-associated proteins, and cell envelope proteins. Proteins are made up of amino acids. The two most common amino acids in a horse’s hoof are cystine and methionine. Both are sulfur-containing amino acids, which form disulfide bonds that are very strong and allow for the constant concussion that the hoof receives. Cystine can be synthesized by the body, but only if there is enough dietary sulfur supplied to the horse. Therefore, providing your horse with extra sulfur allows for the strongest possible structure of hoof to be built.
Methylsulfonylmethane, better known as MSM, is an excellent source of sulfur. Supplementation of MSM can tighten laminar connections and reduces laminitic pressures. In addition, it helps to build a stronger hoof with stronger tissue connections. It has also been shown to help with separated quarters and sensitivity caused by white line disease. It is important to note that very few hoof supplements actually provide MSM. So be sure to check the label to ensure that it is included. Trifecta, Biotin Hoof Blast, and Equine Hoof Guard contain MSM.
The other sulfur-containing amino acid that is an integral part of hoof health is methionine. It draws more attention than cystine when talking about hoof supplementation because it is an essential amino acid, meaning that it can’t be synthesized in the body and subsequently must be provided in a horse’s diet. A deficiency in methionine has been directly correlated to poor hoof quality. Methionine can also be converted into cystine to help further the structural integrity of the hoof and develop the strongest hoof. Providing your horse with 2,500 mg of methionine will ensure that the hoof has an adequate amount of methionine to produce good-quality proteins to support its health.
Another nutrient that is important for hoof quality and growth is zinc. This trace mineral is involved in maintaining the health and integrity of hair, skin, and hooves. Although zinc is present in most horse feeds, it is offered in levels lower than the recommended requirement. Therefore, horses are commonly zinc deficient. A zinc deficient horse’s ability to utilize amino acids and sulfur is depressed, which in turn affects its hooves’ abilities to repair and grow in many ways. For these reasons, ensure that the hoof supplement you choose contains 150 mg of zinc.
Biotin is the most commonly recognized nutrient for hoof health. It plays a role in the health of all connective tissues, and it is crucial for repair and growth of skin and hooves. Supplementation of biotin over a nine month period was shown to help transform horses’ hooves that were thin, crumbly, and had a tendency to crack, into hooves with less crumbling of the horn, greater tensile strength, and decreased incidence of hoof cracks. Research has shown that a horse’s hooves benefit from large oral doses of biotin, making it one of the few nutrients where more may actually be better. Providing your horse with 32 mg of biotin will help to strengthen its hooves. Research has shown that once their hooves are looking healthier, horses with weak hooves need to remain on biotin for the rest of their useful lives to maintain the improvement.
Other important nutrients that indirectly affect hoof quality are manganese, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, copper, and other B vitamins. This is why a complete vitamin/ mineral supplement is not only vital to your horse’s health but also its hoof health. It is important to realize that complete growth of a hoof takes eight to 16 months. By growing the hoof from the inside out, you are ensuring better structure and longevity for your horse’s hooves. As the hoof grows and a new, healthy hoof is formed, your farrier should be able to start seeing a difference around four to six months of supplementation. Hoof supplementation, along with a vitamin/mineral supplement, high quality hay, consistent horse health program, and good farrier work, will allow your horse’s feet to improve and maintain healthy hooves throughout the rest of its life.
You can get Horse Guard’s line of hoof supplements including Trifecta, Equine Hoof Guard, and Biotin Hoof Blast at your local Wilco Farm Store. This is will ensure that you have a happy, healthy horse.
Kelsey J. Nonella, Ph.D., P.A.S.
