Hoof Nutrition Intelligence Hoof Nutrition Intelligence is a twice-a-month web segment that is designed to add to the education of footcare professionals when it comes to effectively feeding the hoof. The goal of this web-exclusive feature is to zero in on specific areas of hoof nutrition and avoid broad-based articles that simply look at the overall equine feeding situation.

Below you will find the latest question and answer installment that you can share with your footcare clients.

Q: Can a diet that’s deficient in protein lead to serious hoof concerns?

By Kentucky Equine Research

Protein-deficient diets lead to reduced hoof growth and splitting and cracking of the hoof, but it has been shown that diets intended to support more rapid growth of young horses do not necessarily maximize hoof growth. 

This suggests that the amino acid needs for general body growth and faster hoof growth are different, and scientists have studied this difference in search of the most important nutrients for producing better hooves.

Kentucky Equine Research is located in Versailles, Ky.

Hoof Nutrition Intelligence is brought to you by W.F. Young Co. (Absorbine). Absorbine

Like many significant achievements, Absorbine® grew out of humble beginnings—and through the tenacity of someone willing to question the status quo. In this case, it was a young woman in late 19th-century Massachusetts: Mary Ida Young. Her husband, Wilbur Fenelon Young, was an enterprising piano deliveryman who relied on the couple’s team of horses to make deliveries throughout the Northeast. Inspired by Mary Ida and Wilbur’s vision, Absorbine® has continued to add innovative products throughout the years — products used every day by horse owners around the world. Which is why, since 1892, we’ve been The Horse World’s Most Trusted Name®.

Click here to read more installments of Hoof Nutrition Intelligence.