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 Part 2 of the latest question and answer installment that you can share with your footcare clients.

Q: Can poor nutrition lead to white line disease concerns?

By Kentucky Equine Research staff

A: Known also as white line disease, seedy toe is a separation of the outer wall from the sole of the hoof. This separation occurs because of opportunistic bacteria or fungi that invade the hoof when it is compromised and the organisms feed on live tissue within the hoof, destroying it little by little.

A hoof can become compromised for a variety of reasons: laminitic episodes, irregular blood flow, infection, abnormal hoof conformation or improper hoof trimming causing undue stress in the hoof.

Nutritional well-being plays a role in sound hoof growth. Each horse’s diet should be evaluated to make sure all pertinent nutrients are being fed in appropriate amounts, including a complete fortification of vitamins and minerals. A biotin supplement can be added to the diet to promote hoof wall growth.

Avoiding white line disease requires diligent care on the part of both the farrier and horse owner.

Located in Versailles, Ky., Kentucky Equine Research is an international research, consulting and product development firm working in the areas of equine nutrition and sports medicine.

Click here to read part 1 of the Jan. 5, 2022, installment of Hoof Nutrition Intelligence: How does feeding based on quantity vs. quality relate to good nutrition and cost? Click here to read more installments of Hoof Nutrition Intelligence.