Dr. Frank Gravlee, owner and founder of Life Data Labs, passed away Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022.

A graduate of Auburn University School of Medicine, Gravlee attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he received a doctorate in nutritional biochemistry and intermediary metabolism. Six years later, he formed Life Data Labs.

“Dr. Gravlee has always had a passion for animals, but his primary interest has always been in horses, especially those with problem hooves,” says Mike Barker, a sales representative with Life Data Labs.

Gravlee’s research to improve the quality of horses’ feet through nutrition led to the development of the nutritional supplement Farrier’s Formula. However, his dedication and support of the professional might be even more important, Barker says.

“He was among the first to work with professional farriers as a full partner with the veterinarian in implementing a total program of hoof care,” he says. “He introduced the concept of ‘feeding the hoof’ to the horse industry.”

Dr. Susan Kempson of the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, says Gravlee used painstaking analysis to identify the nutrients deficient in horses with poor-quality hoof horn and develop a product to help horses grow better feet.

“Hoof horn integrity is essential for the welfare and performance of all horses, ponies, donkeys and mules,” Kempson says. “Dr. Gravlee’s work and deep love for horses has made a major contribution to the lives of horses, their owners and their farriers.”

Gravlee was inducted into the International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame in 1998.