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: How should a horse be fed that does not have any apparent hoof concerns?

By Robert Eustace

A: Provide a diet with the correct amount of calories and nutrients for maintenance of the animal’s body condition, given the horse’s specific workload. Nutritional supplementation may not be necessary if the horse does not have any hoof problems.

However, remember that an excess of only one nutrient in the diet, whether it is an amino acid or a mineral, can lead to abnormal absorption of other nutrients. This tends to unbalance the diet and can lead to more serious clinical disease concerns.

Robert Eustace is the owner of the Laminitis Clinic in Dauntsey, England.

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 Part 1 of the April 15, 2015 installment: Does the form of zinc used in the diet have any impact on hoof quality and growth?

Click here to read more installments of Hoof Nutrition Intelligence.