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: Is there a need for including iodine in the horse’s diet for development of a high-quality hoof?
By Aaron Clevenger
A: Iodine is a key trace mineral needed by horses. Fed at proper levels, it is necessary for many biological processes, including a means of avoiding enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter). Development of this gland can be due to either an excess or deficiency of iodine.
When ethylendiamine dihydrodide (EDDI) was used as a source of iodine with cattle, it has been shown to help prevent footrot. It is assumed that iodine supplementation would be of value with horses. Field studies have shown an association between feeding supplements containing controlled amounts of iodine and the effective treatment of white line disease.
The National Research Council has estimated that iodine is safe at levels of up to 5 mg for each kilogram of dry matter consumed daily by horses. Common equine feeds range from 0-2 mg per kg of iodine, depending on the iodine content in the soil.
Hoof Nutrition Intelligence is brought to you by W.F. Young Co. (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 May 15, 2015 installment: Folks talk about the need for feeding biotin for growing a quality hoof, but what about other ingredients that are needed in hoof supplements?
Click here to read more installments of Hoof Nutrition Intelligence.