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 1 of the latest question and answer installment that you can share with your footcare clients.
Q: How does a horse’s overall diet relate to effective hoof nutrition?
By Connie K. Larson, equine nutritionist, Zinpro Corp.
A: It is necessary to meet all of the requirements for energy, protein, vitamins and minerals before focusing on nutrients for a specific function such as hoof growth. As the equine diet is evaluated more closely to determine the interactions between nutrients and growth for various types of hoof tissues, special attention needs to be paid to specific amino acids, minerals and vitamins.
Connie Larson is an equine nutritionist and researcher with Zinpro Corp. in Eden Prairie, Minn. She has been a contributor to American Farriers Journal and a speaker at the International Hoof-Care Summit.
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 2 of the December 1, 2015 installment: Nutritionists keep talking about the value of amino acids when it comes to growing a quality hoof. How important is the need for specific amino acids when it comes to feeding the hoof?
Click here to read more installments of Hoof Nutrition Intelligence.