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: What are some of the key ingredients that are necessary for hoof growth?
By Bob Peacock
A: DL-methionine is among the most important amino acids for hoof growth. It helps prevent edema and infection and works together with choline to fight against potential tumors. Biotin is the second-most important nutrient for hoof growth and hoof repair, as it helps alleviate eczema and dermatitis through the use of proteins.
Other important nutrients that affect hoof growth and hoof quality are vitamins A and E, calcium, lysine, selenium and zinc.
If after 6 or 8 months on a balanced ration that contains extra vitamin A, vitamin E, selenium and biotin, a horse’s hooves are still not in good condition, then it maypay to consider feeding a multiple supplement.
Bob Peacock is a long time farrier and the owner of the Farrier Science Clinic in Hamilton, Ohio.
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 March 15, 2016 installment: Can feeding too much sugar from grains or forage cause hoof problems?
Click here to read more installments of Hoof Nutrition Intelligence.