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 do horses determine how and where various nutrients are used by their bodies?
By Juliet Getty, PhD
Horse owners need to be aware of how horses use various nutrients in the order of priority. And the highest priority always needs to be placed on survival.
Whatever nutrients a horse ingests will first be utilized to feed vital organs like the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, etc. If there are left-over nutrients, then the body will feed the other tissues such as skin, joints, hair, hooves, etc., that are not as crucial to survival.
Poor feet on a horse may be an indication that it is not getting enough nutrients. If owners see a poor mane and tail, a dull hair coat or poor hoof quality, this should be a warning sign that a nutrition program might need to be adjusted.
Juliet M. Getty, PhD, is an independent equine nutritionist with a wide U.S. and international following. Located in Lewisville, Texas, her research-based approach optimizes equine health by aligning physiology and instincts with correct feeding and nutrition practices.
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 March 15, 2018 installment: Should I be concerned about laminitis when turning my overweight pony out on grass this spring?
Click here to read more installments of Hoof Nutrition Intelligence.