“Although some studies support biotin supplementation, research on other ingredients commonly included in hoof supplements is needed,” warns Bryan Waldridge, head veterinarian for Kentucky Equine Research. “It is important that owners realize that dietary supplements are not a quick fix, and imbalances in the mineral content of a horse’s diet can wreck havoc on hooves.”
What you feed your horse affects hoof health, but some horse owners take this concept too far. They fall into the trap of thinking they can resolve any hoof problem by feeding hoof supplements.
Knowing that biotin is used to improve hoof quality and hoof growth, it got me thinking about the benefits of biotin for humans. Doing some research, I learned the benefits of humans taking biotin is based on earlier work with horses.
When considering the most critical interactions between nutrients and hoof growth, keep in mind that a balanced delivery of nutrients to meet the overall requirement of the horse is important.
To understand why keratin is important in hoof health, it is necessary to learn what it is and how it contributes to hoof function. This is described in detail in the accompanying box.
Without question, starvation negatively impacts hoof growth. Inadequate dietary energy, especially to the point of emaciation, hinders normal hoof development just as radically as it affects other body processes. While hoof growth may continue at a relatively constant rate through downturns in nutrition, the quality of hoof that develops may be severely diminished.
Of all the studies conducted on the correlation between nutrition and the hoof, the role of biotin, a water-soluble vitamin within the B group, has been a central focus time and again.
Greg Martin, CJF, of Boerne, Texas, takes the unique approach of marketing his hoof-care practice with a Christmas parade float in Boerne and Comfort, Texas. The award-winning float boasts a variety of surprising features.
Life Data Labs Inc. is a dedicated product manufacturer committed to producing premium quality animal nutrition and health products through continuous product improvement and new product development. First-class ingredients, fresh products, consistent high quality and scientifically proven effectiveness are the principal features of Life Data Labs animal health products. And that's why they've produced the #1 recommended hoof supplement by farriers for 12 consecutive years.
Kawell develops and produces copper alloy horseshoes and inserts, giving horses the care that they need to fight issues associated with white line disease, seedy toe and thrush.
From the feed room to the tack room, SmartPak offers innovative solutions to help riders take great care of their horses. SmartPak was founded in 1999 with the introduction of the patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system. The revolutionary, daily dose SmartPaks are custom-made for your horse, individually labeled and sealed for freshness.