Healthy Hooves Start From Within: The Role of Nutrition in Hoof Growth

The old saying ‘no foot, no horse’ still holds true and we all know how important hoof condition is for performance and welfare. Hoof problems such as cracks, abscesses and bruising are common, and often become more frequent as the seasons turn from a dry summer to a damp autumn.

Hoof problems have a wide variety of causes, with poor nutrition including vitamin and mineral deficiencies, excesses and imbalances being key. Other causes include work on hard and dry ground, poor foot hygiene, inadequate hoof care and poor foot conformation.

For those horses and ponies requiring additional hoof support a targeted nutritional hoof supplement, such as Biotin Xtra Powder or Super Hoof Pellets, can be added as part of their balanced diet.

With so many hoof supplements on the market it can be a little overwhelming! What ingredients should you be looking for and what is the evidence behind them? Hoof supplement research is somewhat lacking in recent times, but the information found in the older research papers is still considered valid and useful, so let’s explore some of the key ingredients found to support hoof health.

Biotin

The best known and most researched of all the ingredients found in hoof supplements. Biotin (also known as vitamin B7) assists with keratin production and is beneficial for hoof growth and quality.

The recommended serving rate in a hoof supplement is 15-30mg per day for the average sized horse.

The horse can make its own biotin with the help of the micro-organisms in the hindgut, and healthy horses fed forage-based diets may be able to meet biotin requirements, but any disturbances in the gut microbiota, for example high concentrate diets or antibiotics, will have an impact.

Research studies looking at biotin have found that supplementation can help growth rates and improve horn quality and strength, but it is important to note that the studies highlighted the importance of feeding hoof supplements long term (at least 9 months for greatest effect).

Biotin only supplements are available on the market, and whilst these are a cost-effective option, it is worth bearing in mind that not all horses are biotin responsive. For most horses supplementing a combination of key amino acids, vitamins and minerals specifically for the hoof, rather than just a single vitamin alone such as biotin, is likely to be more beneficial and get the best results.

Zinc and Copper

Copper and zinc intake can be very variable in equine diets, therefore supplementing these trace elements will be beneficial if the diet is deficient or sub-optimal. Forage in some countries, like the UK, is known to be low in copper and zinc. Copper is a key mineral in hoof health as it is involved in the pathway that contributes to structural strength of the hoof. Zinc plays a key role in the keratinisation process. Low zinc and copper diets, have been linked to increases in white line disease and poorer horn quality. Supplementing zinc and copper can support faster horn growth rates.

Calcium

Calcium is only found in low levels in the hoof wall, but it is still important as it is involved in the pathways to create the sulphur cross-links between the hoof proteins and in the cohesion of cells to each other.

If calcium levels in the diet are low, then supplying extra calcium may be beneficial for hoof quality as well as bone quality and muscle function. Limestone flour (calcium carbonate) and alfalfa (lucerne) are good sources of calcium.

Sulphur – MSM and Methionine

Sulphur is an important mineral for healthy hooves as it is a component of collagen. Collagen is the protein of connective tissue, which is required in hooves. A deficiency in sulphur will cause structural weakness in all connective tissue containing structures such as hooves, ligaments and tendons. The highest concentration of sulphur in the horse’s body is found in hoof horn due to its role in keratin. MSM and methionine provide a bioavailable source of sulphur.  

Protein and Amino Acids

The hoof wall is 93% protein (on a dry matter basis). The hoof horn is made up of the protein keratin, which is high in the sulphur containing amino acids, methionine and cysteine.

Most commercial hoof supplements contain methionine (an essential amino acid, the building blocks of protein) but methionine is just one of the amino acids contained in the protein of the hoof, and deficiencies in any essential amino acid including Lysine can be detrimental to hoof horn quality.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Antioxidants

Omega 3 fatty acids support the anti-inflammatory processes, overall health and wellbeing, and play a role in supporting hoof health. Linseed is palatable source of omega 3 fatty acids.

Antioxidants are natural compounds that can be made in the body or found in the diet to neutralise free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are naturally produced by the body during normal exercise, but excessive free radicals produced during intense exercise, illness and stress can cause oxidative stress and damage to cells. Antioxidants include Vitamin E, Vitamin C, as well as other plant-based ingredients such as rosehips and milk thistle.

Probiotics and Brewer’s Yeast

The gut microbiome is recognised to play an important role in health and wellbeing, including the production of strong, healthy hooves.

The live probiotic yeast, yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae will support the microbiome and digestive health. Brewer’s Yeast, is a bit different, it is an inactive yeast, which provides a natural source of B Vitamins, which play key roles in hoof, skin and coat health.

Practical Feeding Advice

How long should a hoof supplement be fed for? Unfortunately, there is no quick fix, and hoof supplements need to be fed for a minimum of 9 months to see the full effects, as the average hoof grows at approximately 5-6mm per month, therefore it takes around 9-12 months to grow from the coronary band to the toe. Owners will often notice an improvement in the coat more quickly though, as the ingredients supporting hoof health, will also have benefits for hair. 

Targeted nutrition through hoof supplements can be a useful aid to hoof care as part of the balanced diet. Understanding the ingredients found in supplements can help you to make an informed choice as to which is the most appropriate supplement for your horse.

For tailored advice relating to your horse, please contact our Nutrition Helpline for individual advice from our Vets and Nutritionists, info@equine-america.com.