Hoof & Coat

"Hoof wall is composed almost entirely of protein. Proteins consist of amino acids, and a few specific amino acids are essential in forming strong, healthy hooves. Methionine and lysine are two important amino acids that tend to be deficient in horse diets. Without these building blocks, hoof growth is restricted and hoof integrity is likely to be poor.

In addition, a balanced intake of trace minerals is essential for healthy hoof growth. The mineral zinc, for example, is involved specifically with the integrity of skin, hair, and hoof, and is essential in a diet that supports hoof health.

Research focusing on biotin as a means of improving hoof quality in horses started in the mid-1980s. Since then various studies have found a statistically significant improvement from biotin supplementation on overall hoof condition with 20 mg per day. Biotin only improves the growth of new hoof horn, not existing hoof, so its effectiveness depends on reliable administration at recommended levels. These effects take six to nine months to fully manifest, so hoof-repair strategy requires patience.

Since both hooves and hair use many of the same nutrients for their development and growth, it is important to provide the horse with sources of fatty acids, amino acids, select trace minerals such as zinc and iodine as well as the B-vitamin biotin when additional support for these structures is desired." - Kentucky Equine Research