Hoof quality isn’t all down to what you do with the hoof. Trimming, shoeing and environmental factors all play a role in hoof integrity, but nutrition is the foundation for quality hoof material and growth.

Why are imbalances common?

Forage-based diets, whilst essential, do vary significantly in nutrient content. The mineral content can be affected by soil conditions, harvest timing and storage.

Iron is an essential mineral, but excess can be detrimental. This is because it can interfere with zinc and copper absorption, creating a functional deficiency. 

Horses that might be consuming less that the recommended amount of fortified feed, or do not have access to quality hard feed and forage, may not receive the required level of vitamins and minerals.

Clinical signs of imbalances 

Imbalances relating to the hoof usually manifest gradually, but you might see;

•             Slow growth

•             Losing shoes consistently

•             Cracks and wall separation

•             Sensitivity in the feet, particularly on hard ground

•             Brittle or crumbly hoof

Alongside this, nutritional deficiencies may be expressed in dull or faded coats, reduced performance, weight loss, behavioural changes, weakened immune system and muscular issues.

Nutrients your horse needs for hooves

Protein

The main component of the hoof is keratin; a protein made of amino acids. It is vital for durable and strong hooves. 

Amino acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins such as keratin. They aren’t all able to be synthesised in the body and some must be supplied through the diet. Methionine and Lysine are two of the most important amino acids for hooves.

Methionine is a sulphur containing amino acid vital for strong and resilient hoof tissue.

Lysine is a limiting amino acid meaning that even if there are adequate amounts of all the other amino acids, protein will not be able to be synthesised properly.

Copper & Zinc

Zinc is an essential trace mineral needed for keratin formation, cell growth and tissue repair. Zinc deficiencies can cause weak, soft hooves that are prone to cracking.

Zinc should be provided in the correct ratio with copper to enable correct absorption.

Copper is an essential trace mineral that is involved in the formation of bone and connective tissues. It’s also involved in the cross-links within keratin that give the hoof strength and density.

UK soils are often low in both elements, which generally means the forage grown in them are low in copper and zinc too.

Calcium and Phosphorus

Calcium is a macro mineral required to support the developmental of many internal structures within the body, including normal hoof growth. Calcium is actually only present in the hoof in small amounts, but it is needed to support the cross-links between proteins in the hoof.

Calcium needs to be balanced with phosphorus to enable correct absorption.

Vitamin B7

Also known as Biotin, this vitamin is essential for keratin production.  It has been widely researched in the realm of hoof health and it also supports growth of coat, mane and tail. Biotin is a by-product produced from fibre fermentation within the hindgut, however, many horses will benefit from additional supplementation in the diet – particularly those that are suffering from cracked or brittle hooves.

Fatty Acids

Omega fatty acids are long chains of atoms that give structure to cell walls and forms a permeable barrier that controls moisture levels. Omega-3 fatty acids also support the body in managing healthy levels of inflammation. It is important to note that Omega-6 fatty acids are pro-inflammatory, so it is important to choose a supplement that has balanced ratios. Our Better 4 Hooves Supplement is based with linseed meal which has balanced ratios of fatty acids, is highly palatable and has great benefits for skin, coat and hooves.

MSM

MSM is naturally high in biologically available sulphur, which is important for the formation of keratin. It and works cohesively with biotin and amino acids to strengthen keratin bonds and ensure strong hooves.

Why choose Better 4 Hooves?

Bill Watson, registered farrier, says “All horses fed Better4Hooves have responded positively i.e quality of horn, strength of foot, rate of growth & condition of feet generally. Horses with a history of losing shoes due to bad quality horn have not done since.”

Our Better 4 Hooves Supplement is suitable for all horses and supports optimal health, growth and strength.

•             Provides optimal levels of biotin, copper, zinc and sulphur

•             Contains an incredible 35mg of biotin per serving

•             Rich in essential amino acids

•             Includes MSM

•             Trusted by industry professionals

No matter the horse, no matter what they are doing in life, this supplement is a staple to help improve hoof horn quality, support healthy growth and enhance structural integrity.