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Feeds for White Line Disease or Seedy Toe in horses

Feeds for White Line Disease or Seedy Toe in horses

What is white line disease or seedy toe in horses

White line disease or seedy toes refers to infection of the white line, which is the connective tissue between the hoof wall and the soft lamellae in the hoof. The external hoof wall may appear brittle and dry, and the white line takes on a cheese like appearance.

What is the white line? 

The horses hoof is made up of the hard outer wall and the sole (which is the soft inner  surface of the hoof). The horse bears most of the weight on the wall. The fibrous join between the wall and the sole is called the white line. 

Hooves are prepared for shoeing, by trimming the hoof to the white line.

How do I know my horse has white line disease or seedy toe

  • Weak chipped and shelly hoof walls that cannot hold a shoe
  • Lameness
  • Hoof sounds hollow when tapped
  • The affected hoof could have a dished or a bulged form and the soles will be tender
  • The white line is soft and cheese like

Note - If the horse shows signs of lameness the infection has progressed to a very advanced stage

What causes white line disease or seedy toe in horses

There are many theories as to the cause of white line disease; however it seems that invasion of the white line by one or more fungi acting alone or in combination with bacteria may be the primary causal agents. These organisms infiltrate, feed upon and destroy the keratin tissue of the hoof wall. White line disease occurs in horses that have had previous hoof problems such as trauma, cracked hooves and any previous infections. White line disease can also occur when horses are standing in muddy conditions. The fungi and bacteria responsible for white line disease will not attack a healthy hoof. Horses with laminitis or Cushing's disease are also prone to white line disease.

How diet helps white line disease or seedy toe in horses

While it’s primarily managed through trimming and hoof care, diet plays a critical role in both prevention and recovery. Here's how:

  1. Strengthens Hoof Wall Integrity 

 A poor-quality hoof wall is more likely to crack, split, or separate making the hoof vulnerable to seedy toe. Nutrients essential for strong, healthy hoof horn include: 

  •  Biotin – Essential for keratin formation; improves hoof growth and strength 
  •  Zinc & Copper – Crucial for hoof structure, repair, and integrity (especially when balanced) 
  •  Methionine – A sulfur-containing amino acid that supports keratin production 
  •  Omega-3 Fatty Acids – May reduce inflammation and support healthy hoof tissue 
  • Tip: Feed a balanced hoof supplement that includes biotin (at least 15–20 mg/day), organic zinc and copper, and methionine for best results. 

 2. Reduces Inflammation and Infection Risk 

 Poor metabolic health and inflammation can weaken the hoof’s internal structure, increasing the risk of white line disease. High-NSC (sugar/starch) diets can worsen these problems by: 

  •  Raising insulin levels and encouraging laminar breakdown 
  •  Feeding fungal or bacterial overgrowth in the hoof wall 
  •  Disrupting gut flora, leading to systemic inflammation 
  •  Tip: Use low NSC (<12%), high-fibre diets, and avoid cereal grains and molasses in horses prone to seedy toe or hoof separation. 

 3. Supports the Immune System 

 A healthy immune system helps the horse resist opportunistic infections in the hoof wall caused by fungi or bacteria. Key nutrients include: 

  •  Vitamin E & Selenium – Powerful antioxidants that support immunity 
  •  Protein – Needed for tissue repair and cellular immune responses 
  •  Prebiotics & Probiotics – Support gut health, which is closely linked to immune resilience 
  • Tip: Provide natural vitamin E, ensure selenium is at safe levels, and consider a gut support supplement if the horse has been on antibiotics or high-starch feeds. 

 4. Improves Circulation to the Hoof 

 Good blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to the hoof. Horses with insulin resistance or Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) often have poor peripheral circulation, impairing hoof growth and healing. 

 Tip: Reduce body fat, avoid sugary feeds, and feed a high-fibre, low-starch diet to improve metabolic and vascular health. 

Stance Equitec Dietary Guidelines to Support Hoof Health and Seedy Toe Recovery 



What to Avoid in Horses Prone to Seedy Toe 

  •  Grain-based feeds with high NSC (>15%) 
  •  Molasses, sweet feeds, or sugary treats 
  •  Over-supplementing selenium (risk of toxicity) 
  •  Poor trimming or infrequent farrier visits (diet alone won’t fix seedy toe) 

Stance Supplements

 Bottom Line: Diet Matters for Healthy Hooves 

 While seedy toe requires regular farrier care, proper diet can accelerate recovery, improve hoof quality, and reduce recurrence. A well-balanced, low-NSC, high-fibre diet rich in the right nutrients helps horses grow stronger hooves that resist infection and structural failure.

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