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Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining strong, healthy hooves in horses. Hoof quality is not just a cosmetic concern, it often reflects a horse’s overall health and nutritional status over the past 6 to 12 months. While it might be tempting to feed specific hoof supplements, targeting hoof health without addressing the entire diet can lead to poor results due to ongoing nutritional imbalances.
Horses express nutritional deficiencies in a variety of ways. Some may show signs like:
Since hoof growth is gradual, it can take up to 12 months for full recovery after correcting dietary imbalances. However, improvements are often noticeable within 6–8 weeks, as new, healthier hoof begins to grow from the coronet band.
Horse hooves are made up of approximately 90% keratin, an insoluble structural protein. The strength and resilience of keratin depend heavily on amino acids, especially methionine and cysteine. These amino acids form strong bonds within the keratin matrix, giving hooves their structure.
A diet low in quality protein can lead to both poor hoof quality and loss of muscle tone.
To support hoof growth, include high-quality protein sources which are rich in sulphur amino acids such as CoolStance copra meal., soybean meal.
These provide the essential amino acids needed for optimal hoof and muscle development.
Hoof growth and strength also depend on a complex interplay of trace minerals, each playing a unique role:
Biotin, a B-group vitamin, is essential for producing strong, resilient hooves. Deficiencies can lead to brittle or shelly hooves. Fortunately, horses with a healthy hindgut typically produce enough biotin naturally
To support hindgut health and vitamin B production:
To improve hoof health, your focus should be on improving your horse’s overall wellbeing through a consistently balanced diet.
The Stance Equitec Feeding Program recommends:
Hoof problems are often the tip of the iceberg when it comes to nutritional imbalance. By feeding a completely balanced diet—rather than relying on isolated hoof supplements, you’ll not only support strong, resilient hooves but also promote better coat condition, muscle tone, and overall performance.
Remember, hoof health is built from the inside out and it starts with what you feed every day.
