It is easy to agree that we would all do anything to make sure our horses have the best! We spend lots of time and money making sure they have the best feed, training and lifestyle possible. When it comes to their hooves, it’s no different!
The old saying goes, no hoof no horse! Our horses’ hooves are put through a lot of pressure, not to mention the varied environmental conditions of Australia, so it is not uncommon to face some hoof related issues with our 4-legged friends. Whilst regular, quality farrier care is essential, the question is often asked, is there anything I can feed that will help? The answer is yes!
There are a number of nutrients that have been identified through many decades of research that can help with hoof growth, strength and integrity.
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Biotin – more formally known as Vitamin B7, is essential in the production of Keratin, the protein that helps build a strong and healthy hoof structure. Horses can source some Biotin from pasture and grains, but the levels absorbed can vary due to Biotins water solubility. This may mean that there is not enough naturally sourced to guarantee healthy hooves. The National Research Council recommends that a 500kg adult horse should have 15mg of Biotin daily to promote healthy hooves. Such levels are best achieved with a form of supplementation.
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Gelatin – the amino acids found in Gelatin are used by the body to make Collagen an important component of the bodies connective tissues. Just like in humans, horses use Collagen to grow strong healthy nails and hair.
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Zinc – a trace mineral that helps improve the integrity of the hoof horn and increases the presence of Keratin.
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Methionine – an essential amino acid that assists in the formation of Keratin. It has a role during protein synthesis and the production of Cysteine, in turn leading to Cyrstine, the building blocks for Keratin. Horses cannot produce Methionine themselves so therefore need to receive it via supplementation.
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Choline – A variant of Silicon that is essential for healthy hoof horn production and can aid the actions of achieving elasticity and water repellence of the hoof.
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Magnesium – Helps to maintain the structure of hoof wall and sole. Aids in the distribution and absorption in Calcium, another contributing nutrient to hoof health.
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MSM – Aids in the production of Keratin, ensuring strong hooves to help reduce cracks, splits, brittle hooves and other related issues. Contains Sulphur, essential to helping form connective tissue and cell regeneration.
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Sulphur – An important component of collagen and essential for keratin production. Connective tissue and cell regeneration.
The above nutrients are essential both independently and collaboratively in promoting stronger, healthier hooves. Given we can’t definitively measure how much of these our horses are supplied in their daily ration, a supplement can often be the best way of assuring they do receive everything they need.
Ranvet’s new Hoof Food PELLET contains all of the above nutrients, making for an 8-in1 formula. Hoof Food PELLET comes in an easy, palatable formula that has no added sugar, making it safe for horses who are on restricted diets. Ranvet Hoof Food PELLET may help develop strong healthy hooves, repair damage, grow our cracks, regenerate hoof wall, and assists with tender soles or dry brittle hoof walls. Treatment dose is only 60 grams a day with a maintenance dose of 30g, which can easily be mixed with the daily ration.
