Hooves are made of a hard, crusty protein called keratin. You cannot add keratin by painting it on – it is produced by specialized cells within the hooves called keratinocytes, which rely on a nutrient-rich blood supply.
It’s important to realize that hooves are low on your horse’s list of priorities. Available nutrients will first be used for survival – feeding vital organs (heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, glands). If nutrients remain, they can be used to feed hoof tissue. Therefore, unhealthy hooves are an indication that there just aren’t enough nutrients to go around. A forage-based diet, with proper vitamin/mineral supplementation to fill in nutritional gaps, will help ensure overall health, while protecting your horse’s feet.
Looking for more advice on optimal nutrition for your horse? At www.gettyequinenutrition.com horse owners and managers will find a library of helpful articles, an online store, and a calendar of appearances, teleconferences and interviews. Dr. Getty also offers a popular (and free) monthly e-newsletter, “Forage for Thought”; sign up through the website.
Further Reading
Eight Hoof Care Myths
Guide to Horse Hoof Problems
Very interesting reading, and I will have to check out the link for more information.
I am the only person who is thinking “DUHHH…” after reading this?
I think that everyone should take good care of their horses hooves. But it’s all common since..
Of course good nutrition is vital for good hooves in horses. Just like its vital for a good hair coat. Though it usually doesn’t get too much mention, people really get into the shod versus barefoot debate and forget to mention nutrition as being key. Of course like the saying goes ” No hoof, no horse.” This applies to all horses, wether barefoot or shod.
Great article.
Biotin is a nutrient that’s great for keeping hooves healthy.
I just bought some Farnam Horseshoer’s Secret to see how well it works. I’ll know in about a month or so. I should probably do some more reading on this. I want to keep his hooves healthy!
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