We’ve had many questions about hoof supplements. The following questions are answered by Dr. Doug Butler, PhD, CJF, FWCF. Dr. Butler graduated from Cornell University with a doctorate degree in equine nutrition in 1976. He has dedicated his life to helping horses and teaching students how to be better horse care providers. He strongly believes that that horse foot care should be based on real scientific research and evidence. Here are his answers to some commonly asked questions about hoof supplements:

What is the main ingredient(s) in hoof supplements, and what benefit is it (or are they) to the hoof?  In your opinion, how related is hoof health to the horse’s diet?

Hoof supplements have value when 1) you can’t obtain high quality forage feeds at reasonable prices or 2) a horse has a condition caused by:  a) its genetic make-up, b) a disease condition, or c) old age.

There are many ingredients that have been shown to benefit the hoof in individual horses, but most important is the combination in which they are added to a horse’s diet and how they interact with the nutrients in the principal forage and concentrate sources. Some common popular ingredients in supplements include: vitamin A, zinc, copper, calcium etc.

Diet is one part of hoof health normalcy and a very important part.  Other factors also affecting hoof health are genetics, environment, and frequency and quality of competent farrier hoof care.

Will correcting the horse’s diet lend the same results as supplementing the diet with a hoof supplement?

Supplementing is correcting the diet.  Unfortunately, forage in the form of hay or pasture in some regions may be deficient in nutrients needed for hoof health, especially in areas of high rainfall and leached soils where it is difficult to put up ideal hay.

How long, approximately, does it take to see the results of feeding a hoof supplement?  How does this compare to normal hoof growth?

It takes nearly a year to grow a normal hoof.  Faster growth occurs when a foot has been injured.  We may not see the results of dietary change at the bottom of the hoof for nearly that long – however, electron microscopic examination of hoof trimmings has shown some change at the bottom in just a few months.  Hair coat change is usually obvious before hoof change.

Can a healthy horse with healthy hooves experience any benefits from hoof supplements?

A horse with completely healthy, strong hooves will not experience any benefit from a hoof supplement as long as it’s feed, environment, and age don’t change. Of course, pregnant mares will benefit from supplements to augment their nutritional needs during gestation.

Is there much difference between the hoof supplements on the market today?

There is a great deal of difference in hoof supplements.  At my last count, there were nearly 30 on the market, and only a few of those have done any experimental research to create their formulas.  Most copy or increase recommendations by the NRC [National Research Council] or copy existing formulas.

From personal experience, is there any brand of hoof supplement that you prefer or recommend?  Why, and in what situation?

Farrier’s Formula®, manufactured by Life Data Labs, was the original hoof supplement.  It was formulated by Dr. Frank Gravlee, a veterinarian with training and expertise in nutrition.  He collected blood profiles, correlated them to hoof quality, and then monitored changes made when feeding his formula.  It has proven to be most effective.  I have fed it to my aged horses, and it seems to help not only their feet but also their hair coat and condition. I recommend it to clients.

Comment a little bit about hoof dressings.  In your opinion, are they good/bad and in what situation?  Please explain.

I like to seal the nail holes and rasped areas of the outside of the hoof with a hoof dressing or sealer after shoeing, especially on horses that are washed frequently.  Horses kept in dry environments with healthy feet, rarely need hoof dressings of any kind.  More commonly a hoof antiseptic is needed to prevent thrush and white line disease for horses kept in wet environments.  Picking out the bottom of the foot each time you ride is important.  A regular trimming or shoeing interval of 6 to 8 weeks will help maintain optimum hoof health.  Your professional farrier is your best resource to help you decide the best hoof maintenance for your horse.

Are there any “homemade” hoof supplements that work just as well as those on the market, in your opinion?

It’s important to only feed one supplement at a time to prevent overdosing with potentially toxic ingredients and to prevent dangerous nutrient interactions.  If you do your own mixing, be sure your hay is analyzed first and compare that analysis to the product labels and stay within the tolerances recommended by the NRC.  Most people don’t want to go to that much trouble. Yet failure to pay attention to these guidelines may endanger the health of your horse.