Feeding for healthy hooves

The key to strong, resilient hoof growth is a well-rounded diet. Equine nutritionist LARISSA BILSTON goes in depth on feeding for healthy hooves.  

A horse’s hooves are the foundation of their health and performance. Strong, resilient hooves allow for optimal movement and prevent common problems such as cracking, brittleness, and lameness. While genetics and environmental conditions play a role in hoof health, nutrition is a crucial factor. Many horse owners turn to hoof supplements when faced with weak or slow growing hooves, but the real solution often lies in a well-balanced diet.

The foundation of healthy hooves

Farriers frequently suggest hoof supplements when they suspect a horse is lacking key nutrients for strong hoof growth. However, if your horse is already consuming a balanced diet, adding a hoof supplement might be unnecessary and could even disrupt mineral balance, leading to unintended health issues.

The most common causes of poor hoof quality include:

• Mineral deficiencies or imbalances
• Insufficient omega-3 fatty acids
• Extreme environmental conditions (wet or dry)
• Genetics
• Lack of consistent, high-quality farrier care.

If a horse’s diet lacks the necessary nutrients, a supplement will be required to correct deficiencies. The best approach is to use a well-formulated, multivitamin and mineral supplement designed to balance the entire diet rather than relying on a single hoof-specific supplement.

Biotin: essential or overrated?

Biotin, a B-group vitamin, is commonly associated with improved hoof quality. It is naturally present in forage and grains, with fresh grass being one of the richest sources. Additionally, horses produce biotin through microbial activity in a healthy gut.

Although biotin deficiencies are rare, research shows that supplementing with 15 to 40mg per day can enhance hoof growth and quality, particularly in horses experiencing stress, antibiotic treatment, laminitis, or those lacking access to fresh pasture. However, before adding biotin supplements, check existing feed and supplements to ensure the diet isn’t already providing sufficient levels.

Holistic benefits of a balanced diet

Proper nutrition benefits more than just hooves. A well-balanced diet supports overall health, including the immune, musculoskeletal, nervous, respiratory, and circulatory systems. Instead of reaching for a quick-fix hoof supplement, evaluate the whole diet to ensure it meets all nutritional needs. Since hoof wall growth from the coronet band to the weight-bearing surface takes up to nine months, long-term commitment is essential for results.

Hoof growth rings provide visual evidence of past changes in nutrition and health. A horse’s hooves can reveal the impact of diet adjustments, highlighting the importance of consistency and proper nutrient balance.

Essential nutrients for hoof growth

Hooves, skin, and hair are made from keratin, a strong protein whose composition depends on specific amino acids and minerals. For healthy keratin production, horses require an adequate supply of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, along with sufficient energy to facilitate hoof growth.

Roughage first: Roughage is the backbone of equine nutrition, supporting gut health while providing much of the protein and energy a horse needs. However, forage alone will not supply adequate levels of all essential minerals such as copper, zinc, iodine, and selenium – critical elements for strong hooves.

Supplementary feeding: Some horses require additional calories to sustain their workload, growth, or overall maintenance. High-quality protein sources such as lucerne hay or legume grains are valuable additions, particularly for growing horses or those on poor-quality roughage. Pure amino acid supplements, including lysine, methionine, and threonine, should also be considered in some cases. Of these, methionine is particularly important for hoof development. Additionally, small amounts of oil with balanced omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support healthy skin and hooves.

Hoof health building blocks

For adult horses, average quality roughage typically supplies sufficient protein, the building block of hoof health. However, horses consuming dried, mature, or poor quality pastures may require additional protein to meet their needs. The most commonly limiting amino acids – lysine, methionine, and threonine – must be present in adequate amounts for optimal hoof growth. Full fat soybean meal and lucerne are excellent sources of these essential amino acids.

The role of minerals in hoof strength

Proper mineral balance is crucial for strong hooves.

• Zinc: Essential for enzyme function, cell metabolism, and keratinisation, lower zinc concentrations are associated with weaker hooves.
• Copper: Necessary for connective tissue formation, coat pigmentation, and antioxidant function.
• Selenium: Plays a role in keratin synthesis and hoof structure.
• Sulphur: A key component of keratin, ensuring hoof integrity.

Minerals must be provided in the correct ratios, otherwise competition for absorption can lead to deficiencies, even when the diet contains the recommended minimum daily amount of individual minerals.

Ideally, the total diet should contain three times as much zinc as copper (a zinc to copper ratio of 3:1). Optimal mineral levels in the diet should exceed the minimum daily intake (RDI) and may need to be significantly higher to achieve mineral ratio balance. Additionally, the copper-to-iron ratio should be approximately one part copper to seven parts iron (a ratio of 1:7).

Since forages naturally contain high iron levels, avoid mineral supplements with added iron, as excess iron disrupts the balance of zinc and copper. Selenium also requires careful management, as it has a narrow range between deficiency and toxicity.

The importance of B vitamins

Biotin (B7) and pyridoxine (B6) are essential for keratin production. Horses at pasture typically consume and generate sufficient B vitamins, but those under stress, in hard work, or recovering from illness may require supplementation. Biotin supplementation (15-20 mg/day for a 500 kg horse) has been shown to improve hoof hardness in some cases. However, biotin alone is not a miracle cure – deficiencies in other nutrients, such as zinc and calcium, will limit its effectiveness. Since biotin is a common ingredient in feeds and supplements, check to see how much your horse is already consuming before purchasing a biotin supplement.

The role of omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to hoof integrity, particularly in the periople, the protective layer around the hoof wall. Fresh grass contains significantly more omega-3s than omega-6s. In contrast, dried forage, grains, and most vegetable oils contain higher omega-6 levels, which are pro-inflammatory. To mimic a natural grass-based diet, omega-3 supplementation should provide a ratio of four to ten times more omega-3s than omega-6s. Vitamin E also plays an essential role in protecting omega-3 fatty acids from oxidation.

What to expect from a balanced diet

One of the first visible benefits of a balanced diet is an improvement in coat colour intensity. Over time, proper nutrition leads to stronger mane, tail, and hoof growth, allowing horses to reach their full genetic potential.

However, environmental management remains critical. Regular farriery, proper moisture control, and suitable footing conditions help optimise hoof health. Additionally, many horses on balanced diets become more metabolically efficient, reducing the need for excessive hard feed and saving owners money.

Diet is key

A well-balanced diet is the key to strong, resilient hooves. Instead of relying on hoof-specific supplements, horse owners should ensure their horses receive the correct nutrients in the right proportions. The benefits extend beyond hoof health, supporting overall well-being and performance. By committing to proper nutrition and environmental management, you can help your horse develop the healthiest hooves possible, ensuring soundness and longevity for years to come.

Larissa Bilston, BAgrSc (Hons) is the Equine Nutritionist for Farmalogic.