Category: Equine Health

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The Problem with Compounded Feeds in the Equine Diet

Energy needs vary widely between individual horses and must be addressed separately from other nutrient requirements. Nutrient requirements should not be fulfilled by a fixed percentage of the amount of feed the horse consumes. With compounded feeds, the added nutrients (proteins, minerals, vitamins, salt, etc.) are force-fed into the horse at indiscriminate amounts in order to meet the energy requirements and to maintain body weight.

Feeding Compound Feeds by Weight

Increasing or decreasing a compounded feed based on weight maintenance of the horse cannot provide the required nutrients at the low feeding levels without over-supplementation of the nutrients at the higher feeding levels.

Excessive supplementation of any nutrient, even if it is not toxic, requires metabolic and organ functions to eliminate it from the body. This is a waste of valuable resources whether in the form of enzyme activity, energy, or organ usage such as the kidneys.

Compound Feeds VS Life Data Forage Balancer Chart
Compound Feeds VS Life Data® Forage Balancer

Inadequate Supplementation of Nutrients

Inadequate supplementation of nutrients unrelated to energy often results from low consumption levels of compounded feed. This can occur with a voluntary decrease in feed intake due to illness, injury, etc., or with the caretaker’s feeding restriction to control obesity, metabolic syndrome, etc.

Probably the most perplexing example of the problem of linking energy with the other nutrients is how to manage the diet of a highly conditioned horse on idle days or injury lay-up days. There is a risk of over-supplementation if a complete feed is continued at high levels. If the feed is reduced, there is a risk of creating a nutrient deficiency. It is advantageous to be able to adjust caloric intake to meet the horse’s energy needs without compromising basic nutrients.

The Balancing Solution: Life Data® Forage Balancer

Life Data® Forage Balancer provides balanced nutrition when fed with pasture, hay, and whole oats. Grass hay or pasture should be considered the basic diet for the horse. The demands of additional work, along with reduced grazing time, require the inclusion of concentrated energy and other nutrients in the diet. Oats are the best solution for this purpose. Our research and experience indicate that the combination of grass hay and oats requires the least supplementation to balance the diet.

Feeding Oats with Life Data® Forage Balancer

Oats provide the best grain foundation to add to Life Data® Forage Balancer because of their energy content, palatability, amino acid content, starch digestibility, fatty acid ratio, calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, and lower phytate content. Oats are an exceptionally good source of energy because the nutrients contained in oats are efficiently utilized in the production and burning of calories.

Hay Provides Bulk, Oats Provide Energy, and Life Data® Forage Balancer Provides Nutrients

The demands of additional work, along with reduced grazing time, require adding concentrated energy and other nutrients to the diet. Oats are the best solution for this purpose. Our research and experience indicate that the combination of grass hay and oats requires the least supplementation to balance the diet. Oats provide the best grain foundation to add to the diet-balancing pellets because of their palatability, amino acid content, starch digestibility, fatty acid ratio, calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, and lower phytate content. Oats are a good source of energy because their nutrients are efficiently utilized in the production and burning of calories.

Salt

Salt should be given separately, usually on a free-choice basis. Giving a salt and mineral mixture, such as a mineral block, can lead to excessive mineral intake. Hay provides the bulk, oats provide the energy, and the Life Data® Forage Balancer pellets provide the nutrition.

Improved Feed Efficiency

Life Data® Forage Balancer Advantages

  • Most Horses will Require Less Feed due to Increased Feed Efficiency
  • Balanced nutrition translates to high digestibility and lower by-products in the fecal matter and urine
    • Less fecal matter and urine output
    • Reduces the labor required to maintain the stalls
    • Reduces bedding expenses and the space that must be dedicated to disposal of the used bedding and feces
    • Creates a cleaner facility, thereby reducing insect annoyance and the ability of flies to propagate
  • Balanced Nutrition Increases Bone and Connective Tissue Strength, Leading to:
    • Healthier bones and joints
    • Improved hoof quality
    • Glossy hair coat

Compound Feeds VS Forage Balancer and Whole Oats:

  • Compounded feeds can contain ingredients that cake together:
    • Creates feed delivery problems from storage bins
    • Messy residue in feed troughs
    • Insect or rodent attraction
  • Whole grains such as oats are clean and easily administered:
    • Whole grains have excellent flow characteristics
    • Results in cleaner equipment
    • More palatable and easy to consume
    • Horses rarely leave residual oats in the feeding bucket
  • Whole grain feeding requires the horse to use the teeth as a grinder:
    • Helps maintain proper dental health and reduce dental spurs
    • Improves feed digestibility by stimulating salivation and salivary mixing with the grain
  • Life Data® Forage Balancer pellets are fed based on nutrient requirements that are independent of energy requirements, thereby preventing nutrient deficiencies or nutrient excesses
  • The caretaker has the tool to dramatically vary the caloric intake – reducing calories for obesity control, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, or increasing calories for work, hard keepers, cold weather, etc. while at the same time providing optimal nutrition with the Life Data® Forage Balancer

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Sulfur Over Supplementation in Horses

Why is Sulfur Important for Horses?

The connective tissues of all mammals are rich in the mineral sulfur. The skin, hair, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and hooves of horses are composed of connective tissue. Collagen is the protein of connective tissue, and is the most abundant protein in the mammalian body. Sulfur, an important component of collagen, is required for both joint health and, in horses, healthy hooves. One dietary source of sulfur is methionine. Methionine is an essential amino acid that the body can convert to another “sulfur-containing” amino acid called cysteine.

Farrier Hot Shoeing Horse
*Sulfur is abundant in the hoof. The “rotten egg” odor produced during hot-shoeing is the smell of sulfur gas resulting from burning the sulfur – rich connective tissue proteins of the hoof.

Once converted, cysteine provides the sulfur “welds,” or crosslinks, necessary for healthy collagen and, thus, a strong connective tissue infrastructure. The lack of sulfur, or methionine, in a horse’s diet is known to lead to structural weakness in the:

  • Ligaments
  • Tendons
  • Bones
  • Joints
  • Hooves

However, too much sulfur in a horse’s diet can lead to over-supplementation, weaken joint strength, and affect hoof quality.

How does Over-Supplementation Occur?

Many hoof supplements contain sulfur in the form of the amino acid methionine. The added methionine balances the relative deficiency of methionine in the typical equine pasture and hay diet. Most equine joint supplements contain MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane, which contains around 34% sulfur. Sulfur over-supplementation can result from feeding a hoof supplement with methionine along with a joint supplement containing MSM. Excess sulfur in the diet has been shown to impair the proper absorption of copper. Copper, along with vitamin C, is necessary for collagen formation and the development of healthy connective tissue for strong hooves and joints.

Equine Sulfur Over Supplementation

How can Over-Supplementation be Avoided?

There are other negative effects of over-supplementation, and it is generally not a good idea to give more than one vitamin/mineral supplement to a horse. If the horse has joint problems in addition to hoof problems, joint supplements without additional sulfur can be given in addition to the hoof supplement. Avoiding supplements that duplicate nutrients is key to reducing the risk of over-supplementation. Providing a single balanced supplement, backed by research and years of proven effectiveness, is recommended and can lead to a healthier, happier horse.

Farrier’s Formula® DS Plus Joint

Farrier's Formula® DS Plus Joint

Farrier’s Formula® DS Plus Joint is formulated to provide nutrients to help build strong connective tissue, improve hoof and coat quality, and give support for the joints without creating the over-supplementation and added expense that occurs when feeding a hoof supplement and joint supplement separately.


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Feeding for Hoof Health

Factors that Affect Hoof Health

  • Genetics
  • Farrier work
  • Type of environment
  • Work intensity
  • Microbial invasions
  • Nutrition
Feeding for Hoof Health

Nutrition’s Role in Hoof Care

In this article, we want to focus on the role that nutrition plays in hoof health.

Consider the following scenario, where two horses are:
1. In the same environment and barn
2. Fed the same diet
3. Working at the same level
4. Competing in the same discipline
5. Trimmed by the same Farrier
6. Cared by the same person
However, one has healthy feet, and the other has poor-quality hooves.

Dietary Factors

In the case above, since all factors are the same, we may want to take a closer look at nutrition. Even though both horses are receiving the same diet, their genetic makeup plays a big role in how nutrients are absorbed and utilized.

When horses have poor feet due to dietary factors, it can be hard to determine the exact cause. However, you can assume that your horse is: 

  • Not receiving the correct nutrients
  • Absorbing nutrients insufficiently
  • Another dietary factor is interfering with nutrient utilization

It is of great importance to maintain correct ratios between all nutrients to prevent one nutrient from interfering with the absorption and utilization of another. When balancing diets it is just as important to prevent excesses as it is to correct deficiencies.

Hoof problems? Where should you start?

1. Provide hay and/or pasture as the basic diet
2. Provide a quality hoof supplement
3. Provide free-choice loose salt
4. Allow access to fresh, clean water

If your horse does have a noticeable hoof problem, and you begin a nutritional program to solve it, you should see a positive difference emerging from the coronary band within 8 to 10 weeks. If not, you should re-examine your nutrition and management program immediately with the help of an equine nutritionist.

Farrier's Formula, Farrier's Finish, Life Data Hoof Clay

Recommended Hoof Supplement: Farrier’s Formula® Double Strength

What should you avoid?

1) Avoid using several supplements
o Most supplements, when fed in conjunction with others, can lead to over-supplementation, nutrient interferences, and even create toxic levels of some ingested nutrients. Ask your veterinarian if it’s safe to feed one supplement with another.

2) Avoid high-bran diets
o Wheat, rice or other grains

3) In the vast majority of cases biotin alone is not enough to correct poor hoof quality.
o There are many other nutrients that affect hoof quality.

The key is fortifying hoof health without producing nutrient excesses or deficiencies. When choosing a hoof supplement, ask your farrier which one does he or she recommends. Chances are, it’ll be Farrier’s Formula®: the #1 recommended hoof supplement by Farriers in the United States.

Dr. Frank Gravlee

J. Frank Gravlee, DVM, MS, CNS
Founder of Life Data Labs, Inc.
H. Scott Gravlee, DVM, CNS
Equine Nutrition Consultant

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Case Report: Laminitis

Summary

A 13-year-old Quarter Horse gelding was treated for severe laminitis with Animalintex poultices, Farrier’s Formula®, Pegasus Laser Therapy, and Soft-Ride Boots, which allowed for the growth of new hoof walls after the old hoof walls had rotated away and sloughed off. These therapies to increase circulation and provide nutrition to the hooves were successful in returning the gelding soundly to his previous level of work after 18 months.

Punctured
Right Hind Sole 07/02/2012

Introduction

Laminitis in its most simple definition is inflammation of the sensitive laminae of the hoof wall. The cause however can vary from trauma, to grain overload, to toxins, and beyond. This case study is meant to show that even the most severe of cases have a chance of survival and return to work if we attempt to help the body heal itself rather than use our traditional treatment regimes. However, the key to success relies on the presence of a willing and diligent owner, veterinarian, farrier, and above all a patient that is willing to be treated.

Left Fore Medial
Left Fore Medial 07/18/2012

Nutrition

In conjunction with antibiotic treatments, he received daily Probios. Free-choice grass hay was available at all times. Daily ration consisted of ½ cup Life Data® Forage Balancer. Hoof supplement consisted of 1/2cup Farrier’s Formula® Double Strength. Fresh water was also available at all times.

Hoof Resection
Right Hind Wall Resection 8/20/2012

Results

  • Hooves remained intact and grew at an increased rate.
  • The hoof wall that was present at the onset of the laminitic episode rotated away from P3 on each hoof. (see Left Fore Medial 7.18.2012).
  • The dead soles were removed at the beginning of the 3rd month of treatment. (see Right Hind Sole 7.2.2012).
  • The outer hoof walls detached at 4.5 months of treatment. (see Right Hind Wall Resection 8.20.2012).
  • New hoof wall grew in at the correct angle and did not associate with the old hoof wall. Hooves continued to grow and at 11 months all hooves had grown to touch the ground. (see Right Hind Lateral 3.30.2013). He remained tender on the front hooves but was able to have his back boots removed at that time.
  • At 18 months aluminum Natural Balance shoes were applied to his front hooves and he was able to trot off sound.

Right Hand Lateral
Right Hind Lateral 03/30/2013

Discussion

The combination of Animalintex poultices, Farrier’s Formula®, Pegasus Laser therapy, and Soft-Ride Boots led to a full recovery of a horse that should not have survived. Animalintex poultices allowed for debris and waste products to be removed from the body without the need to recirculate through the body. Farrier’s Formula® provided the nutrition needed for increased hoof growth. Pegasus laser therapy allowed for increased circulation to get the nutrients where they were needed most, as well as provide pain relief from standing in the “founder stance”. Soft-Ride Boots provided support and protection to the bandaged hooves as well as increasing circulation during the times he did choose to stand.

Recovered Hoof
Right Hind Lateral 05/29/2013

E. Jones Williams, DVM
Stable & Stock Veterinary Services, PLLC
Watertown, TN USA

Hoof Recovered from Laminitis

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Nutrients that Influence Hoof Health

Modern Horses Grazing

The nutritional demands of domesticated modern horses are much different than the nutritional demands of wild horses. A myriad of feedstuffs and supplements have been developed and marketed in reaction to these changing needs. While proper supplementation can provide numerous benefits, insufficient or excessive supplementation of any nutrient can be detrimental for hoof health.

Amino acids

Methionine, proline, glycine, and glutamine are some of the amino acids that are major protein building blocks of healthy connective tissue (hooves are primarily composed of connective tissue). An imbalance of the amino acid ratio leads to inefficient protein production.

Tyrosine and Iodine
The amino acid tyrosine and the mineral iodine are components of thyroid hormone. A deficiency of either of these nutrients can lead to low thyroid function, obesity, and poor hair coat and hoof quality. The relationship between tyrosine, iodine, hoof problems, and obesity is very strong.

Methionine
Methionine is important for the proper utilization of lipids and for building the sulfur crosslinks that add strength to connective tissue. Methionine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is commonly deficient in grasses and grains.

Vitamins

Vitamins are necessary for many metabolic processes and the general health of the horse and the hooves.

Vitamin A
Either an excess or deficiency of vitamin A can result in poor hoof quality and predispose the invasion of microorganisms into the hoof wall, creating a hoof defect pattern in which the outer hoof wall flakes off. Hair-like projections emerging from the hoof wall or the sole of a horse’s hoof is also an indicator of Vitamin A excess or deficiency.

Vitamin A Deficiency in the Hoof

Vitamin C
Vitamin C, along with copper, serves as a catalyst in the formation of strong and healthy horn. Supplementation of vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is traditionally believed to be unnecessary in horses. However, research conducted by Dr. Frank Gravlee, founder of Life Data Labs, established that stabled or stressed horses often have minimal blood levels of ascorbic acid and can therefore benefit from vitamin C supplementation.

Biotin
Biotin is necessary as a coenzyme for a multitude of metabolic functions, and is significantly important in the proper growth and strength of connective tissue. Supplementation of biotin is safe because it is a water soluble vitamin, which means biotin is not stored in the body in any significant amounts. Biotin is found naturally in pasture grasses and in many feedstuffs fed to horses. Hindgut microbes normally manufacture sufficient biotin to meet the horse’s daily requirement.

Minerals

Minerals are responsible for the structural integrity of the body, energy production, immune health, and perform other functions such as co-factors for enzymatic and metabolic reactions.

Copper
Copper is a mineral that is an important component of a multitude of metabolic functions. A copper deficiency leads to a number of abnormal conditions, including defects in the pigmentation and strength of the hooves. Forages can be copper deficient, especially if grown in high rainfall areas.

Zinc
Zinc is a mineral required for the healthy maturing of keratin – a major component of the outer layers of dermal tissue. Proper keratin formation is important for wound healing, skin health, and hoof structure. Zinc can be present in less than ideal levels in forages.

Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium provides the adhesive “welds” between cells. Excess phosphorus in the diet can interfere with calcium absorption. In the presence of hoof problems, bran should not be fed. Whether it’s from wheat, rice, oats or other grains, bran contains phytates. Phytates block the absorption of calcium predisposing the horse to a calcium deficiency and other mineral imbalances. Calcium deficiency results in crumbly hoof horn.

Sulfur
Sulfur is required to build the strong cross links necessary for healthy hoof horn. However, excessive sulfur interferes with copper metabolism leading to weak connective tissue structure and poor hoof quality.

Selenium
We are unaware of a selenium deficiency causing poor hoof quality. A selenium deficiency in horses will lead to other problems, such as muscle deterioration, long before any effects could potentially develop in the hooves. However, horses supplemented with excessive selenium develop a lack of structure in the hoof horn. The excess selenium replaces the stronger sulfur bonds, resulting in weak hoof horn. As selenium toxicity progresses, the outer hoof wall becomes brittle, noticeable horizontal rings appear, pain develops at the coronary band, and the outer hoof wall may slough.

Selenium Toxicity in the Hoof

Fatty Acids and Phospholipids

Fatty acids and phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine) add strength and pliability to connective tissues of the hooves, are critical for healthy moisture balance, and are necessary for a healthy, shiny coat. Phospholipids are important for healthy cell membranes.

We are faced with the nutrition challenge to fortify the horse’s hoof health without producing nutrient excesses and/or deficiencies. When choosing a hoof supplement, ask your farrier which one they recommend. Chances are it’ll be Farrier’s Formula®, the #1 recommended hoof supplement by Farriers in the USA.

J. Frank Gravlee, DVM, MS, CNS
Founder of Life Data Labs, Inc.
H. Scott Gravlee, DVM, CNS
Equine Nutrition Consultant

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Factors That Affect Hoof Quality

Factors that Affect Hoof Quality

Hoof wall defects can develop from one or more contributing factors. To name a few, hoof wall quality can be influenced by genetics, environment, microbes, trimming, and nutrition.

1. Genetics

Breeds such as Thoroughbreds are genetically predisposed to thin hoof walls and soles, which increase vulnerability to trauma and cracking. Midline toe cracks can occur in any breed as a result of a genetically related weak laminar attachment of the hoof wall to the coffin bone.

Broodmare and Foal
Promoting Hoof Health Begins at Conception

2. Environment

Horses exercising on hard ground or pavement are predisposed to hoof wall cracking due to the higher shock forces on the hoof walls. Also, hooves that often move from wet to dry environments are particularly susceptible to hoof wall cracking. Lastly, the trauma of stepping on hard or sharp objects will generate cracks – especially cracks that form in the bars.

3. Hoof Eating Microbes

Hoof eating microbes require a nutrient-rich environment that is lacking oxygen to flourish. The several different species of bacteria and fungi that have been isolated from infected hooves all have one thing in common – they thrive on the sulfur-containing collagen of the hoof wall. Nail holes and hoof defects provide organisms with easy entry, while wet environments soften the foot and set the stage for microbial invasions. These anaerobic organisms weaken the hoof wall structure. Leading to crumbling, chipping, and cracking.

4. Proper Farrier Trimming

Quarter cracks that start at the coronary band and extend downward are often associated with excessive loading on one side of the hoof wall. Proper farrier trimming and/or shoeing will balance the stresses on the hoof wall and lessen the shocks leading to cracks and hoof wall separations.

Farrier Trimming Horse's Hooves
Maintaining a Regular Farrier Schedule is Essential for Hoof Health.

5. Nutrition

Whether from wheat, rice, oats or other grains, bran contains phytates. Phytates block the absorption of calcium predisposing the horse to a calcium deficiency and other mineral imbalances. Calcium is important in providing the “glue” for cellular adhesion in the hoof tissue. Calcium deficiency is often a result of diets high in bran and results in weak, crumbly hoof horn.

Supplementation and Hoof Quality

Excessive dietary sulfur can result from MSM supplementation. Excess sulfur interferes with copper metabolism, leading to weak connective tissue structure and poor hoof quality.

Horses supplemented with excessive selenium develop a lack of structure in the hoof horn. The excess selenium replaces the stronger sulfur bonds, resulting in weak hoof horn. As selenium toxicity progresses, the outer hoof wall becomes brittle, noticeable horizontal rings appear, pain develops at the coronary band, and the outer hoof wall may slough.

Growing Out Hoof Wall Defects

The majority of horses will “grow out” hoof wall defects if:

1) The causative factor is identified and avoided (if possible).
2) The horse receives good nutrition and/or a hoof supplement.
3) The defects are treated with non-caustic topical protectants.

Farrier's Formula Hoof Supplement
Farrier’s Formula® Ushered in the Concept of Feeding for Hoof Health!

Recommended Hoof Supplement: Farrier’s Formula®

For outstanding hoof nutrition, use Farrier’s Formula®: the #1 recommended hoof supplement by farriers in the USA. Farrier’s Formula® will strengthen the hoof wall to inhibit future cracking and hoof defects, and will also increase the growth rate of the hoof horn to overcome existing cracks.

Recommended Hoof Topical: Farrier’s Finish®

To protect the hooves from “hoof eating microbes” and from wet/dry conditions, use Farrier’s Finish®: a hoof disinfectant and conditioner that unlike other products, does not contain harmful chemicals. Farrier’s Finish® destroys the microbes which cause white line disease, thrush, and crumbling hoof wall. It also supports correct hoof capsule moisture balance in excessively wet or dry conditions.

Farrier's Finish® Hoof Topical Applied to Hoof
Farrier’s Finish® Protects the Investment You Make in Hoof Quality

J. Frank Gravlee, DVM, MS, CNS
Founder of Life Data Labs, Inc.
Developer of Farrier’s Formula®
H. Scott Gravlee, DVM, CNS
Equine Nutrition Consultant

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Hoof Supplement for Laminitis and Founder

Nutrients for Laminitis Recovery

Proper feed supplementation can help repair damage done during a laminitis/founder cycle. Many horses are being fed rations deficient in the nutrients needed to maintain and rebuild their health after suffering from laminitis and founder. Some hays are deficient in essential nutrients, especially those put up after being rained on, grown on nutrient-deficient soils, or harvested at a late stage of maturity.

Supplementing for Laminitis

Horses that have had an attack of laminitis need a supplement that contains liver protectants and thyroid-positive nutrients. Amino acids play an important role in rebuilding a hoof damaged by laminitis and founder. Essential fatty acids and phospholipids are needed to build cell membranes and walls. Vitamin A and biotin are important hoof-building vitamins. Calcium, copper, and zinc are important minerals for hoof strength. Please note, however, that for these nutrients to be most effective, they must both be absorbable and in the proper ratio/balance.

Finding the Right Supplement

A good hoof supplement for laminitis combines the hoof-building nutrients necessary to rebuild a strong hoof after tissue damage from laminitis/founder. The hoof needs to be strong to protect the fragile coffin bone within the foot, much like the skull protects the brain.

Farrier's Formula and Lamina Formula
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Amino Acids in the Equine Diet: Methionine and Cystine

There are twenty amino acids known that make up the building blocks for mammalian body protein. Approximately one-half of the amino acids are essential (this means the body is unable to make those nutrients; therefore, the nutrients must be ingested). Methionine is an essential amino acid that can be converted to cystine by the body.

Cystine and the Horse

Cystine is important because it furnishes the sulfur crosslinks that are necessary for healthy collagen, thus strong hoof infrastructure (hoof, skin, hair, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage). A certain quantity of essential amino acids can be manufactured by the micro organisms in the hind gut of the equine.

Methionine

Most hoof supplements containing methionine is the DL-methionine form. L-methionine is the biologically active form amounting to approximately 50% of the total DL-methionine. A supplement containing 6,000 milligrams of DL-methionine would contain 3,000 milligrams of the biologically active L form. There is no data on the equine requirements of methionine; however, the average requirements for other species converted to the metabolic size of a horse amounts to approximately 3,000 milligrams of L-methionine per day.

Because methionine is readily converted to cystine by the liver in mammals it is necessary to supplement only methionine to fulfill the methionine/cystine requirement.

J. Frank Gravlee, DVM, MS, CNS
Founder of Life Data Labs, Inc.
Developer of Farrier’s Formula®

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Feeding Farrier’s Formula® to Older Horses

Feeding Farrier's Formula to Older Horses

Feeding Farrier’s Formula® to an older horse, even though he does not have hoof problems, has many benefits. One of the problems in feeding the aging horse is that mastication (chewing) of feed becomes less efficient, and after the feed reaches the digestive tract, nutrient absorption is diminished. Also, the connective tissue, including skin, hoof, bone, tendons, and muscle, is not as strong and healthy as in younger horses. Another geriatric problem is that metabolism, and therefore activity, is often slowed due to decreased levels of thyroid hormone (thyroxin).

Addressing the Older Horse

Farrier’s Formula® addresses the above problems by improving feed efficiency and the quality of the feed given to horses. It also improves aging and weakened connective tissues by providing the nutrients necessary to build strong, healthy collagen. For many aging horses that are less active due to decreased amounts of thyroxin, Farrier’s Formula® has iodine and the essential amino acid tyrosine, which are the necessary building blocks for the thyroid gland to manufacture thyroxin.

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Crude Protein and Farrier’s Formula® Double Strength

Farrier's Formula Double Strength with Dressage Helmet

Farrier’s Formula® Double Strength is 27% protein. The protein in Farrier’s Formula® Double Strength is derived from three main sources. A main ingredient and the largest contributor of protein is soy protein concentrate, which contains 66% protein. Methionine, yeast culture, and to a lesser degree alfalfa also contribute to crude protein levels.

A horse consuming 11 lbs. of a 13% protein feedstuff per day is consuming 650 grams of protein per day, and this is often a poor-quality protein. Add 20 lbs. of hay or equivalent pasture and the horse consumes approximately 2000 grams of crude protein per day.

In comparison, a ½ cup (85 gram) serving of Farrier’s Formula® Double Strength provides only 23 grams of protein per day – an insignificant level of protein compared to the total daily intake of crude protein.

Crude protein is calculated from a measurement of the amount of nitrogen in the feedstuff. Amino acids contain nitrogen and are therefore labeled as “crude protein”.

Amino Acids and Protein

Amino acids combine together to form protein, and are therefore the building blocks of protein. Poor quality proteins may contain an abundance of some amino acids, but a deficiency of other amino acids. The lack of an amino acid blocks the formation of a protein that requires that particular amino acid.

High-quality protein diets contain amino acids that are present in sufficient quantities and proper ratios for the efficient formation of protein. Soy protein concentrate is high in the amino acids that are often the most deficient in an equine diet, so when soy protein concentrate is supplemented these amino acids increase the utilization of other amino acids in the diet.

For example, lysine is an amino acid that is present in less than ideal amounts in hay and pasture grasses, and therefore deficient in most horses’ diets. Lysine is the “weak link” and prevents other amino acids in the diet from being utilized to build tissue proteins. Farrier’s Formula® Double Strength contains relatively high levels of lysine, improving the utilization of other dietary proteins by providing this “weak link” amino acid. The lysine in Farrier’s Formula® Double Strength is derived from the soy protein concentrate.

Methionine and Crude Protein

Methionine, another example of an amino acid weak in typical equine diets, is added to Farrier’s Formula® Double Strength to provide building blocks for strong connective tissue growth. Methionine, like lysine and the other amino acids, adds to the “crude protein” levels that are reported on the product label.

Farrier’s Formula® Double Strength does not create the “hot” horse that is associated with high protein feedstuffs.

Farrier’s Formula® Double Strength fortifies the nutrients important for a healthy hoof that are weak in the diet, including amino acids and nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, phospholipids, and fatty acids.