Dr. Frank Gravlee, founder of Life Data®, has worked with horses suffering from mild to serious hoof problems for over 50 years. During this time, his research has determined that horses with hoof problems often have nutrient deficiencies or excesses that negatively affect the dermal tissue structure. The hoof is dermal tissue and the hoof shows weakness more quickly than other dermal tissue structures due to its function and location. The horse owner should be able to recognize a few of the nutritional concerns that can occur in the hoof:
Nutrition Related Hoof Problems: Excessive Bran
Crumbling Hoof and Poor Hoof Quality
Bran contains a high level of phytate. Phytate is a substance found in plant seeds containing phosphorus. The excessive amount of phosphorus from feeding too much bran interferes with the absorption of several minerals including calcium. Often, the result is a crumbling hoof due to calcium deficiency.
Poor Hoof Quality caused from Excessive Bran
Nutrition Related Hoof Problems: Zinc Deficiency
Rapid Hoof Growth
A zinc deficiency can sometimes lead to rapid hoof growth; however, the hoof quality is low.
Some horses with a zinc deficiency need their hooves trimmed every 10-14 days.
Brittle Hoof Wall
The deficiency can result in poor quality keratin in the outer layers of the hoof wall to make the wall brittle.
Nutrition Related Hoof Problems: Biotin Deficiency
Hoof Wall “Peeling”
A biotin deficiency is rare; however, when it does occur, one will likely see thick layers of hardened tissue ‘peeling off’ the hoof wall much like the peeled layers of an onion.
Other dietary deficiencies usually accompany a biotin deficiency.
Nutrition Related Hoof Problems: Vitamin A
Hair-like projections
Hair-like projections emerging from the hoof wall or the sole of a horse’s hoof can indicate either a Vitamin A excess or a Vitamin A deficiency.
Vitamin A Excess or Deficiency
In addition to the above there are many more ‘nutritional red flags’ too numerous to list here. We will continue expanding on this subject in future blogs. Use a quality hoof supplement such as Farrier’s Formula® to provide the nutrients to grow strong healthy hooves.
Over 40 years ago when Farrier’s Formula® was first introduced, equine nutrition was in its infancy. Little was known about the impact nutrition has on the horse. When Dr. Frank Gravlee brought Farrier’s Formula® to the market he was met with skepticism. The farriers were one of the first to recognize the effect of Farrier’s Formula®. They were our first dealers and helped spread the word that nutrition does play a large role in the health of the horse. This is one reason why our hoof supplement is named after the farrier.
We thank you for years of loyalty and support. Thank you for
continuing to carry and recommend our products. But most of all, we thank you
for your hard work. We thank you, the farrier, for your continued passion to
care for the horse. Your commitment for further education, your desire to
improve your skills, and your devotion to your craft has helped improve the
lives of countless horses from all around the world. We here at Life Data® will
never forget the important role the farrier plays in the equine world.
“We thank farriers for their role in informing the public of the importance of equine nutrition. Life Data® is devoted to furthering our research into equine nutrition and to find answers to equine health issues. Through this research, we will continue to discover solutions that can be utilized to help solve the problems farriers see every day.”
A strong rotting smell is a well-known indicator of Equine Thrush. You probably know the smell well if you’re a horse owner. The smell is like that of a rotten egg. The odor radiates from the hoof, making regular hoof cleanings and farrier work more foul-smelling than usual. So, what causes Thrush to smell? In this blog, we sniff out the answer to this question.
Hoof Anatomy and Structure
Your horse’s hooves are comprised of connective tissue
proteins. Connective tissue is rich in the mineral sulfur. The sulfur provides
the “welds,” or crosslinks, in the connective tissue protein. These crosslinks
are responsible for the structural integrity of the hoof capsule. If the bonds
are weakened or destroyed, the structural integrity of the hoof will be
compromised.
Thrush and the Microbial Invasion
Thrush is an invasion of “hoof-eating” microbes into the connective tissue of the sulci surrounding the frog and heel. These anaerobic microbes thrive in low oxygen environments, such as the deep sulci and clefts surrounding the frog. Once the organisms divide in the frog sulci, the stage is set for a progressive invasion and infection.
How Equine Thrush Affects the Hoof
The anaerobic microbes consume the connective tissue proteins, including the sulfur, and excrete volatile sulfur compounds as waste. The rotten egg smell associated with Thrush is the odor of the sulfur released by the microbes. The same smell occurs during hot-shoeing. The odor produced is the smell of sulfur gas from burning the sulfur-rich connective tissue proteins of the hoof.
Thrush can be devastating to the hoof. As the sulfur
crosslinks are destroyed the connective tissue becomes weakened, compromising
the structural integrity of the hoof.
If your horse develops Equine Thrush talk to your veterinarian and farrier. Use a non-caustic hoof topical, such as Life Data® Hoof Clay® and Farrier’s Finish®, as a measure against Thrush. Stay away from caustic remedies for Thrush or substances that block oxygen to the hoof. Add a balanced hoof supplement, such as Farrier’s Formula® Double Strength, to your horse’s diet to build a stronger hoof capsule more resilient to infections and other hoof related issues. Contact us at 1-800-624-1873 if you have any questions.
Soft hooves are one of the more common problems associated
with wet and muddy conditions. When discussing the topic of soft hooves, it’s
important to understand that the hooves’ main purpose is to support the horse.
The hooves are designed to provide balance and stability while carrying the
full weight of the horse. When a horse develops soft hooves, other hoof
problems that can lead to lameness are likely to follow. In this blog we will
discuss:
How Soft Hooves Develop
Problems Associated with Soft Hooves
Prevention and Treatment
How Soft Hooves
Develop
The anatomy of the hoof wall plays a large role in how the
hoof softens. The hoof wall is composed of horn tubules that provide strength
and density to the hoof wall, while at the same time allows the hoof wall to be
porous. In normal environmental conditions, these tubules will remain tightly
packed and the hoof will remain strong. In wet environmental conditions, the
porous structure of the hoof acts like a sponge and will absorb moisture. This
excess moisture weakens the connective tissue crosslinks that hold the tubules
in place. These bonds will continue to weaken and stretch if the hoof is
exposed to moisture for an extended period. This process causes the hoof to
lose its structural integrity and shape.
The Effects of Soft Hooves
Under normal conditions, the sole of the hoof is concave.
This concave structure helps protect the more sensitive parts of the hoof and
acts like a shock absorber. When the hoof absorbs too much moisture, the hoof wall
expands. The expansion then stretches and separates the white line area. When
the weight of the horse is applied to the softened hoof, the hoof begins to
pancake, causing the sole of the hoof to drop. Hoof pancaking will also cause
the hoof wall to weaken, crack, and split. This creates the perfect environment
for numerous hoof related issues to arise.
“The first thing that is noticeable when I see a softened hoof is the enhanced aspect of distortion. When softened, the hoof wall is not as strong and can become difficult to manage during rigorous work. When the hoof capsule is weakened, we must worry about the development of cracks and the hoof’s balance. Right now, I am seeing a lot of clients that are being affected by hoof abscesses. Especially in areas where the hoof tissue has become soft. It is important that your farrier is properly cleaning out the seat of corn area, enhancing the vertical depth of the hoof, and paying attention to the sole. This will help ensure your horse does not become too sensitive.” – Darren Owen, Professional Farrier
Problems Associated with Soft Hooves
Poor Hoof Quality
Hoof cracks, splits, chips, and distortion can form due to the development of soft hooves.
Sensitive Hooves
Hooves may become tender to hard and rocky surfaces. Foreign objects, rocks, and other material can penetrate and bruise the softened sole. If the hoof becomes too tender, the horse may have difficulty walking or become lame.
Hoof Abscesses
A softened hoof increases the likelihood of abscessing. The weak hoof wall, stretched white line, and softened sole make it easier for bacteria and/or foreign material to penetrate the hoof capsule. This can result in the formation of hoof abscesses.
Shoe Retention
A soft hoof makes it challenging for a horse to hold a shoe. When the hoof becomes too soft, clenched nails holding the shoe will loosen, pull out, or tear away. This can result in chunks of the hoof wall tearing out; especially around the nail holes. The loss of hoof wall makes it more difficult to reset the shoe. The farrier may resort to gluing the shoe if too much of the hoof is damaged.
Thrush and Crumbling Hoof Horn
Wet and muddy conditions expose hooves to “hoof-eating” microbes that cause thrush and crumbling hoof horn. Crumbling hoof horn, cracks, chips and flat soles are entry points for microbes to invade and thrive.
Lameness
A soft hoof is susceptible to a wide range of hoof related problems. Your horse could become lame from one or more of the above problems.
How to Prevent Soft Hooves
Proper hoof care, clean and dry environments, and proper
nutrition all play a role in maintaining a healthy hoof.
“If your farrier does not have a good solid hoof to work with it is challenging to properly shoe the horse. This is where proper nutrition and prevention come in. This allows the horse to maintain a strong hoof even in times when we are experiencing challenging wet environmental conditions.” – Darren Owen, Professional Farrier
Steps to Prevent Soft Hooves
Avoid allowing your horse to spend extended periods of time in wet and muddy environments.
Use shavings and provide your horse with a clean and dry environment.
Routinely dry and clean your horse’s hooves of any mud, debris, or foreign material.
Regularly apply a non-caustic hoof conditioner such as Farrier’s Finish® to help regulate moisture balance.
TIP: Adding 2-3 tablespoons of table salt or Epsom salt to a 16 oz bottle of Farrier’s Finish® will help pull out excess moisture and harden the hoof.
If your horse develops soft hooves or other hoof related
issues, consult with your farrier and veterinarian. If you have any questions
on utilizing Life Data® products to help treat or prevent soft hooves, contact
us at 1-800-624-1873 or by e-mail at cservice@lifedatalabs.com.
Although thousands of years have passed since the the days of the wild horse, the genetic makeup of the horse has changed little. Therefore, the nutrient requirements for maintenance have not changed significantly.
What has changed is the involvement of civilizations in altering the environment surrounding the horse. Below are a few examples of these changes.
Physical Demands of the Horse
Through work and athletics, we are demanding more from many of our horses. The additional physical demands require the horse to burn calories along with other nutrients for fuel. Additional nutrients are required by the performance horse in hard work.
Agriculture
Modern agricultural practices have resulted in certain minerals becoming deficient in many of the soils. Grasses and forage that grow in the soil will be deficient in these minerals. Fertilizers and chemical applications have also altered the nutrient composition of soils. The horse grazing our modern fields is predisposed to nutrient imbalances.
Domestication of the Horse
Ancient horses roamed and grazed a wide variety of forages to satisfy their nutritional requirements. Today we keep our domesticated horses confined to pastures and barns, limiting the diversity of the forages and thereby increasing the likelihood of nutrient deficiencies or excesses.
The resulting dietary nutrient imbalances have likely contributed to the hoof, skin and metabolic problems that are common in horses today. Farrier’s Formula® is formulated to fulfill the deficiencies and correct the nutrient excesses for optimal connective tissue health in horses across the globe.
Life Data® Research
Through research and laboratory tests, Frank Gravlee, DVM, MS, CNS determined daily nutritional requirements for horses. When developing Farrier’s Formula®, Dr. Gravlee used this research to develop a “complete hoof supplement” that covered the deficiencies or excesses that can create hoof problems. Dr. Gravlee also determined the proper ratios and proportions of these nutrients so they work together and do not interfere with one another.
A horse must use energy and resources to process nutrients. If the horse has an excess of one nutrient, it must utilize other nutrients to provide the energy required to process the excess. This may cause an imbalance in nutrients. Farrier’s Formula® is properly balanced to eliminate the risk of over supplementation.
Life Data® is committed to continued research to better understand the relationship of nutrients and the health of the horse. We continue using this research to develop products that will improve the well being and health of horses around the world.
Farrier’s Formula® ushered in the concept of “Feeding the Hoof” in the early 80’s and is the gold standard of hoof supplements. The research behind Farrier’s Formula®, the quality ingredients and the nitrogen packaging to preserve the nutrients separate it from other hoof supplements. What establishes Farrier’s Formula® as the “gold standard” is one simple concept, Farrier’s Formula® works.
Complimentary Products
Life Data® has continued developing a range of products that work with Farrier’s Formula® to not only improve the quality of hooves but also improve the overall health of the horse. Farrier’s Formula® can be used as a stand-alone supplement or used in conjunction with other Life Data® products. Farrier’s Formula® can be fed with Barn Bag® Pleasure and Performance Horse Pasture and Hay Balancer. Both products are balanced nutritionally, will not interfere with one another, and will not lead to over supplementation.
For building the optimal hoof, feed Farrier’s Formula® with regular applications of Farrier’s Finish® and Life Data® Hoof Clay®. This will provide the nutrients required to build a healthy hoof internally, while protecting new growth from the external environment.
Farrier’s Formula® continues to work because it was designed with the horse’s nutritional needs in mind. If you have any questions on Farrier’s Formula® or any of our other products, feel free to contact us at 1-800-624-1873 or visit our website.
Thrush is often associated with wet and muddy conditions. When conditions are wet and muddy it can be difficult to properly clean out debris around the frog on a regular basis. The rapidly accumulating debris blocks oxygen to the hoof. Thrush results from the invasion of anaerobic microbes that thrive in environments absent of oxygen. If the hoof is not routinely picked and cleaned, oxygen is sealed away from the tissues around the frog thereby providing the anaerobic bacteria with the perfect environment to thrive.
Thrush can be mild or can progress quickly to a severe case. In the more severe cases, the bacteria has penetrated and infected the sensitive tissues of the hoof. The horse often becomes foot-sore and lame. Mild cases of Thrush can usually be treated with proper management and regular applications of Life Data® Hoof Clay®. The more severe cases may require additional assistance from a farrier or veterinarian.
Treating Thrush with Home Remedies
In treating Thrush, we need to be mindful of the products we choose. Some remedies for Equine Thrush should be avoided. Products containing formalin (formaldehyde), copper sulfate, pine tar, iodine crystals, and solvents such as acetone and turpentine are caustic and can chemically burn and damage healthy hoof tissue. If the horse has a severe case of Thrush where sensitive tissue has been affected, the caustic chemicals may cause discomfort. The horse often learns the treatment is painful and may refuse to allow lifting of the foot for treatment. Petroleum based and greasy products which block oxygen should also be avoided.
While treating and preventing Thrush, we recommend Life Data® Hoof Clay® and a regular routine of trimming, cleaning, and maintaining hooves.
Life Data® Hoof Clay® is a mild and non-caustic product. Life Data® Hoof Clay® does not contain any chemicals that will burn or harm sensitive or live tissue. In fact, Life Data® Hoof Clay® is so mild that the horse owner can apply it with their bare hands.
Ease of Use
Life Data® Hoof Clay® is easy to use and easy to apply. As mentioned above, due to its non-caustic nature, the Hoof Clay® can be applied with your bare hands. No special tools are required. The texture of the product is pliable, making the product easy to remove from the container for a smooth and even application.
Sticks to the Surface of the Hoof
Regardless if it is the sole of the hoof or the hoof wall, Life Data® Hoof Clay® is designed to stay in place. This is particularly important in the treatment and prevention of Thrush, White Line Disease, and other hoof related issues. By sticking and staying in place, the product can deliver antimicrobials to the problem areas and protect from outside foreign material.
Stays in Place
Due to its sticky nature, Life Data® Hoof Clay® will stay in place for several days. Even after three or four days, the residual Hoof Clay® will remain effective. Life Data® Hoof Clay® will derive the best results and last longest when used on a hoof that has been cleaned and thoroughly dried prior to application. It is also recommended that the horse is kept in a dry area for thirty minutes before returning to a wet pasture. Farrier’s Finish® can also be applied on top of the Life Data® Hoof Clay® to help repel water and assist in protecting the hoof.
Economical
Many products that boast Thrush treatment and prevention also come with a higher price tag. Life Data® Hoof Clay® is economical. Especially when looking at the price compared to how long it lasts. Even the smallest 10 oz. jar can last a horse owner several weeks depending on how often and how much of the product is used.
Effective Active Ingredients
Life Data® Hoof Clay® contains tea tree oil, tamed iodine, and yucca. These ingredients are highly effective in the defense and control of bacteria; including the bacteria that lead to Thrush.
A Great Team Player
Life Data® Hoof Clay® can be safely used in combination with Farrier’s Finish® and Farrier’s Formula®. Using Life Data® Hoof Clay® and Farrier’s Finish® together is a great combination in protecting the outside hoof from environmental factors. Feeding Farrier’s Formula® helps improve the internal health and quality of the hoof. By using all three together, you are essentially providing the necessary nutrition and protection needed to develop the best possible hoof for your horse.
It is always important to consult with your farrier and veterinarian before treating any kind of hoof related issue. If you have any questions regarding Thrush or Life Data® products, feel free to contact us at 1-800-624-1873. You may also visit our website to learn more about Life Data® Hoof Clay®.
The 2nd edition of “Laminitis & Founder” is now available as an eBook download on our website. The book discusses the prevention and treatment of laminitis & founder for the greatest chance of success. Below is a small excerpt from the book:
The foot must be understood before effective treatments will be adopted.
Once there is a more thorough understanding of the anatomy of the foot and the sequence of events in the disease process, effective treatments for laminitis will be adopted. Ineffective fads or unproven treatments will then be discarded because of inconsistent results that also can be dangerous to the health of the horse.
For instance, giving a horse phenylbutazone (Bute) so that it continues to stand and walk on the injured laminar and solar tissues is contraindicated (not advisable). Also, vasodilators will not open crushed blood vessels. Vasodilators will cause the vascular muscle walls to relax and the vessels will actually leak more fluid into the interstitial space to further crush them. Giving a horse anti-histamine and vasoconstrictor drugs is more logical.
Another example: Standing a horse in sand, on foam blocks or putting on a “sole pack” to support the bone is not advisable. If you understand the blood supply of the foot, you will readily see that the sensitive sole will be further damaged by having the horse stand with pressure on the sole. However, transferring weight from the damaged sensitive laminae to the frog using a heart bar shoe is recommended, as there is much less circulation in the tissues under the frog than in those under the sole.
A farrier with knowledge of laminitis and the anatomy of the foot understands how to make and fit a heart bar shoe. A veterinarian with knowledge of anatomy and circulation of the foot will understand not to give pain relievers if this encourages the laminitic horse to remain standing and produce further damage to the internal structures of the foot by compromising circulation to the coffin bone (The Principles of Horseshoeing – P3). When this happens, you may swap a few hours of pain relief for a lifetime of lameness and pain.
This is a difficult decision because of the veterinarian’s emotional and professional responsibility to relieve pain. However, the most effective pain relief is for the horse to lie down in deep bedding. This not only avoids the side effects of pain relief medications, but also facilitates the application of cold packs.
Trust yourself to learn and understand what is best for your unique horse. You have the responsibility to choose the best possible care and make crucial informed decisions for your horse(s) — use it wisely. The informed horse owner can help make decisions with trusted professionals to provide the horse with the greatest chance of getting well.
To download the eBook, visit our website and complete the required form. Once submitted, you will receive an e-mail containing downloadable links to the e-book. Please check your spam and junk folders if you do not receive the e-mail. Contact us at 1-800-624-1873 if you have any questions.
Properly balanced nutrition and quality hoof supplements strengthen and increase the density of the hoof wall, reducing the likelihood or severity of White Line Disease.
Burney Chapman, a world-renowned farrier from Lubbock, Texas, became one of the foremost authorities on White Line Disease back in the late eighties and early nineties. At that time, he began to see an alarming increase in the numbers of cases he encountered in his shoeing practice both in the U.S. and U.K. Burney determined that it was not a disease of the white line, but rather the result of a fungal invasion of the middle hoof wall. Burney named the condition “Onychomycosis”, or ONC.
The disease is also known as Stall Rot, Seedy Toe, Hollow Foot and Wall Thrush. At first blush almost everyone, including Burney, thought White Line Disease was found in environments that were poorly maintained. However, the more he encountered it, he began to realize the disease occurred more often in clean, well-managed stables and barns. He also observed that there was no correlation to breed, color, or front versus back feet; and that the initial stages were non-painful and usually detected by the farrier during routine hoof care.
The Hoof Wall
Today, we know a bit more about White Line Disease and recognize that all horses are exposed. The medial (middle) hoof wall is the structure affected. The damage is caused by organisms commonly found in the environment, both bacterial and fungal. These organisms require a nutrient-rich environment that is lacking oxygen to flourish. The outer hoof wall is more resistant to invasion due to its higher density and exposure to environmental oxygen compared to the low density and lack of oxygen in the middle hoof wall. The third section of hoof wall, the inner hoof wall, is more resistant to invasion due to the proximity of live tissue in this area. The live tissue is not only oxygen rich, thereby inhibiting these opportunist anaerobic organisms, but also has infection fighting abilities.
The Importance of Internal Hoof Health
Due to this, many horse owners approach White Line Disease as an external battle, but prevention begins with internally healthy hooves. For example, picture a castle protected by a strong exterior wall. If the people inside are healthy and thriving, the outside wall can be maintained and kept strong from outside invaders. If the castle is unable to maintain the wall, over time the outside wall will begin to deteriorate, weaken, and crumble; making it easier for outside invaders to penetrate. We can take this same example and apply it to our horse’s hooves. If we are not properly providing for the hoof internally, the outside integrity of the hoof will reflect the same. As the external protection begins to deteriorate, the hoof becomes less resilient to infections. Maintaining a healthy hoof internally begins with proper nutrition.
Prevention with Equine Nutrition
Proper nutrition and hoof quality are directly correlated. In fact, poor hoof quality is one of the first signs of poor nutrition. Developing a balanced diet and feeding a quality hoof supplement can provide the nutrients needed to support stronger and healthier hooves. It may also help promote regrowth and recovery for hooves suffering or damaged from white line disease.
Feeding your horse an unbalanced diet can have the reverse effect. For example, excessive selenium supplementation and excessive bran in the horse’s diet are nutritional factors that can increase the risk of White Line Disease or other hoof related issues.
Although proper nutrition alone may not resolve White Line Disease, it is a vital step in building more resilient, stronger and healthier hooves. Protecting hooves externally utilizing a non-caustic topical product while also providing a quality hoof supplement is the most effective way to prevent and treat the problem. Consult with your veterinarian and farrier if your horse is suffering from White Line Disease. If you have any questions, feel free to visit our website or contact us at 1-800-624-1873 or cservice@lifedatalabs.com.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of summer? Lemonade stands? Swimming or summer vacations? Sunscreen or the intense heat? Maybe it is something else entirely. Here at Life Data® the first thing that comes to mind is dry hooves. Although the idea of a “dry hoof” is usually positive, there is a point where dry can become too dry. During the summer, we see a rise in dry hooves due to moisture imbalance resulting from environmental conditions that are too hot and dry. In this blog, we discuss the problems that can develop with overly dry hooves, and methods to maintain moisture balance.
Consider your own skin. When our skin becomes excessively dry it can begin to flake, crack, or even split. Our skin loses elasticity and weakens. The same occurs to a horse’s hoof. When hooves become excessively dry they lose integrity. Once the hoof integrity begins to deteriorate, several other issues can develop.
Hoof Quality and Structure
Low moisture balance in the hooves can lead to loss of elasticity and a brittle hoof that is more likely to crack, chip, split and crumble. The compromised hoof quality can impede your horse’s ability to work, train, or hold a shoe.
Bacterial and Fungal Infections
Your horse’s external hoof wall acts as a barrier against the germ-laden environment. Hoof cracks and chips create a passage way for bacteria to enter the hoof capsule. This presents an opportunity for “hoof-eating” microbes to gain access to the nutrient-rich middle hoof wall. These organisms multiply and further weaken the hoof wall, leading to additional defects and a collapsing hoof horn. Microbial invasions also promote hoof wall separations and the development of White Line Disease.
Maintaining moisture balance is the main objective when attempting to prevent overly dry hooves. Unfortunately, adding moisture to the environment won’t necessarily solve the problem. Just like human skin and nails, your horse’s hooves are composed of dermal tissue. This tissue contains phospholipids that control moisture balance within the hoof. These phospholipids can become overwhelmed in environments that are excessively wet or dry. In other words, rapid changes in moisture from wet to dry can adversely affect the integrity of the hoof. Frequent bathing, pop-up thunderstorms and soaking hooves can all negatively impact the hoof during the summer, especially if the hoof is not properly cleaned and dried afterward. The best way to maintain moisture balance within the hoof is to assist the phospholipids in doing their job. You can do that two ways:
1. Keep Moisture Changes to a Minimum
Restrict your horse’s exposure to excess moisture.
Keep your horse in a clean and dry environment.
2. Use a Proven Hoof Conditioner Regularly
Regularly apply a hoof conditioner that contains phospholipids to promote correct moisture balance.
Ensure the conditioner does not contain harmful ingredients and does not block oxygen.
A hoof conditioner with antimicrobial properties may help control cracks and crumbling horn.
3. Phospholipid supplementation
Feeding a hoof supplement that contains fatty acids and phospholipids will help assist the hoof in regulating moisture balance.
Other nutrients provided in the hoof supplement such as amino acids, vitamins and minerals will help build a stronger and healthier hoof that is less prone to crack, chip, split, and crumble.
Moisture balance is a key factor in controlling the environmental conditions that will affect overall hoof health. If not controlled, your horse can develop several issues that will negatively impact its hooves. Maintaining a regular farrier schedule and feeding a quality hoof supplement also assist in managing healthy hooves. Consult your farrier and veterinarian if you have any questions. You may also call us at 1-800-624-1873.
Whether it is an animal, plant or other living organism, all living things must have a genetic code and chemical process to maintain life. All living organisms have nutrient requirements that are basically the same at the metabolic level. The difference is how these requirements are absorbed to provide nutrients and energy to live.
For example, plants can manufacture the nutrients and energy they need by staying in one place. They can do this by using the energy from sunlight, along with water, oxygen and nutrients from the soil. In essence, they are self-sufficient. Unlike animal life, plants do not depend on other living things to survive except for the soil microbiome at their roots.
The Horse vs Other Mammals
Although horses belong to the same animal class as humans and other mammals, they are metabolically smarter than most other mammals. The nutrient requirements between horses and other mammals are the same at the metabolic level; however the horse’s ability to manufacture nutrients is far more advanced.
Humans, for example, must obtain most nutrients they need directly from what they consume. The food and nutrients are delivered to the digestive tract, broken down, and provided to the rest of the body. A horse’s digestion process is much more complex than this. This is in large part due to the hindgut (including cecum and large intestine) of the horse.
The Horse’s Digestion System
The cecum is a large organ within the digestive tract that houses microorganisms. These microorganisms break down the fiber and cellulose the horse consumes and converts the cellulose into additional nutrients and energy that the horse needs to survive. So unlike humans and other monogastric mammals which eat and drink to consume nutrients that are ultimately absorbed, horses not only eat and drink to absorb nutrients but also to feed the microorganism factory within their cecum.
To simplify this process, we can think of the cecum as a “garden” for the horse. This garden enables horses to be mobile in order to consume the nutrients they need. Horses fertilize the garden with the energy and nutrients needed to thrive by providing it with the cellulose of the plants consumed. The garden then produces the “fruits”, or additional nutrients, the horse requires.
The Wild Horse
Before the domestication of horses they were naturally roamers. They would roam, graze, and find the proper nutrition they needed to fully provide for the hindgut microorganisms. Today, we have restricted the horse’s ability to do this by enclosing them in pastures, paddocks, and barns. We have also increased their natural calorie needs by demanding more of them through riding, training, athletics, and work.
The Modern Horse
Modern feeding practices have altered the natural diet of the horse. Many complete feeds contain excess fats and sugars (molasses), and are also fortified with additional nutrients. This “all-in-one” concept tethers calories and nutrients together; therefore hard keepers and working horses must consume large amounts of the fortified feed to maintain body weight.
This often results in over-supplementation of nutrients, and a diet too rich in fats and carbohydrates. On the other hand, easy keepers are often under-supplemented using this method of feeding. Also note that horses do not have gallbladders. Without a gallbladder the horse is unable to break down and digest the excess fat in many of the modern complete feeds, leading to diarrhea, gas and digestive upset.
Horses Must Chew
Chewing is instrumental to the horse’s digestion because the grinding serves two purposes, to grind the feed down to small particles and to generate salivation. In a horse, salivation is not initiated from smell or taste, but by the physical action of grinding the teeth. For proper digestion and utilization by the hindgut microbes the feedstuffs must be properly chewed and ground down into fine particles.
For the horse to achieve suitable grinding dental health must be maintained with proper floating. “Over floating” the teeth will inhibit the horse’s ability to grind. The teeth must have rough opposing surfaces for the horse to be capable of proper grinding – if the teeth are too smooth it would be like trying to grind feedstuffs between two pieces of glass.
The horse’s salivation is also important because it coats and moisturizes the food particles in digestive enzymes to kick start the digestive process and help deliver the particles to the GI tract. Most compound and textured feeds that we are using to replace the natural diet of the horse are “pre-chewed”, meaning that the feed has been ground already. The reduced chewing time restricts the amount of salivation, thus interfering with and bypassing an important part of the horse’s digestion.
Proper Care for the “Garden”
If you do not properly care and provide for your garden at home it will not produce healthy fruit, but only weeds and grass. The same goes for your horse. If you do not feed your horse naturally, the garden within your horse will not provide the proper nutrition your horse needs. This can create health issues for your horse.
But, like your garden at home, these weeds can be picked. It is never too late to provide your horse with a natural diet. Remove the fatty foods, the complete feeds, and provide your horse with the diet nature intended it to have. Natural grazing and feeding hay will provide the horse with most of the calories and nutrients the horse needs. Any additional calories needed to maintain body condition should be separated from any additional nutrient intake.
If additional calories are needed, oats, beet pulp, or copra can be fed to meet these increased demands. Proper supplementation with a hay and pasture balancer is also important to replace the nutrients the horse may not be finding in the modern restrained lifestyle. If you have any questions regarding your horse’s diet contact your veterinarian or feel free to contact us at 1-800-624-1873.
Frank Gravlee, DVM, MS, CNS
Scott Gravlee, DVM, CNS
Life Data Labs, Inc.
Makers of Farrier’s Formula® and Barn Bag® Pasture and Hay Balancer
