Shod vs Barefoot – are the nutritional requirements the same?
Correct hoof care is essential, whether your horse is shod or barefoot. The old saying ‘no hoof, no horse’ is certainly true and means the whole horse can be negatively affected if the horse’s hooves are in a poor state. This isn’t surprising when the majority of equine lameness cases are hoof related. However, while some incidences are unpreventable, it pays to have good practical hoof management including checking your horse’s hooves daily, regularly picking out all dirt and stones and having a farrier or trimmer out frequently to ensure correct hoof balance. More information on general hoof care can be found here.
In the summer months, hooves can be particularly susceptible to cracking as the changeable weather from hot sunny days, to rain, to hot sunny days again can cause the hoof wall to expand and contract. Your farrier or trimmer will play an important role in the condition of your horse’s hooves, but nutrition is equally as important. A well-balanced diet for hoof health should include the key nutrients protein, fat, and the minerals zinc, calcium, phosphorus, biotin and selenium as well as vitamin E.
Hardy Hoof or Barefoot Formula?
Both Hardy Hoof and Barefoot Formula are unique supplements, formulated to offer your horse optimum hoof health support. Hardy Hoof is a comprehensive formulation that provides the essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids required to generate optimal hoof growth and health. This synthetic vitamin mix has been formulated to ensure we know the exact level of nutrients you are giving your horse per scoop. Barefoot Formula is equally a suitable option for helping to improve the condition of hooves, but as the ingredients are natural, the level of nutrients provided can vary throughout the year. Both supplements are suitable to feed whether the horse is shod or barefoot.
Hardy Hoof
On top of providing the required nutrients for hoof health and regeneration, Hardy Hoof contains additional helpful ingredients. Linseed is rich in fatty acids which work to seal moisture in the hoof, while Lecithin is a phospholipid that aids pliability in the connective tissues of the hoof. Additionally, MSM is included in the formulation as it is a source of sulphur and helps to bond protein strands in the hoof. Plus, Brewer’s yeast has been added as a source of B vitamins, which play important roles in body tissues and are believed to support hoof quality.
Barefoot Formula
This is a herbal alternative for hoof nutrition. Barefoot Formula provides natural, helpful herbs including Rosehips and Seaweed, plus Micronized linseed, Brewer’s yeast and Magnesium oxide. Seaweed is a natural source of bio-available minerals essential for hoof growth and Rosehips have antioxidant properties. Similarly to Hardy Hoof, Barefoot Formula provides Linseed for the important omega-3 fatty acids and Brewer’s yeast to deliver those beneficial B vitamins.
To summarise, the nutritional requirements are the same for all horses, whether they are shod or barefoot. In both cases, the horse needs the correct nutrients to support growth of strong horn. However, depending on the current hoof condition, the age of the horse and the current diet, the rate of nutrients the horse requires can vary. The label on each product specifies the correct feeding rate to suit your horse, but please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions and one of our nutritional advisors would be happy to help.
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