Hoof supplements help horses contend with many things throughout the year – the weather is always changing, grazing quality fluctuates and your horse’s workload may change, too. Hoof quality is largely affected by diet, while external elements, including climate, management and care, also play an important role. Hoof problems, such as poor quality horn, slow growth and increased occurrence of hoof cracks and splits, can often be attributed to nutritional deficiencies, but by providing targeted daily nutritional support with a specially formulated hoof supplement, you can maintain and support healthy hooves.
The main ingredient to look out for is biotin, which is a B vitamin. It is recommended that your horse receives 3mg/100kg bodyweight/day, which is equivalent to 15mg for a 500kg horse.
Supplements can only improve the quality of new horn, rather than the existing, so if you decide to use a hoof supplement you need to commit to using it for a number of months before you will notice a visible difference. Topical applications, such as hoof oils and conditioners, can have a positive effect on your horse’s hooves, too, while hoof boots will also offer barefoot horses additional protection.
If you compete with your horse then it is important you make sure any supplements you use do not contain any prohibited substances.
Hoof supplements for horses: what are your options?
Here is a selection of the best hoof supplements for horses that are currently available, including the manufacturers’ descriptions of their products…
NB: Cost per day has been calculated using the maintenance measure for a 500kg horse in light work (where there was variation) and the RRP of the smallest available tub. Some products require you to feed more in certain situations, which will increase the cost per daily measure, while buying a larger tub will likely decrease it – these costs per day are a guide only.
Horse First Hoof First
Form: Powder | Sizes: 750g, 2kg, 5kg | RRP: £23 for 750g | Daily measure: 25g | Cost per day: £0.77 |
This supplement contains biotin as well as other essential vitamins and minerals to help kick-start hoof growth.
View Horse First Hoof First at viovet.co.uk
View Horse First Hoof First at amazon.co.uk
NAF Five Star Profeet pellets
Form: Pellets | Sizes: 3kg | RRP: £34.99 | Daily measure: 100g | Cost per day: £1.17 |
These pellets provide nutrients that directly support hoof health, as well as nutritional support that targets healthy liver function, which is fundamental to healthy hoof growth. Also available in liquid and powder forms.
View NAF Five Star Profeet pellets at viovet.co.uk
View NAF Five Star Profeet pellets at amazon.co.uk
View NAF Five Star Profeet pellets at rideawaystore.com
Aviform Biodura
Form: Powder | Sizes: 500g, 1kg, 2kg | RRP: £26.95 for 500g | Daily measure: 10g | Cost per day: £0.54 |
This is a balanced biotin hoof supplement that is designed for horses who have weak, cracked or brittle hooves. Available in compostable pouches.
View Aviform Biodura at amazon.co.uk
TopSpec Healthy Hoof
Form: Powder | Sizes: 3kg, 9kg, 20kg | RRP: £23.95 for 3kg | Daily measure: 100g | Cost per day: £0.80 |
This supplement includes biotin, plus a broad range of micronutrients that improve the efficiency of the hoof supplement.
View TopSpec Healthy Hoof at viovet.co.uk
View TopSpec Healthy Hoof at amazon.co.uk
View TopSpec Healthy Hoof at equus.co.uk
Science Supplements 4Feet Plus+
Form: Powder | Sizes: 1.5kg, 7.35kg | RRP: £39.99 for 1.5kg | Daily measure: 50g | Cost per day: £1.33 |
A specialist dietary supplement that provides a concentrated source of a highly bioavailable biotin, which means more nutrients are absorbed, leading to greater results.
View Science Supplements 4Feet Plus+ at viovet.co.uk
View Science Supplements 4Feet Plus+ at amazon.co.uk
View Science Supplements 4Feet Plus+ at equus.co.uk
View Science Supplements 4Feet Plus+ at rideawaystore.com
Lincoln Biotin Daily Tablets
Form: Tablets | Sizes: Pot of 60 | RRP: £14.50 | Daily measure: 2 tablets | Cost per day: £0.48 |
These peppermint treats are a convenient way of providing your horse with his daily requirement of biotin, which promotes strong, healthy horn growth when fed continuously.
View Lincoln Biotin Daily Tablets at viovet.co.uk
View Lincoln Biotin Daily Tablets at amazon.co.uk
View Lincoln Biotin Daily Tablets at equus.co.uk
Dodson & Horrell Hoof Support
Form: Pellets | Sizes: 1.5kg | RRP: £17 | Daily measure: 25g | Cost per day: £0.28 |
A high-specification complete pelleted supplement that contains biotin, zinc and methionine, which all aid strong and healthy hoof formation.
View Dodson & Horrell Hoof Support at viovet.co.uk
View Dodson & Horrell Hoof Support at amazon.co.uk
View Dodson & Horrell Hoof Support at equus.co.uk
View Dodson & Horrell Hoof Support at rideawaystore.com
Global Herbs Hoof
Form: Powder | Sizes: 1kg, 5kg | RRP: £25 for 1kg | Daily measure: 26g | Cost per day: £0.65 |
An advanced, fast-acting and palatable herbal supplement that provides nutritional support for the laminae, digestion, metabolism, liver function and feed utilisation.
View Global Herbs Hoof at viovet.co.uk
View Global Herbs Hoof at amazon.co.uk
View Global Herbs Hoof at globalherbs.co.uk
View Global Herbs Hoof at equus.co.uk
Equi Life Formula4Feet
Form: Pellets | Sizes: 7kg | RRP: £36.74 | Daily measure: 187.5g | Cost per day: £0.98 |
This supplement, developed at The Laminitis Clinic, has been formulated to help your horse grow strong and supple hooves.
View Equi Life Formula4Feet at viovet.co.uk
View Equi Life Formula4Feet at equus.co.uk
View Equi Life Formula4Feet at amazon.co.uk
Hilton Herbs Hoof & Health
Form: Powder | Sizes: 2kg, 4kg | RRP: £18.70 for 2kg | Daily measure: 26g | Cost per day: £0.24 |
This vitamin- and mineral-rich supplement is made of a blend of seaweed, rosehip and pure biotin, providing the vital nutrients to support healthy hoof growth and coat condition.
View Hilton Herbs Hoof & Health at viovet.co.uk
View Hilton Herbs Hoof & Health at amazon.co.uk
View Hilton Herbs Hoof & Health at rideawaystore.com
View Hilton Herbs Hoof & Health at equus.co.uk
Cavalor Hoof Aid Special
Form: Powder | Sizes: 5kg | RRP: £75 | Daily measure: 150g | Cost per day: £2.25 |
A quality hoof supplement that contains a more than just biotin, which aims to support the quality of the hoof in changeable weather.
View Cavalor Hoof Aid Special at viovet.co.uk
Audevard Hoof Biotine
Form: Powder | Sizes: 1kg, 5kg, 12kg | RRP: £54.90 for 1kg | Daily measure: 25g | Cost per day: £1.37 |
This supplement provides essential biotin and micronutrients to help improve coat and mane quality.
View Audevard Hoof Biotine at viovet.co.uk
View Audevard Hoof Biotine at amazon.co.uk
Equine Products UK Bio-Trition ZMC Advanced
Form: Powder | Sizes: 1.5kg, 4kg | RRP: £34.14 for 1.5kg | Daily measure: 25g | Cost per day: £0.57 |
This supplement contains high levels of biotin, as well as methionine and cysteine to provide extra support in the spring months when hooves are exposed to a range of weathers.
View Equine Products UK Bio-Trition ZMC Advanced at viovet.co.uk
Carr & Day & Martin Cornucrescine daily hoof supplement
Form: Powder | Sizes: 6kg | RRP: £41.50 | Daily measure: 200g | Cost per day: £1.38 |
This hoof supplement contains the optimum levels of biotin alongside a range of other vitamins, minerals and nutrients.
View Carr & Day & Martin Cornucrescine at viovet.co.uk
View Carr & Day & Martin Cornucrescine at amazon.co.uk
View Carr & Day & Martin Cornucrescine at rideawaystore.com
View Carr & Day & Martin Cornucrescine at equus.co.uk
Kevin Bacon’s Hoof Formula
Form: Pellets | Sizes: 5kg | RRP: £55 | Daily measure: 200g | Cost per day: £2.20 |
This concentrated supplement promotes speedy hoof growth. It is well suited for horses on high-energy diets.
View Kevin Bacon’s Hoof Formula at viovet.co.uk
View Kevin Bacon’s Hoof Formula at amazon.co.uk
View Kevin Bacon’s Hoof Formula at rideawaystore.com
Equine America Super Hoof Pellets Plus
Form: Powder | Sizes: 3kg | RRP: £34.99 | Daily measure: 100g | Cost per day: £0.98 |
This low-sugar and low-starch, concentrated supplement that contains a range of active ingredients that support health hoof growth and horn quality as well as liver health.
View Equine America Super Hoof Pellets Plus at equine-america.co.uk
Maxavita Maxahoof
Form: Powder | Sizes: 900g | RRP: £24.95 | Daily measure: 25g | Cost per day: £0.69 |
Maxahoof contains biotin, calcium, MSM, green-lipped mussel extract and added vitamins to encourage healthy hoof growth.
View Maxavita Maxahoof at viovet.co.uk
View Maxavita Maxahoof at amazon.co.uk
View Maxavita Maxahoof at equus.co.uk
Nettex VIP Hoof Builder
Form: Powder | Sizes: 2kg | RRP: £46.52 | Daily measure: 30–40g | Cost per day: From £0.70 |
A no added sugar, advanced formula that provides building blocks for your horse to maintain strong and healthy hooves.
View Nettex VIP Hoof Builder at viovet.co.uk
View Nettex VIP Hoof Builder at amazon.co.uk
View Nettex VIP Hoof Builder at rideawaystore.com
View Nettex VIP Hoof Builder at equus.co.uk
Plusvital Acti-hoof
Form: Powder | Sizes: 750g, 2kg | RRP: £27 for 750g | Daily measure: 25g | Cost per day: From £0.90 |
This supplement nourishes the structures of the hoof from the inside out, providing all the nutrients for optimum hoof health.
View Plusvital Acti-hoof at ebay.co.uk
KER Bio-Bloom PS
Form: Powder | Sizes: 2kg | RRP: £76.95 | Daily measure: 30g | Cost per day: £1.15 |
A dual-action supplement that contains essential hoof nutrients in proven levels to support hoof growth, plus fatty acids to support a soft and shiny coat.
View KER Bio-Bloom PS at amazon.com
Feedmark Hardy Hoof
Form: Powder | Sizes: 2.25kg, 4.5kg, 9kg | RRP: £39.99 for 2.25kg | Daily measure: 75g | Cost per day: £1.33 |
This product encourages the production of strong, resilient hooves as it contains an advanced blend of nutrients to optimise hoof health, growth and quality.
Hack Up Bespoke
Form: Powder | Sizes: 1kg, 5kg | RRP: From £49.99 for 1kg | Daily measure: 15g | Cost per day: From £0.75 |
A bespoke formulation for hooves would incorporate a blend of biotin, methionine, zinc, calcium, lysine and other vital components required to promote strong hoof growth.
Equiform Nutrition Happy Farrier Powder
Form: Powder | Sizes: 1kg, 5kg, 10kg | RRP: £17 for 1kg | Daily measure: 30g | Cost per day: £0.51 |
This supplement provides amino acids, vitamins and minerals needed for correct hoof development and growth.
Foran Equine Hoof Aid
Form: Powder | Sizes: 1kg, 2kg | RRP: £39.95 for 1kg | Daily measure: 20g | Cost per day: £0.80 |
This biotin-rich supplement is designed to aid hoof strength, with additional nutrients to support the development of healthy hoof horn. Also available as a liquid.
Mastacare Biotin
Form: Powder | Sizes: 900g | RRP: £13.29 | Daily measure: 30g | Cost per day: £0.44 |
A high potency hoof strengthener that plays a key role in the formation of keratin for healthy coat and hooves.
Rowen Barbary Hoof Complex
Form: Powder | Sizes: 5kg | RRP: £28.31 | Daily measure: 100g | Cost per day: £0.57 |
This advanced formula provides the necessary nutrients to promote strong and healthy hoof growth.
Vital Equine Bet-a-hoof
Form: Powder | Sizes: 2.27kg | RRP: £30 | Daily measure: 30g | Cost per day: £0.40 |
This supplement contains ingredients that promote hoof growth, condition and strength.
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