Hoof supplement?

MatchMaker · 08-27-2008, 10:55 PM

My horse recently tore his shoe off and when the farrier looked at it she said his hoof wall is torn up and looks pretty fragile. She suggested a biotin based supplement may help in the long run. Can anyone suggest a good supplement? Preferably easyish on the wallet, though if that's not possible I'll pay more.

I was thinking:
Farrier's Formula
Finish Line Horse-Shoe
SmartHoof
or Grand Hoof.

The Smart Hoof is the cheapest at smartpaks.

AlbertaGirl · 08-27-2008, 11:37 PM

I've only used Farrier's Formula, and did notice it made a difference. I'm sure I used another brand that wasn't on your list too, but can't recall the name of it... could've been something made in Canada though.

As far as long term goes, I feed mine a fairly pricey bagged loose mineral, that has biotin in it, and that even seems to help all around. I just hand a bucket in their shelter, and they get free choice at it, and I refill the bucket as needed. Just another suggestion...

redboy · 08-28-2008, 01:24 AM

Try United Vet Equine. They produce many of their own products and they are excellent. They are equivilent to name brands, but usually competitively priced, and if you find a similar product, same ingredients, etc. usually their prices are better.
Also, they will meet/beat prices if you found same product for less elsewhere. Don't be afraid to bargain with them.
I feed their Biotin sup, their fly control, their joint sup, and their vitamin sup.
And I ALWAYS haggle

price with them, and they usually get my business.
Good luck, Redboy

Tobiesmom · 08-28-2008, 01:50 PM

I personally use Farrier's Formula. It gives great and fast results. Good luck!

Hideaway · 08-28-2008, 01:53 PM

Knox Gelatin. You can buy it in the grocery store and works great. I use it on all my off track race horses. A packet twice a day for a week then once a day after.

BarnBum · 08-28-2008, 02:13 PM

Go to www.smartpak.com and click on their hoof supplements. You can then click on their "comparison charts"

I use Biotin22x my MVP and it has done wonders !!! However, it takes 6-8 months and you can actually see the new growth.

The GrandHoof is like 40% protein. Not sure if that is what you want

Also, consider other things that are contributing poor hooves like his diet. Once I switched off of sweet feed (loaded with sugar that is horrible for feet that I didn't know at the time ) and switched to a complete pellet, plus the supplement, I am a happy camper now ! Hoof issues are no longer !!!!!!!!

redboy · 08-28-2008, 02:21 PM

BarnBum is correct, those comparison charts are an excellent resource. Also,
I second that the Biotin 22X (United Vet Equine) takes some months to start to show. I've used it daily for about a year, and this summer my horse's feet look GREAT!! Good luck, RB

kanoo32 · 08-28-2008, 03:00 PM

As usual, I will be odd woman out. I like Focus HF, good diet and mineral supplementation.

KatieMae · 08-28-2008, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kanoo32

As usual, I will be odd woman out. I like Focus HF, good diet and mineral supplementation.

You're not so odd, Kanoo... I used Focus HF for years. Always saw good results.

You can also use Venice Turpentine to strengthen the hoof wall while using a supplement..

mafarion · 08-28-2008, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tobiesmom

I personally use Farrier's Formula. It gives great and fast results. Good luck!

Ditto- I love it!

luvmyOTTBs · 08-31-2008, 09:30 AM

I have good luck with Leaps and Bounds.

http://www.applesaddlery.com/riding/...p16535287.html

It is a biotin based supplement

MatchMaker · 08-31-2008, 11:26 AM

Thanks guys. I looked up smartpak and decided the smarthoof was the cheapest way to go without sacrificing quality. It has the same amount of biotin as Farrier's Formula, but is way cheaper. Will keep you updated on how it works.

Horse_Orderly · 08-31-2008, 01:54 PM

You also have to look at how much methionine is in it. My horse needed to grow some foot and the vet insisted that there be high levels of both biotin and methionine.

equine.trailrider · 09-01-2008, 05:34 AM

We use Vita Biotin Crumbles. Works great and haven't found a cheaper equivalent. I also recommend Horseshoer's Secret hoof conditioner.

redboy · 09-01-2008, 08:28 AM

Also, second what HorseOrderly said, and EquineTrailRider,...., I watched a program on RFDTV about how to feed for a proper hoof and that is correct info as well.
Both Biotin and Methionine are needed, and are essentieal, to properly grow and nourish the hoof.
And, as well, I use Hoof Flex probably 2-4x weekly on the outside of my horse's feet to keep them conditioned.
As I stated earlier, this is the best his feet have looked, probably, EVER

!!
Just my 2 cents worth, again,..., Redboy

TiaRedford · 09-01-2008, 08:43 AM

I feed kelp to help with my girls feet and have had some awesome results since I started feeding it with both her hooves and coat.

PeggySue · 09-01-2008, 08:48 AM

the high protien basically means HIGH AMINO acids which is critcal for good hoof growth .. I will be so glad when people finally understand that proteins is GOOD not bad ... think hoof health, skin health, and muscle developement

the overall diet needs to be looked at when adding ANY supplement.. removing all corn from the diet does amazing things for the hooves as well as limiting all starches

barnmom · 09-01-2008, 08:55 AM

I too use Source, it has worked wonders for Gracie's hooves, she was a cracking, dry mess now her feet are great.

Our local tack store puts it in 5lb bags for $18.99, I have all 3 of mine on it now, you need so very little it is really cost effective.

maplelawnstables · 09-01-2008, 09:07 AM

I use SmartPak's SmartHoof. It has really helped my TB's feet. I started her on it when she almost cracked her heel off (through the sole, bar, wall, up to the coronet band- it was only held on by the skin

). My farrier wasn't sure he could fix it. Put a bar shoe on and started Smart Hoof. She was sound for light round penning at the next reset. Sound w/light t riding at 2nd reset. Perfectly sound by the 3rd. My farrier is always saying "shoulda got before and after pics!". She used to have trouble keeping shoes on for 6 weeks, slow growth and pretty brittle feet. Her feet now grow nicely (almost get too long in 6 weeks

) and she has only lost one shoe in the year since I started this (one of the others must have caught the corner of it when she stomped a fly).
To sum it all up, I think Smart Hoof does a pretty good job

fishing_trex · 09-05-2008, 10:26 AM

Nu-Foot supplement works really well. It's designed to fight thrush, white line, etc. in addition to stimulating growth and making the hoof healthier (good combo of biotin, methionine and iodine). Available at Jeffers AND horses seem to like the taste.

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08-27-2008, 10:55 PM
MatchMaker Halter broke Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 178	Hoof supplement? My horse recently tore his shoe off and when the farrier looked at it she said his hoof wall is torn up and looks pretty fragile. She suggested a biotin based supplement may help in the long run. Can anyone suggest a good supplement? Preferably easyish on the wallet, though if that's not possible I'll pay more. I was thinking: Farrier's Formula Finish Line Horse-Shoe SmartHoof or Grand Hoof. The Smart Hoof is the cheapest at smartpaks.

08-27-2008, 11:37 PM
AlbertaGirl Greenbroke Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Alberta Posts: 3,318	I've only used Farrier's Formula, and did notice it made a difference. I'm sure I used another brand that wasn't on your list too, but can't recall the name of it... could've been something made in Canada though. As far as long term goes, I feed mine a fairly pricey bagged loose mineral, that has biotin in it, and that even seems to help all around. I just hand a bucket in their shelter, and they get free choice at it, and I refill the bucket as needed. Just another suggestion... __________________ Some people say horses don't have a sense of humor... they obviously haven't met mine yet ;o) Last edited by AlbertaGirl : 08-27-2008 at 11:40 PM.

08-28-2008, 01:24 AM
redboy Yearling Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Eastern Shore of Maryland Posts: 949	Try United Vet Equine. They produce many of their own products and they are excellent. They are equivilent to name brands, but usually competitively priced, and if you find a similar product, same ingredients, etc. usually their prices are better. Also, they will meet/beat prices if you found same product for less elsewhere. Don't be afraid to bargain with them. I feed their Biotin sup, their fly control, their joint sup, and their vitamin sup. And I ALWAYS haggle price with them, and they usually get my business. Good luck, Redboy

08-28-2008, 01:50 PM
Tobiesmom Weanling Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 444	I personally use Farrier's Formula. It gives great and fast results. Good luck!

08-28-2008, 01:53 PM
Hideaway Coming two Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: PA Posts: 1,950	Knox Gelatin. You can buy it in the grocery store and works great. I use it on all my off track race horses. A packet twice a day for a week then once a day after. __________________ Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History

08-28-2008, 02:13 PM
BarnBum Greenbroke Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 3,612	Go to www.smartpak.com and click on their hoof supplements. You can then click on their "comparison charts" I use Biotin22x my MVP and it has done wonders !!! However, it takes 6-8 months and you can actually see the new growth. The GrandHoof is like 40% protein. Not sure if that is what you want Also, consider other things that are contributing poor hooves like his diet. Once I switched off of sweet feed (loaded with sugar that is horrible for feet that I didn't know at the time ) and switched to a complete pellet, plus the supplement, I am a happy camper now ! Hoof issues are no longer !!!!!!!! __________________ Murphys Horse Law - A horse's misbehavior will be in direct proportion to the number of people who are watching !!

08-28-2008, 02:21 PM
redboy Yearling Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Eastern Shore of Maryland Posts: 949	BarnBum is correct, those comparison charts are an excellent resource. Also, I second that the Biotin 22X (United Vet Equine) takes some months to start to show. I've used it daily for about a year, and this summer my horse's feet look GREAT!! Good luck, RB

08-28-2008, 03:00 PM
kanoo32 Started Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 2,432	As usual, I will be odd woman out. I like Focus HF, good diet and mineral supplementation. __________________ Even if your on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there!

08-31-2008, 09:30 AM
luvmyOTTBs Newborn Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: ON Posts: 45	supplement I have good luck with Leaps and Bounds. http://www.applesaddlery.com/riding/...p16535287.html It is a biotin based supplement

08-31-2008, 11:26 AM
MatchMaker Halter broke Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 178	Thanks guys. I looked up smartpak and decided the smarthoof was the cheapest way to go without sacrificing quality. It has the same amount of biotin as Farrier's Formula, but is way cheaper. Will keep you updated on how it works.

08-31-2008, 01:54 PM
Horse_Orderly Started Join Date: May 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 2,076	You also have to look at how much methionine is in it. My horse needed to grow some foot and the vet insisted that there be high levels of both biotin and methionine. __________________ State the obvious, I didn't get my perfect fantasy. I realize you love yourself more than you could ever love me! Taylor Swift

09-01-2008, 05:34 AM
equine.trailrider Yearling Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 901	We use Vita Biotin Crumbles. Works great and haven't found a cheaper equivalent. I also recommend Horseshoer's Secret hoof conditioner. __________________ -I'll Take A Cold One. Make It A Draft! visit me at http://www.freewebs.com/sunshineacres

09-01-2008, 08:28 AM
redboy Yearling Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Eastern Shore of Maryland Posts: 949	Also, second what HorseOrderly said, and EquineTrailRider,...., I watched a program on RFDTV about how to feed for a proper hoof and that is correct info as well. Both Biotin and Methionine are needed, and are essentieal, to properly grow and nourish the hoof. And, as well, I use Hoof Flex probably 2-4x weekly on the outside of my horse's feet to keep them conditioned. As I stated earlier, this is the best his feet have looked, probably, EVER !! Just my 2 cents worth, again,..., Redboy

09-01-2008, 08:43 AM
TiaRedford Newborn Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Nova Scotia, Canada Posts: 13	I feed kelp to help with my girls feet and have had some awesome results since I started feeding it with both her hooves and coat. __________________ God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things that I can, and the wisdom to know the differance

09-01-2008, 08:48 AM
PeggySue Yearling Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Dennison, Illinois Posts: 570	the high protien basically means HIGH AMINO acids which is critcal for good hoof growth .. I will be so glad when people finally understand that proteins is GOOD not bad ... think hoof health, skin health, and muscle developement the overall diet needs to be looked at when adding ANY supplement.. removing all corn from the diet does amazing things for the hooves as well as limiting all starches

09-01-2008, 08:55 AM
barnmom Coming two Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: northeast pennsylvania Posts: 1,848	I too use Source, it has worked wonders for Gracie's hooves, she was a cracking, dry mess now her feet are great. Our local tack store puts it in 5lb bags for $18.99, I have all 3 of mine on it now, you need so very little it is really cost effective. __________________ Remember to thank the horses for the happiness and joy we experience through them! It's nice to be important, but more important to be nice!

09-01-2008, 09:07 AM
maplelawnstables Weanling Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 207	I use SmartPak's SmartHoof. It has really helped my TB's feet. I started her on it when she almost cracked her heel off (through the sole, bar, wall, up to the coronet band- it was only held on by the skin). My farrier wasn't sure he could fix it. Put a bar shoe on and started Smart Hoof. She was sound for light round penning at the next reset. Sound w/light t riding at 2nd reset. Perfectly sound by the 3rd. My farrier is always saying "shoulda got before and after pics!". She used to have trouble keeping shoes on for 6 weeks, slow growth and pretty brittle feet. Her feet now grow nicely (almost get too long in 6 weeks) and she has only lost one shoe in the year since I started this (one of the others must have caught the corner of it when she stomped a fly). To sum it all up, I think Smart Hoof does a pretty good job

09-05-2008, 10:26 AM
fishing_trex Long Yearling Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,440	Nu-Foot supplement works really well. It's designed to fight thrush, white line, etc. in addition to stimulating growth and making the hoof healthier (good combo of biotin, methionine and iodine). Available at Jeffers AND horses seem to like the taste. __________________ -- There are two ways to slide easily through life -- to believe everything or to doubt everything. Both ways will save you from thinking.