the only clinical studies published on
nutritional supplements for feet used a supplement that provided *only*
biotin. none of those have
any clinical data or even a reasonable physiologic rationale behind them
to back up their addition (or cost). I've heard theories about
those extra goodies, but none of them actually held water. If the
horse's ration is otherwise decent, then just biotin alone is what you
want to add
This is what I've found, also. I've
been skeptical about most supplements, and I'm also firmly entrenched in
the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" camp, and I carry a
lifetime membership in the "If it looks to good to be true, it
probably is" club. I feed for the most part by clinical data
(although I am going to try garlic and vinegar for fly control this
summer)
The best (ie, most concentrated) source of
biotin I've found is Paragon Biotin Plus. It has a little
methionine or something in there, but is still the most biotin bang for
your buck
I will try this one. I've seen it
recommended before
The same study tracked how fast results
showed up, and because you're supporting new hoof growth, obviously you
have to at least wait until new hoof wall grows down, which can be 6-9
months or longer. You might see some improvement in the sole
within a month or two. The interesting thing is that the study
showed continuing improvement for up to three years, so this is the kind
of thing you want to continue feeding as a long-term thing.
This is what I need to know, how
fast and how much and how long.
I had someone argue with me once that
biotin isn't necessary if the horse's diet is "natural"
because a healthy hindgut microbial population produces B-vitamins,
including biotin. That's more or less true, but there's a
difference between 'adequate' levels and 'optimum' levels. The gut
provides adequate levels, the extra supplement provides optimum levels,
which shows up as increased hoof density and tensile strength.
That doesn't work with *every* vitamin or mineral out there, but it does
for biotin.
I've read where there is some
disagreement as to how much biotin is actually available to the horse
from the hindgut. I think this is where things are with Dani. Kit and
Bobby have really great hoof horn quality, shape, and size (naturally
balanced, no rings, cracks, flares, nothing). They are both several
years barefoot, now (btw, there is only one dark hoof between the two of
them). This tells me that #1 - their KISS diet is very
"adequate" (the past 12 and 10 years, respectively) #2 - their
environment and excersise is hoof-friendly, and #3 - they have good
genetics (Kit, I don't know her past; but I know Bobby's whole family).
Dani comes from a line bred for size and muscle, but unfortunately hoof
size and quality is often lacking (btw all dark hooves) So she may be
one who will benefit from the "optimum", she just may need
that little extra bit. She had to wear pads under her
shoes.
By the way, biotin will improve the density
of new hoof growth, but doesn't do a thing for *rate* of growth.
Rate changes according to several factors, like temperature, humidity,
exercise, etc, but not in response to biotin supplements.
Her feet do grow well, *rate* wise
(her better basic diet over the two years that I have had her has helped
with that), but the density (thinner walls and sole, in addition to the
checks and cracks) could stand improvement. This is where the supp needs
to come in. I know her hooves will never increase in size, so I'm just
hoping to increase the horn quality.
Good luck. :-)
Susan G
Thank you for your
help -
Cheryl in WNY
Horse kids Kit, Bobby & Dani