Biotin for Horses
Biotin is a member of the B-vitamin family and is essential for cell growth, serving as a sort of intercellular “glue.” A biotin deficiency in horses may result in reduced hoof quality, such as a thin and friable hoof wall, crumbling and cracks, and a soft white line. As a result, supplementing with biotin is a smart choice for owners who want to support their horse’s hoof health.
Source and Bioavailability of Biotin for Horses
Biotin is naturally found in the horse's diet, with alfalfa hay, oats, barley, and soybean meal providing moderate amounts and corn very little. It is also produced by microorganisms in the horse’s GI tract. However, there is evidence that supplementing with additional biotin may be helpful in certain horses to address issues of hoof quality such as hardness, integrity, strength, and even growth rate.
Serving size: According to Equine Clinical and Applied Nutrition, the amount of biotin recommended for average-sized horses with poor-quality horn is 15-20mg/day, while Nutrient Requirement for Horses suggests a higher intake of 30mg/day. It is also recommended that biotin be supplemented daily for at least 6 to 9 months and that if the hoof responds, then to provide supplemental biotin on a continual basis.
Complementary ingredients: Since hooves may benefit from additional nutrients, methionine, an amino acid, and the trace minerals zinc and copper are often paired with biotin.
Toxicity: Effects of excess biotin have not been seen in the horse, and therefore an upper daily limit of biotin has not been set.
Not sure which supplement is right for your horse? We have compiled comparison charts so that you can compare active ingredient amounts in the Hoof Supplement category.
View our Hoof Supplement Comparison Chart
Farrier's Formula® Double Strength Plus Joint is a pelleted combination hoof and joint supplement that can be added as a top dressing on regular feed or given separately. The product is formulated to promote dense hoof wall growth along with additional joint and tendon support.
Over 30 years of research, clinical trials, and field testing have validated the effectiveness of Farrier’s Formula®. The same research databases utilized to formulate Farrier's Formula® have now been incorporated into the development of Farrier's Formula® Double Strength Plus Joint. By providing the same nutrients in the same levels, this formula works as well as Farrier’s Formula®, but with the additional benefit of ingredients for joint health.
Farrier’s Formula® Double Strength Plus Joint provides nutrients important for strong hooves, skin, and joints in the correct balance and ratio. It also promotes strong growth of the hoof wall, sole, frog, and heel. The inclusion of proline, ornithine, and manganese provide targeted joint support. This product contains the sulfur needed for joint health in the form of the amino acids methionine and cysteine.
