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.
- Helps support cracked hooves and weak walls
- Helps support normal hoof growth
- Highly palatable and easy to administer
Learn More about Horseshoer's Secret
New Look, Same Great Formula!: Please be advised that this product is undergoing a manufacturing packaging update. While they are making the transition, the product you receive may look different to the gallon pictured. However, we would like to ensure you that the product formula has not changed.
Farrier's Formula® is the original hoof supplement, validated through independent university research, and the #1 recommended* hoof supplement by farriers for 12 consecutive years. Provides a comprehensive selection of nutrients for the health of the hoof, skin, and coat!
The nutrients in Farrier's Formula® Double Strength, important for a healthy hoof, are provided at twice the concentration compared to original Farrier's Formula® with the taste that horses love!
The 11 lb nitrogen-flushed vacuum package or 11 lb bucket deliver:
- Twice the number of daily doses compared to original Farrier's Formula®
- A 60 day supply for a 1,000 lb horse at the adult replenishment/maintenance Feeding Level
- Added benefit of being more economical to feed compared to original Farrier's Formula®.
*#1 According to an annual survey performed by the American Farrier’s Journal.
Made in the USA
Watch Dr. Sue Kempson speak about the research behind Farrier's Formula®
View our Hoof Supplement Comparison Chart
Original Farrier's Formula® in buckets or bags
Feed at the replenishment feeding level (1 cup/170 g for a 1,000 lb horse) for horses with hoof problems.
Made in the USA
View our Hoof Supplement Comparison Chart
Omega Horseshine®:
- Promotes healthy skin and a shiny coat, plus normal shedding
- Supports strong, durable hooves
- Benefits mares in gestation, lactation, and growth
- Benefits foals in gestation, lactation, and growth
- Support top performance
- Low NSC (4.4%), as recommended for IR/Cushing's horses
Made in the USA
- Joint Health Support for Horses: This supplement is formulated with glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) to support joint health.
- Powered by ASU: The combination of ASU, glucosamine, and chondroitin found in Cosequin ASU have been shown to be more effective supporting joint health than either glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate alone in cell culture studies.
- Easy to Serve: Cosequin?ASU Joint & Hoof Pellets combine our scientifically researched, proprietary ingredients into a tasty, tiny pellet preferred by horses and horse owners.
- Formulated for Your Horse: The addition of biotin, copper, zinc and essential amino acids methionine and lysine provides comprehensive hoof support to promote hoof durability, strength and growth.
- Backed by Science: Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences supplements are veterinarian formulated with high-quality ingredients to support your horse’s joint health, no matter their discipline or performance level.
*Survey conducted among equine veterinarians who recommended oral joint health supplements.
- Contains 20 mg of biotin, 90 mg of copper, 360 mg of zinc, and essential amino acids methionine and lysine
- Promotes hoof durability, integrity, and growth for all horses
We also offer ReitSport C, a special concentrated form of ReitSport that is made specially for SmartPaks. ReitSport C combines the active ingredients of two of HorseTech’s most popular products, Glanzen 3, and TriSport. Buckets contain the original, non-concentrated formula of Reitsport.