Question
I am looking for a product to improve my Thoroughbred/Quarter Horse mare's hooves. She grows little hoof between farrier visits, and the hoof wall she does grow is extremely weak. She is currently in glue-on shoes. I was about to purchase Bio-Bloom PS but then became intrigued by Total Wellness. Does Total Wellness have enough "good stuff" to potentially improve hoof strength? Should I consider both products? Cost is a factor, but I also want to give her the best I can afford.
Answer
I understand how hard managing poor-quality hooves can be with some horses. While Total Wellness combines antioxidant, joint, and hoof and coat support into one easy-to-feed product, targeted supplementation with Bio-Bloom is likely the best bet in this situation.
Bio-Bloom contains biotin, methionine, iodine, and chelated zinc at levels shown to improve hoof growth, including the development of strong hoof walls. Bio-Bloom PS (available in the US and Canada) includes lecithin and essential fatty acids from full-fat soybean, ingredients that are necessary to produce resilient hoof horn and shiny coats. Scientific studies have shown the benefits of biotin supplementation, and it is routinely advised to offer 15-20 mg of biotin per day to improve hoof health. In addition to biotin, a well-formulated hoof supplement should contain zinc, iodine, and methionine.
In particular, a field trial found increased hoof growth in horses fed Bio-Bloom compared to those not fed the supplement. This study was performed in the winter, a season of notorious slower hoof growth, indicating Bio-Bloom is especially appropriate during times of nutritional or climate stress. Supplementation with Bio-Bloom is valuable in horses with regular shoe changes, horses that require frequent trimming for conformational challenges, or horses with hoof wall defects.
Hoof quality is also dependent on balanced nutrition, and the correct building blocks are necessary in the diet to ensure healthy hoof growth. If you would like to make sure your horse’s diet is nutritionally balanced, you can request a ration evaluation through our online form.
Here are some additional resources from Equinews, Kentucky Equine Research’s extensive library of online articles:
