Promoting hoof growth: How to grow healthy & fast horse hooves

Healthy hoof growth is crucial for stable, resilient, and long-term healthy horse hooves. It not only supports the regeneration of damaged hoof areas, but also enables sustainable correction of the hoof's shape and conformation. To promote hoof growth, sufficient movement on suitable surfaces and support with the appropriate care products is beneficial.

Why promote hoof growth in horses?

Ratio of wear to growth

In horses without hoof protection, hooves are subject to natural wear and tear. In the wild, this is normally in a balanced ratio to hoof growth, meaning that free-roaming horses do not require targeted hoof trimming. Human use of horses can lead to wear exceeding horn regrowth. 

Particularly in horses with slow hoof growth, this ratio can easily become unbalanced. If a horse's hooves are excessively worn down, it quickly leads to footiness or lameness, causing pain for the horse. In this case, hoof protection should be considered urgently, keeping in mind that sufficient hoof wall must still be present for a nailed shoe. 

After injuries and hoof diseases

However, good hoof growth is not only crucial in unshod horses in combination with natural wear. Damage to the hoof generally leads to reduced stability and increases susceptibility to further problems. 

Defects in the hoof wall, such as chips, hollow walls, horn cracks, or sand cracks, as well as hoof abscesses provide an increased surface area for putrefactive processes. In such cases, vigorous hoof growth is all the more important so that the hoof can regain its physiological shape and load-bearing capacity as quickly as possible. This applies in particular when larger parts of the hoof had to be removed as part of a treatment or surgery.

How does the horse hoof grow? 

The natural growth process

Cells known as keratinocytes are continuously formed at the coronary corium along the coronary band. During keratinization, the keratinocytes migrate outward from the deeper cell layer and begin producing keratin. Keratin is the structural protein and main component of the horn and is incorporated into the cells during this process. In the course of this, the cells die and become horn cells. Due to the continuous production of horn cells, the growth rate is 6-10 mm per month, depending on individual factors. 

Factors for healthy horn growth

Hoof growth is influenced by various factors. Blood circulation and nutrient supply play the largest role here. The better the blood supply to the corium, especially the coronary corium, the more nutrients reach the coronary band area from the blood, and the more metabolic processes such as cell division or keratin formation are stimulated. Movement serves primarily to promote blood circulation, as every lifting and setting down of the foot acts as a pump for the blood in the hoof area. 

In addition to blood circulation, the supply of nutrients is also crucial for growth. The primary requirements here are biotin (a coenzyme in metabolism, particularly in keratin formation), zinc (an essential trace element for enzymes involved in horn formation), amino acids, especially methionine and cysteine (the main components of keratin), as well as other macro- or trace elements such as copper, calcium, or selenium. 

Furthermore, horn growth is influenced by breed, age, and season. An example of this is Icelandic horses, whose hooves generally grow more slowly compared to other breeds. The growth rate typically decreases with age and in winter.

Accelerating hoof growth through proper feeding

Biotin - The key to horn quality

Biotin is a coenzyme in metabolism. This means that it works together with certain enzymes and is essential for their function. Biotin is particularly involved in metabolic processes necessary for the formation of keratin. Keratin, in turn, is the main component of the hoof horn and thus essential for its quality and stability.

Studies show that targeted biotin supplementation can significantly improve the horn quality of horse hooves over the long term. Positive effects on the hardness and structure of the hoof horn are generally only observed after prolonged administration of about 8 to 15 months, which corresponds to the slow growth of the hoof horn.

Sulfur-containing amino acids

The sulfur-containing amino acid cysteine is a core component of the structural protein keratin. The high stability of keratin, a crucial prerequisite for the quality of the hoof horn, is achieved through so-called disulfide bonds that form between the sulfur atoms of adjacent cysteine molecules. These bonds lead to a firm cross-linking of the protein strands. The higher the cysteine content in the keratin, the more disulfide bonds can be formed, making the horn harder, denser, and more resistant.

Methionine is also a sulfur-containing amino acid and serves as a precursor to cysteine. The organism is capable of synthesizing cysteine from methionine. While cysteine can be absorbed through feed as well as produced endogenously, methionine is an essential amino acid and must therefore be supplied via the diet.

In practice, feeding focuses heavily on ensuring an adequate supply of methionine, as this not only covers direct requirements but simultaneously supports the body's own production of cysteine. Methionine is found in alfalfa, brewer's yeast, soybean meal, and linseed and sunflower seed cake, among other sources. 

Trace elements for strong hooves

Zinc is involved in numerous enzymes required for the formation of DNA and proteins. As a result, it supports cell division and the maturation of horn-producing cells in the sensitive lamellar dermis. Zinc also helps protect cells against oxidative stress. In the event of a zinc deficiency, less stable keratin is produced—the hoof horn can become softer, grow more poorly, and break more easily.

Copper is important for the stability of connective tissue in the sensitive lamellar dermis. It acts as a cofactor for enzymes that cross-link collagen and elastin fibers. This keeps the tissue firm and resilient. If there is a copper deficiency, these structures can weaken, which may compromise the stability of the hoof apparatus.

Important: The ratio of zinc to copper also plays a role. In horse feeding, a ratio of approximately 3–5 : 1 is considered appropriate. Too much zinc can inhibit the absorption of copper in the intestine, while too little zinc can impair keratin formation. Quality mineral feeds contain trace elements in both organic form (highly bioavailable) and inorganic form (stable and storable).

Mineral feed and dietary supplements

When selecting the right mineral feed to promote hoof growth, in addition to the components explained above—such as biotin, methionine, copper, and zinc—manganese and selenium are also important to support cellular metabolism and antioxidant processes, along with protein overall as the fundamental building block for all structural proteins. 

Furthermore, the 4-5:1 zinc-to-copper ratio is important, as is the presence of both organic (e.g., zinc methionine) and inorganic compounds (e.g., zinc oxide). In addition, the overall diet, region/soil quality, and health status are decisive factors. Ideally, supplementation should be targeted on the basis of a hay analysis and blood work.

Promoting circulation for better growth

Movement as a foundation

Blood circulation in the dermis is essential for healthy hoof growth, as it ensures the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the keratinocytes. The better the circulation, the more optimal the supply, the more active the cellular metabolism, and the more intensive the cell division—which has a positive effect on horn growth.

The hoof mechanism, which is activated with every step, significantly supports this process. Through the alternation of loading and unloading, the hoof acts like a pump: blood is transported from the hoof area toward the heart and subsequently fed back into the capillaries of the dermis.

To best promote circulation, regular movement of about one to two hours daily is recommended. Different surfaces such as sand or pasture additionally support the physiological function of the hoof mechanism. Movement on stony ground, such as gravel, is only sensible for the purpose of promoting growth if combined with hoof protection, otherwise the rate of wear can quickly exceed the rate of newly growing horn.

Walking at a slower pace offers the advantage, particularly in compromised hooves, that lower pressure peaks act on the hoof horn while circulation is still effectively stimulated.

Coronary band massage with laurel oil

Laurel oil ointments promote circulation through their essential oils and fatty acids, which stimulate the skin. Additionally, the massage itself stimulates blood flow through mechanical irritation.

Important: Do not use pure laurel oil, as this can irritate the skin. The massage must not be applied over wounds or open areas (causing burning and skin reactions).

Application: Distribute a small amount of ointment from the coronary band down to the bulbs, then massage the coronary band using your fingertips in circular motions with light pressure. Frequency: 2–3 times per week, or daily for problem hooves.

The Keralit Laurel Ointment contains 20% pure laurel oil in a skin-friendly formulation. Its water-soluble base supports the moisture balance and elasticity of the horn—and can even be applied to wet horn. Pure laurel oil, on the other hand, can seal the hoof and impair the natural moisture balance.

Care and management for optimal growth

Daily hoof care

The primary purpose of daily hoof care is to maintain the existing horn in the best possible condition. If chipping or rotting processes occur in the lower part of the hoof, this can lead to more horn being damaged than is simultaneously regrown. Therefore, daily and thorough picking out of the hooves, as well as the regular application of suitable care products, are of great importance.

To protect the horn in the lower area against chipping and decay processes, we recommend the application of Keralit Hoof Hardener one to three times a week, depending on the condition of the hoof. If you also want to support the moisture balance and improve the elasticity of the horn, we recommend the application of Keralit Hoof Elast care oil two to three times a week.

Hoof trimming and shoeing

In addition to daily hoof care, regular and professional hoof trimming is of great importance. The work of an experienced professional is crucial to achieve the correct hoof alignment, determine the appropriate trimming interval in relation to horn growth, and provide competent advice to the horse owner on whether or not to use horseshoes.

Correct hoof alignment is a prerequisite for a well-functioning hoof mechanism as well as for even weight distribution and optimal blood circulation in the sensitive laminae. Generally, the hoof mechanism is more pronounced in unshod horses. However, this is only advantageous if the hooves can permanently withstand natural wear and tear in barefoot maintenance.

With a correctly fitted horseshoe, the hoof mechanism is present in a somewhat reduced form, but the promotion of blood circulation is maintained and the horn is simultaneously protected from excessive wear. Therefore, a professional and individual assessment is necessary in every case.

Stable hygiene and housing

Stable hygiene and housing conditions always play a central role in connection with hoof health, independently of the targeted promotion of hoof growth. Similar to daily hoof care, the goal here is to maintain the existing horn in the best possible condition. This means preventing decay processes, chipping, and excessive wear.

The prerequisites for this are dry, clean, and hygienic stables as well as correspondingly maintained paddocks. In addition, the ground should not be permanently too hard or heavily stony, especially for barefoot horses, as otherwise the wear of the horn increases significantly.

Seasonal influences on hoof growth: Summer vs. Winter

Hoof growth and its growth rate also change throughout the year. In summer, the growth rate is higher, whereas it decreases in winter. This is due to various factors. 

One of these factors is temperature, as blood vessels are wider at higher temperatures, resulting in increased blood flow to the sensitive laminae. Furthermore, many horses move more in summer due to increased turnout. Nutrient supply also plays an important role, as fresh pasture grass contains more biotin, sulfur-containing amino acids, trace elements, and vitamins. In addition, more daylight in summer leads to a higher release of the hormone prolactin, which regulates skin, hair, and hoof growth. A higher prolactin concentration is associated with increased horn formation. Studies confirm the seasonal difference in growth. 

Problem-solving approaches for poor growth

Diagnosis of the causes

The most common cause of poor hoof growth is inadequate nutrient supply. An imbalance between zinc and copper, in particular, can significantly impair horn formation. Besides nutrition, genetics also play a role. Hardy breeds such as Icelanders or Fjord horses often have a slower metabolism and consequently a lower hoof growth rate.

Metabolic diseases can also negatively affect hoof growth. In Equine Metabolic Syndrome and Cushing's disease, metabolic changes can occur that affect horn formation, among other things. Additionally, liver stress can lead to a lack of availability of essential trace elements and proteins.

Similarly, age, pregnancy, and lactation can slow down hoof growth. Older horses often have an overall slower metabolism, while pregnant or lactating mares require many nutrients to supply the foal or produce milk.

What to do if hooves do not grow enough? Special measures

For horses with slow hoof growth, it is particularly important to protect the hooves from excessive wear. Depending on the individual situation, this can be achieved using hoof boots, professionally fitted shoes, or suitable ground conditions.

If the cause lies in a slowed metabolism—such as due to age, breed, or a metabolic disorder—special attention should be paid to ensuring the minerals are as bioavailable as possible. Organically bound trace elements are often better suited for this, as they can generally be absorbed and utilized more efficiently by the organism.

Additionally, metabolism-supporting measures can be useful to improve hoof growth. These include:

• low-sugar feeding

• targeted ration calculation based on hay analysis 

• well-coordinated parasite management

• use of suitable herbs to support the liver and metabolism

For conditions such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome or Cushing's disease, treatment should always be accompanied by a veterinarian. In the case of Cushing's, medical therapy with Prascend may be necessary.

Keralit products for optimal hoof growth

Product recommendations

With the right care products, you can specifically support hoof growth.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about hoof growth

How fast do horse hooves normally grow?

A horse hoof grows 6-10 mm per month, depending on breed, age, and metabolic condition.

How long does it take for improvements to become visible?

If appropriate measures such as promoting circulation and optimal nutrient supply are implemented, cell activity and growth rate improve within 2-6 weeks. The first visible changes at the coronary band appear after 4-8 weeks. The new horn often has a different color or structure. Over time, more and more of the new horn becomes visible until it reaches the weight-bearing border after approx. 12 months.

What household remedies can be used to support hoof growth?

Massaging the coronary band with an ointment containing laurel oil can stimulate circulation and thus hoof growth. However, it should be noted that pure laurel oil seals the hoof and impairs the moisture balance. Therefore, it is better to use a water-friendly product containing laurel oil. Apple cider vinegar can inhibit putrefactive processes, but its effect is rather minor compared to specialized care products and is therefore often insufficient. 

What to do in case of genetically predisposed poor growth?

Even with genetically slow or restricted hoof growth, targeted measures can achieve improvement within natural limits. These include a needs-based nutrient and mineral supply with high bioavailability, varied and sufficient exercise, regular hoof trimming, consistent daily care, and the use of suitable care products.