Hoof care

Which products are necessary for basic hoof care?

To keep a hoof healthy, it makes sense to apply Keralit Hoof Hardener once a week to prevent the hooves from chipping. Water-friendly care, such as with Keralit Hoof Elast , supports the moisture balance and counteracts drying out in summer. During the cold winter months, horn grows more slowly because the organism has to channel many nutrients, such as biotin, into coat production. In this case, a hoof ointment such as Keralit Laurel Ointment can support sufficient horn growth.

Are special hoof care products necessary for different seasons?

In dry conditions in summer, a stable weight bearing edge is very important to prevent chipping and cracking of the hoof. The following is suitable for this Keralit Hoof Hardener. To support the moisture content of the horn, a hydrophilic care product should be used, such as the Keralit Hoof-Elast should be used.

In fall and winter - i.e. when conditions tend to be damp - it is very important not to allow any decomposition processes to occur on the beam and white line. To stabilize these areas, the Keralit Hoof Hardener is ideal for stabilizing these areas. Especially in winter, there are fewer nutrients available for horn production. To improve horn growth,
you can use the Keralit Laurel Ointment can be used. For frog protection in the event of frog decomposition Frog Liquid or the Undercover hoof care paste can be used.

Are there specific products for hoof health in cases of laminitis or other conditions?

In cases of laminitis and other disease-related hoof problems, hoof care products such as Keralit Hoof Hardener, Frog Liquid, Hoof Bath, Undercover and laurel ointment can be used in consultation with a veterinarian. Feel free to contact us here. We are happy to help!

What role does nutrition play in hoof health?

A balanced and healthy diet for the horse has a positive effect on horn growth and its quality. If there is a nutrient deficiency, it is entirely possible that horn production will suffer. This is often noticed relatively late, as the wall horn takes about a year to grow out to the weight-bearing border and poor horn quality becomes apparent. In this case, especially for a general assessment of the horse's health condition and in the event of deficiency symptoms, it is recommended to have a blood test performed by a veterinarian. A dull coat and/or brittle, itchy skin can also be signs of a nutrient deficiency.

Nutrient deficiencies that persist for only a certain period of time can often be recognized by so-called growth rings on the hoof. These are grooves and bulges caused by altered horn formation at the coronary band. Growth rings can often also be recognized after inflammations, such as laminitis, coffin joint inflammation, or the administration of medication, such as cortisone.

Essential nutrients for hoof health

Crucially important for producing sufficient high-quality horn is an adequate supply of proteins and B vitamins. Biotin is synthesized by the horse's hindgut itself. The amino acids lysine and methionine cannot be produced by the horse's body itself and must therefore be sufficiently provided through feed. The horse can produce many other amino acids required for horn growth itself through nutrients such as methionine.

Optimizing equine nutrition to promote healthy hooves

In addition to a balanced diet of forage such as hay and concentrates, providing the appropriate vitamins, minerals, and trace elements is necessary to maintain the overall health of the equine organism. Many well-known manufacturers, such as Lexa, offer the right "supplementary solution" for different horse breeds, purposes, and needs. To ensure the basic supply for the horse and its hooves, ATCOM HUF-VITAL® is highly recommended. Existing deficiencies can also be optimally corrected with it. Additional mineral feed can be omitted.