Hoof care

Which products are necessary for basic hoof care?

To keep a hoof healthy, it makes sense to apply the Keralit hoof strengthener once a week to prevent the hooves from breaking off. A
water-friendly care, for example with the Keralit Hoof-Elast supports the moisture balance and counteracts drying out in summer. In the cold winter months, horn growth slows down as the body has to put a lot of nutrients, such as biotin, into coat production. This is where a hoof ointment such as Keralit laurel ointmentcan support sufficient horn growth.

Are special hoof care products necessary for different seasons?

In dry conditions in summer, a stable bearing edge is very important to prevent chipping and cracking of the hoof. The following is suitable for this Keralit hoof strengthener. To support the moisture content of the horn, a water-friendly 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. The following is suitable for stabilizing these areas Keralit Hoof Stabilizer 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. As protection against frog decomposition frog liquides or the hoof care paste Undercover can be used.

Are there special products for hoof health for laminitis or other diseases?

For laminitis and other disease-related hoof problems, hoof care products such as Keralit Hoof Strengthener, frog liquide, hoof bath, Undercover and laurel ointment can be used in consultation with a vet. You are welcome 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 quite possible that horn production will suffer. This is often noticed relatively late, as it takes about a year for the horn to grow out at the wear edge and a lack of horn quality is noticed. It is also advisable to have a blood count carried out by a vet to clarify the general health of the horse and in the event of deficiency symptoms. A dull coat and/or brittle, itchy skin can also be signs of a nutrient deficiency.

Nutrient deficiencies that only last for a certain period of time can often be recognized by so-called growth grooves on the hoof. These are grooves and bulges caused by a change in horn formation at the coronet band. Growth grooves can also often be seen after inflammation, such as laminitis, inflammation of the hoof joint or the administration of medication, e.g. cortisone.

Essential nutrients for hoof health

A sufficient supply of proteins (protein) and B vitamins is extremely important in order to produce sufficient high-quality horn. Biotin is synthesized by the horse's large intestine. The amino acids lysine and methionine cannot be produced by the horse's body itself and must therefore be supplied in sufficient quantities via the feed. Many other amino acids that are required for horn growth can be produced by the horse itself using nutrients such as methionine.

Optimization of horse nutrition to promote healthy hooves

In addition to the balanced feeding of basic feed such as hay and concentrates, it is necessary to provide the appropriate vitamins, minerals and trace elements to maintain the health of the entire equine organism. Many well-known manufacturers, such as Lexa, have the right "supplementary solution" for different types of horses, their purposes and needs. To ensure the basic care of the horse and its hooves, we recommend the ATCOM HUF-VITAL® is ideal. It can also be used to optimally compensate for existing deficiencies. There is no need for additional mineral feed.