FootWise Hoof & Coat Supplement for Horses (10 lb)

FootWise Hoof and Coat Supplement for Horses If your horse is plagued by one or more of the following issues-poor hoof quality, brittle mane and tail or a dry, dull hair coat-then he/she may need additional nutrients. Why waste precious riding time waiting for the farrier to replace lost shoes? Why feed messy oils to improve your horse’s coat condition? The combination of nutrients found in FootWise makes it easy to maintain healthy skin, hair, and hooves, giving you more time to enjoy your horse.

• Aids in the elimination of dry, flaky hair coats and brittle manes and tails
• Maintains healthy hoof tissues so they are less susceptible to developing hoof problems such as thrush and white line disease
• Sustains a strong, resilient hoof wall, reducing the incidence of cracks, chips, and lost shoes
• Supports the re-growth of healthy hoof after injury or surgery

When health issues arise, always seek the advice of a licensed veterinarian who can help you choose the correct course of action for your horse. Supplements are intended to maintain healthy systems and support recovery and healing. They are not intended to treat or cure illness or injury.

Recommended for

Veterinarians frequently recommend FootWise when horses:

• Are not receiving the necessary nutrients in their feeding program to support proper hoof growth
• Are recovering from a hoof injury, surgery, or laminitis
• Have a history of brittle hooves, chronic cracks, or trouble holding shoes
• Live in a wet, muddy environment for part, or all of the year
• Participate in a rigorous training or competition schedule and are bathed frequently
• Seem to be particularly susceptible to hoof and skin diseases
• Suffer from dry hair coat and brittle mane and tail

More information about the ingredients in FootWise

Biotin

Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that is essential for the maintenance of healthy connective tissue found in skin, hooves, and hair. Research studies have proven that at least 20 mg per day of biotin is needed to toughen hooves and promote the growth of healthy hoof walls. While horses do produce some biotin in the hindgut, nutritionists feel in many circumstances it may not be an adequate amount. The amino acids methionine and lysine have been shown to increase biotin’s effectiveness.

Copper

Copper is essential for the synthesis of connective tissue. In the hoof, copper is part of the enzyme that is active in the formation of the disulfide bonds in keratin, the protein found in hoof wall. If the bonds are compromised, the hoof wall loses its structural integrity and strength. Copper is also found in an enzyme necessary for the proper formation of collagen that is found in bone and skin.

Fatty Acids

Both the soybeans and lecithin contained in HoofWise are abundant in fatty acids, which help maintain elastic skin and slick, glossy coats. In addition, fatty acids contribute to hoof health by creating a barrier that repels excessive moisture.

Iodine

Iodine controls the production of thyroid hormones, which are necessary for optimal health of hair and hooves.

Lysine and other high-quality proteins

On a dry matter basis, the hoof is thought to be approximately 93% protein, containing at least 11 individual amino acids. In supplementing for healthy hooves, it is imperative to provide horses with a high-quality protein source. FootWise contains full-fat soybean meal, lecithin, and added lysine. Full-fat soybeans are abundant in high-quality amino acids, the building blocks of protein.

Lysine is considered to be an essential amino acid that cannot be synthesized by the body in adequate enough amounts to meet the demand; it has to be provided in the diet. In order for a protein like keratin to be synthesized, all the necessary amino acids must be present at once. The amino acid whose supply runs out first and “limits” protein synthesis from proceeding is considered the “limiting amino acid.” For horses, lysine is the first limiting amino acid. It is the one most lacking in the equine diet; therefore, it is important to supply adequate levels of lysine.

Methionine

Methionine is an amino acid necessary for proper hoof growth. The hoof-building processes depend largely on methionine to bind the keratin fibers in the hoof. Methionine and cysteine combine to form the bi-sulphurous bonds between keratin molecules. The bonds that occur during growth give the hoof wall strength and resiliency.

Zinc

Zinc is a trace mineral vital to proper enzyme function in protein metabolism. Because hooves and hair are predominantly composed of keratin and collagen, zinc is integral to hoof and hair strength. Zinc is also critical to proper immune function. FootWise contains zinc proteinate, the form of zinc most easily digested by horses.

Yeast cultures

Research has shown that high-quality yeast cultures help horses maintain a healthy digestive tract and increase the digestibility of nutrients by stimulating the activity of the good microorganisms in the hindgut. A healthy microbial population will also provide additional B vitamins to the horse, supporting better overall health.

Maintenance level: 1 scoop per day

Horses or ponies that need additional support: 2 scoops per day

Storage and shelf life:

Store FootWise in a cool, dry place and keep lid tightly closed between uses. Shelf life is 24 months from date of manufacture when stored under suitable conditions.