Common factors influencing the quality of the hoof are genetics, environment, farriery and nutrition. The horse’s hoof is made up of or affected by all components of the equine diet, including protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Since there is no one nutritional panacea for hoof health, balancing these components (based on the horse’s age and lifestyle) is important for the overall health of the horse and its hooves.

It is also important to review the research that has been conducted on how different nutrients may affect the growth of the hoof. And, to understand how nutrition can help or hinder the hoof, it is essential to understand how the horse digests and absorbs different components of its diet.