FootWise Hoof & Coat Supplement for Horses (10 lb)
Description
Ingredients
Guaranteed Analysis: | ||
---|---|---|
Per 1 oz | Concentration | |
Methionine min | 3,000 mg | 10.6% |
Lysine min | 1,000 mg | 3.6% |
Zinc min | 200 mg | 7,100 ppm |
Copper min | 65 mg | 2,300 ppm |
Iodine min | 2 mg | 70 ppm |
Biotin min | 20 mg | 700 ppm |
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.
Useful Information
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.