4Feet - Horse Hoof Supplement
Providing high specification nutrients shown to help:
Improve hoof horn condition
Reduce cracking & splitting
Decrease foot sensitivity
Promote healthy skin and hair
2kg tub gives approximately 6 months supply.
What?
4Feet is a specialist dietary supplement that provides a concentrated source of the micronutrients, Biotin and Calcium, required for good hoof horn quality and growth. We use a unique, highly bioavailable form of Biotin, meaning more of the nutrients are absorbed leading to greater results.
Why?
Poor hoof condition is common in all types of horses and ponies and can lead to practical problems such as splitting of the hoof and losing shoes. Whilst many different minerals, vitamins and other ingredients (e.g. yeasts) are included in hoof supplements there is only significant supporting evidence for the use of D-Biotin.
A recent paper from Sweden reported that the heritability of hoof "health" was low (only 0.1; Jonsson et al. (2013). The implication is that management (diet, hoofcare, farriery, etc) plays a much larger role in hoof health than genetic factors. Thus, it is possible for owners to help support hoof health through good practice and nutritional support.
In a survey of geriatric horses (over 15 years of age) Ireland et al. (2012) reported that 80% had hoof abnormalities. A number of studies have demonstrated benefits from long term feeding of D-Biotin.
Long-term supplementation with biotin at a feeding rate of 0.031-0.037 mg/kg body weight (equivalent to 15.5 mg to 18.5 mg) up to 10 months resulted in an improvement of the horn quality of the growing hoof (Wintzer 1986). The effects of dietary supplementation with a high level of the B-group vitamin biotin were investigated in more than 40 cases of horses with poor hoof quality (Comben et al. 1984).
Varying degrees of improvement in the hardness, integrity and conformation of the hoof horn were observed in all cases. It was concluded that "dietary supplementation with 10 to 30 mg biotin/day (depending on bodyweight) for not less than six to nine months is beneficial to support other remedial measures in such cases".
Insufficient Biotin has been implicated in horses with poor hoof quality (Josseck et al. 1995; Zenker et al. 1995). Daily supplementation with 20mg D-Biotin improved hoof wall integrity after 9 months (Josseck et al. 1995) and hoof structure and hoof wall strength after 33-38 months of supplementation (Zenker et al. 1995). Less scientifically rigorous studies have suggested 10-30 mg D-Biotin per day for 6-9 months can improve hoof hardness and hoof integrity in horses with poor quality feet at the outset (Kempson, 1987).
Increased hoof growth rate and hardness has been reported in Thoroughbred and Thoroughbred cross horses fed 15 mg D-Biotin per day for 10 months (Buffa et al. 1992) whilst a 15% increase in hoof growth rate was seen in ponies supplemented with 0.12 mg D-Biotin/kg bodyweight/day (equivalent to 60mg/day for a 500kg horse) for 5 months (Reilly et al. 1998).
The influence of dietary biotin in horses with brittle hoof horn and chipped hooves was investigated in a long-term study, which was performed over a period from one to six years (Geyer and Schulze, 1994). Ninety-seven horses received 5 mg of biotin per 100 to 150 kg of body weight daily (equivalent to ~25mg in a 500kg horse). The hoof horn condition of the biotin-supplemented horses improved after 8 to 15 months of supplementation as determined by macroscopic and histologic examinations.
The growth rate of the coronary horn of horses supplemented with biotin and of control horses was the same. The hoof horn condition deteriorated in 7 of 10 horses after biotin supplementation was reduced or terminated. It was concluded that biotin should be continuously supplemented at the full feeding rate.
Ingredients and Feeding Guide
Instructions for use and feeding guide
Level 2.5ml (4g) scoops per day
Pony - approximately 250kg2
Horse - approximately 500kg3
Large Horse - over 750kg4
Due to the fact that horn growth is relatively slow, it is likely to take several months of feeding 4Feet before there is a noticeable effect on hoof quality.
Mix thoroughly with feed and split between meals where possible.
Do not exceed the recommended intake
One of our core values is transparency. That's why we list all the active ingredients per daily feeding rate so you know exactly what your horse is getting.
Active Ingredients:
Each level 2.5ml scoop (4g) delivers 8.3mg D-Biotin and 1360mg Calcium.
Composition:
Limestone, D-Biotin
Analytical Constituents:
Protein 0.0%, Fibre 0.0%, Oils & Fats 0.0%, Ash 88.2%, D-Biotin (Vitamin H) 0.2%
Additives (per kg):
None.
Shipping charges mainland GB zone1
| Value | Weight | Delivery Charge |
| Over £49.00 | Any Weight | FREE |
| Under £49.00 | No weight limit | £4.50 |
| Under £49.00 | Under 250 grams | £3.49 |
Most orders are despatched the same day and standard delivery is 3 to 5 working days from despatch. FAST Expedited options are available at extra cost - these usually arrive in 24-48hrs from dispatch but delays are possible during busy periods.
Postcodes outside of Zone 1 (including some areas within mainland UK) may incur extra carriage charges due to surcharges imposed by the couriers. These will be calculated on the website at the checkout.
NB: Orders placed with faster delivery must be placed before 13:00 to ensure same day dispatch (excluding weekends and bank holidays). Please also check on the product page that the items ordered show 'In Stock' otherwise your order will be delayed until the stock becomes available, which in most cases will only be 24hrs.
Estimated "Usually shipped in" information is shown against most products
Overseas orders
We no longer send goods outside of the UK.
Prescription Items
Prescription items will be sent on receipt of a legally valid signed and dated prescription.
Pick up
We offer a pickup service for orders placed over the phone.
Please ring us on 01833 641112 for more information.
Refrigerated Items
- Refrigerated lines Packaging Cost: Despatched with Woolcool Refrigerated Packaging for £7.50.
- Receipt Required: Someone must be available to receive the delivery. Woolcool packaging is designed for temperature-controlled goods, so parcels cannot be left unattended.
- Immediate Refrigeration: Upon receipt, refrigerate the contents immediately to ensure your food or medicine remains at the correct temperature.
- Failed Delivery Attempts: We are not responsible for the cost of replacements if a delivery attempt fails due to the absence of someone to receive it.
We want you to be completely satisfied with any purchase. If not any item* can be returned to us within 14 days of receipt for exchange or refund Please give us a ring for a returns number on 01833 641112 or alternatively email sales@hyperdrug.co.uk to obtain a returns number.
*Due to legal requirements medicines may not be returned except to correct an error in despatch or in response to an "official recall". If an item is believed to be faulty it should be returned for inspection and it may be necessary to forward it to the manufacturers for testing before replacements or refunds can be authorised. This does not infringe legal rights. Please contact our customer services for a "Returns Number" which must appear on the outside of the package or it will not be accepted. We advise customers to use an insured method of shipping and to retain proof of despatch. We may refuse returns on products specially obtained or manufactured to order. Items must be returned unsoiled and unused and sent adequately packed and carriage paid.
