Biotin in horses: Why it is so important for healthy hooves, skin and hair

When you focus on the health and care of your horse, sooner or later you will come across the topic of biotin. Especially when dealing with brittle hooves, poor hoof growth, or a dull coat, biotin can play a decisive role for your horse.

But what exactly is biotin? Why is it so important for horses? And how can you ensure that your horse is sufficiently supplied with this vitamin?

In this article, you will get all the important information about the importance of biotin for horses, the correct dosage, its function in the body, and supplementary feeds that can help your horse stay healthy and high-performing.

What is biotin?

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, belongs to the group of B vitamins. These water-soluble vitamins are essential for the body's metabolism. Biotin is particularly important for keratin formation, which makes it so valuable for your horse's hoof horn, coat, and skin.

Without a sufficient supply of biotin, horses can develop deficiency symptoms. The result: brittle hooves, slow horn growth, dull hair, and a weakened skin barrier.

Why is biotin so important for horses?

Horse hooves consist mainly of horn, which in turn is based on functional keratin formation. Biotin is a central building block in this process. It contributes to the strength, elasticity, and quality of the hoof horn. Especially for horses with poor hooves, cracks, or brittle horn, biotin intake via supplementary feed can be beneficial.

But it is not just the hooves that benefit: hair and skin also require biotin for healthy growth. A shiny coat, healthy skin, and stable horn formation are often signs that your horse is well-supplied with this B vitamin.

How does a biotin deficiency occur in horses?

Generally, biotin can be produced in the horse's gut via biotin synthesis by microorganisms. However, various factors can disrupt this synthesis:

• incorrect diet

• too much grain

• stress

• illnesses

• administration of antibiotics

• unbalanced nutrient supply

Especially in sport horses, older animals, or horses with chronic hoof problems, the natural supply of biotin may not be sufficient. In these cases, support through high-quality supplementary feed is worthwhile.

The role of biotin in the horse's body

Biotin performs a variety of vital tasks in the horse's body. It is particularly involved in fat, protein, and carbohydrate metabolism, thus ensuring that energy from food can be used effectively.

However, biotin is best known for its central role in the formation of keratin – the main component of hooves, skin, and hair. Without sufficient biotin supply, your horse's body cannot build stable horn substance. This directly affects the hooves: they grow more slowly, become brittle, or crack. At the same time, the coat often suffers as well – it loses its shine, becoming dull and lifeless.

Biotin also supports cell renewal and contributes to the regeneration of skin and mucous membranes. In short: this vitamin is a true all-rounder that contributes significantly to the external appearance and general health of your horse.

The correct dosage of biotin for horses

The recommended dosage of biotin for horses depends on body weight. In general, the following applies:

👉 0.2 mg of biotin per kg of body weight per day.

For a horse with a body weight of 500 kg, this means a daily dose of approximately 100 mg of biotin. Many commercially available nutritional supplements already contain balanced amounts, often in powder form, which you can easily mix into the feed.

It is important to note: biotin must be fed over a longer period (at least 6–9 months) to achieve a visible improvement in hoof quality. The hoof grows only slowly, so patience is required.

Which nutrients support biotin?

Biotin does not work in a vacuum. Other vitamins, trace elements, and amino acids also play a role in optimal horn formation and healthy horn growth:

1. Zinc

Zinc is an essential trace element that, together with biotin, contributes to improving horn quality. It supports the immune system, skin renewal, and wound healing.

2. Methionine

This essential amino acid is an important building block for keratin formation. Together with biotin, it has a positive effect on hooves, coat, and skin.

3. Vitamin A & E

These two vitamins promote cell regeneration and support the health of the skin and mucous membranes. They also strengthen the immune system and help with inflammation.

When should you feed biotin?

There are certain signs and situations where an additional supply of biotin can be useful:

• brittle or fragile hoof horn

• poor hoof quality

• slow hoof growth

• cracks or fissures in the hooves

• dull, lusterless coat

• dry or scaly skin

• after removing horseshoes

• during high physical strain (e.g., in sports)

If you observe one or more of these symptoms in your horse, a high-quality biotin supplement can help.

How do I choose the right biotin product for my horse?

There are many products on the market, from powders to pellets to liquid supplements. When buying, pay attention to the following criteria:

✅ high biotin content (at least 20 mg per daily dose)
✅ trace elements like zinc and copper included
✅ methionine as an amino acid additive
✅ natural ingredients
✅ good reviews and experience from other horse owners

Powder products that you can dose individually are particularly practical. Also, keep an eye on the ratio to daily feeding and adjust the amount to your horse's body weight.

Nutrition and feeding: The basis for healthy hooves

A balanced equine diet is the foundation for a healthy organism. Grains, roughage, minerals, and vitamins must be in the right ratio. Only then can the metabolism function optimally and the supply of nutrients be secured.

Ensure that your horse:

• receives sufficient roughage (hay)

• has access to fresh water

• does not develop a nutrient imbalance due to too much concentrated feed

• is dewormed regularly

• receives support from high-quality nutritional supplements

Conclusion: Biotin – an underestimated helper for strong horse hooves

Your horse's health begins with the right supply of nutrients. Biotin, in particular, plays a central role in horn quality, hoof strength, and the condition of the coat and skin.

Through targeted feeding with biotin-rich nutritional supplements, you can actively improve hoof health, horn growth, and your animal's well-being. Combined with zinc, methionine, and other B vitamins, you achieve holistic support.

So, if you want to do something good for your horse in the long term, remember the small but effective helpers like biotin when preparing the next ration – because strong hooves carry not only the weight of the body but often also your passion for equestrian sports.

Final tip: Have your horse's hooves checked regularly by an experienced farrier. Even the best vitamin supplement cannot compensate for incorrect hoof trimming – but together, biotin and good care ensure healthy horse hooves in the long run.