Hoof and coat products for horses do three different jobs: feed supplements for hoof growth, one combined hoof and coat conditioner for the feed, and topicals that go on the hoof, such as a hardener or a grease. The makers give different timelines, or none at all, so check each product's label before you judge it.
The three jobs
The feed supplements are Kohnke's Own Reboot HOOF+, Ranvet Hoof Food and Kelato BiotinMAX Concentrate, which are all mixed into or top dressed onto the feed. Hygain Hoofgain and EAC in-stride are also hoof supplements, but their pages do not say how to feed them. Hygain Gleam is the combined hoof and coat conditioner, added to the morning or evening feed. Keratex Hoof Hardener and Equinade Hoof Grease are topicals.
Where each product acts matters. Ranvet says biotin will not fix existing hoof damage but improves new horn. Keratex says no supplement will influence existing horn, but its own hardener improves the quality of horn already on the hoof. Equinade's page makes no claim about existing horn.
What the makers say the main ingredients do
Ranvet says biotin is a B group vitamin that horses cannot store, and that it plays a role in keratin production. Ranvet says biotin does not increase the rate of hoof growth but improves the quality of new growth.
Hygain says methionine is a sulphur bearing amino acid that is essential in keratin, and that zinc is key to hoof and coat health. It describes vitamin A as essential to keratinised tissue and vitamin E as needed for keratin renewal. Kohnke's says extra calcium, phosphorus and magnesium help stronger, better quality hoof growth.
Kohnke's advises keeping the horse on a balanced ration with a vitamin and mineral supplement, then adding Reboot HOOF+ when extra hoof help is needed. For the base ration, see horse and farm feed basics.
Product by product
Follow the label directions for your horse's weight.
Kohnke's Own Reboot HOOF+ supports hoof growth, strength and condition in horses of all types, according to Kohnke's. Kohnke's lists chipping, cracking and slow-growing hooves among the horses it is for. The initial rate is 120 g daily for horses (60 g for ponies) for 60 to 90 days or as required, then 60 g daily for horses (30 g for ponies) for maintenance.
Hygain Hoofgain is for aiding hoof growth and strength in horses, according to Hygain. Its page lists biotin, methionine, zinc and iodine among its contents. The page gives no feeding rate, so check the label.
Ranvet Hoof Food is a hoof growth promoter and strengthener for horses, according to Ranvet. Ranvet's directions are 30 g daily for treatment and 15 g daily for routine use, mixed thoroughly through the feed.
Kelato BiotinMAX Concentrate is an ultra-concentrated biotin supplement for horses with poor hoof quality, according to Kelato. Kelato's directions are 10 g daily for a 500 kg horse and 5 g daily for a 300 kg pony, top dressed on the feed. For acute hoof damage or laminitis recovery, Kelato lists a higher rate, so speak to your vet or farrier first.
EAC in-stride hoof supplement is a concentrated nutritional hoof supplement that EAC says helps improve hoof growth and hardness. The page gives no feeding rate or timeline.
Hygain Gleam is for strong healthy hooves, dull coats, show or sales preparation, moving winter coats, and general coat, mane, tail and skin condition, according to Hygain. Its feeding guide lists 20 g daily for a 300 kg horse, 30 g for 400 kg, 40 g for 500 kg and 50 g for 600 kg.
Keratex Hoof Hardener is for strengthening, hardening and protecting hooves and soles, according to Keratex. Keratex says it is not an oil or resin layer. Its directions are daily for one week, then twice weekly for general maintenance, on the lower half of the hoof and sole, avoiding the coronary band and frog. If oils or greases were used in the past three months, Keratex says to degrease the hoof with acetone first.
Equinade Hoof Grease is a semi-solid grease that Equinade says is made from 100% natural ingredients, including animal fats and oils. Equinade says it helps maintain a healthy hoof moisture balance in wet or dry conditions and may be applied daily to moisturise and protect.
How long to wait and what to expect
The makers' own timelines are:
- Ranvet Hoof Food: generally 3 to 5 months for overall improvement, and 9 to 12 months or longer for severe damage or very large horses.
- Kohnke's Own Reboot HOOF+: its trial found initial improvement within 2 months on a balanced diet, and about 3 months on average on a simple diet.
- Kelato BiotinMAX Concentrate: at least 6 to 9 months of daily use.
- Ranvet's biotin article: 8 to 12 months to grow out an old, weak hoof, depending on the hoof's growth rate.
Ranvet advises staying on a hoof supplement after the hoof has grown out, because the hoof may revert when supplementation stops. Keratex says improvement in existing horn can occur within a few days, but cracks will not disappear and must grow out. The Hoofgain, Gleam, in-stride and Equinade pages give no timeline, so check the label or ask the maker.
When to talk to your vet or farrier
If your horse has a crack, an abscess, laminitis or any other hoof problem, speak to your vet or farrier. Hygain encourages discussing a hoof supplement with your vet if the horse has a demanding workload or is advancing in years, and Equinade recommends regular vet and farrier checks. Kohnke's says Reboot HOOF+ will not affect conformation, particularly with abnormalities such as club foot, under-run heels or flat feet, and says horse owners have found that better hoof wall stability allows more regular trimming, which can help a farrier correct hoof angles and shape more quickly.
Our picks
- Kohnke's Own Reboot HOOF+: Kohnke's says it is for supporting optimal hoof growth, strength and condition in horses of all types.
- Hygain Hoofgain: Hygain says it is for aiding hoof growth and strength in horses.
- Ranvet Hoof Food: Ranvet says it is a hoof growth promoter and strengthener for horses.
- Kelato BiotinMAX Concentrate: Kelato says it is an ultra-concentrated biotin supplement to support horses with poor hoof quality.
- EAC in-stride hoof supplement: EAC says it is a concentrated nutritional hoof supplement that helps improve hoof growth and hardness.
- Hygain Gleam: Hygain says it is for strong healthy hooves, dull coats, and general coat, mane, tail and skin condition.
- Keratex Hoof Hardener: Keratex says it strengthens, hardens and protects hooves and soles, and manages moisture.
- Equinade Hoof Grease: Equinade says it helps maintain a healthy hoof moisture balance and may be applied daily to moisturise and protect.
Frequently asked questions
Do hoof supplements make hooves grow faster?
Two of the makers say different things. Ranvet says biotin does not increase the rate of hoof growth but improves the quality of new growth, while Keratex says high quality feed supplements will improve the rate of growth.
How long does a hoof supplement take?
Ranvet Hoof Food says overall improvement generally occurs within 3 to 5 months. Kelato recommends at least 6 to 9 months of daily BiotinMAX Concentrate, and Kohnke's gives an initial dose of 60 to 90 days for Reboot HOOF+.
What is the difference between a hoof supplement and a hoof hardener or grease?
Ranvet and Keratex both say feed supplements work on new horn. Keratex says its hardener improves the quality of existing horn, while Equinade says its grease is for maintaining a healthy moisture balance and makes no therapeutic claims.
Is there a supplement for a dull coat?
Hygain Gleam is one, and Hygain says it is for horses with dull coats. Kohnke's says Reboot HOOF+ also improves mane and tail fullness, strength and condition.
Can a hoof supplement fix a cracked hoof?
Ranvet says biotin will not fix existing hoof damage, but it improves new horn. Keratex says a crack must grow out, so speak to your vet or farrier about any crack.
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Sources
Product facts in this guide are taken from the manufacturers' own pages listed below and from the product listings on this site; general care points are given as practical guidance, not veterinary advice. Last reviewed 15 October 2026.
- Hygain: Hoofgain
- Hygain: Gleam
- Kohnke's Own: Reboot HOOF+
- Ranvet: Hoof Food
- Ranvet: What is Biotin and how does it help my horses' hooves?
- Keratex: Hoof Hardener
- Kelato: BiotinMAX Concentrate
- EAC Animal Care: in-stride hoof supplement
- Equinade: Hoof Grease