Every horse, from companion to competition star, stands on strong foundations, literally. Healthy hooves are not a luxury but a necessity for movement, comfort and overall well-being, and the secret starts with nutrition. Especially in Portugal and Spain, where hot, dry conditions stress pastures and horses, the right nutrition matters even more, because the environment offers hooves little help of its own.

Built From the Inside Out

At Prime Hay Portugal we believe hoof health is built from the inside out. The hoof you see is the end product of processes happening months earlier, deep within the coronary band, which means today's diet shapes the horn that will reach the ground next season. High-quality hay is the cornerstone of every horse's diet, delivering the fibre, vitamins and minerals needed for digestion and nutrient absorption. A healthy gut is what actually turns a good diet into good hoof horn, so forage and hooves are far more closely linked than they first appear.

But not just any hay will do:

  • Always choose dust-free, green, clean hay with balanced calcium, phosphorus and protein levels
  • Horses need access to hay or fresh grass at least 13 to 16 hours per day to support gut health and strong, elastic hoof growth

That near-continuous intake matters because the equine digestive system is designed to trickle-feed. Long gaps without forage stress the gut and, over time, the whole horse, hooves included.

When Hay Needs a Boost

Sometimes even the best hay needs support, especially for horses with demanding workloads, weak or crumbling hooves, or a history of slow horn growth. Biotin is a key B-vitamin that supports keratin production for stronger, more resilient hooves, though it works best given consistently over several months, since horn grows slowly and improvement appears gradually. Prime Hay recommends Cavalor Hoof Aid, which contains biotin, zinc and amino acids, and Pavo Biotin Forte, which combines biotin, MSM, copper and trace elements for visible improvement. Zinc, copper and quality amino acids all play their own part alongside biotin, which is why well-formulated supplements combine them rather than relying on a single ingredient.

The Everyday Foundations

Good nutrition always starts with the basics: top-quality hay, daily turnout or access to fresh grass, and plenty of clean, fresh water. Add regular, skilled farrier care and attention to keeping hooves clean and picked out, and you give the horn the best possible conditions to grow strong. Combine this foundation with proven hoof supplements where needed, and you can achieve real, lasting results, inside and out. If you would like advice on the right forage base for healthy hooves, our team is always glad to help.