Farrier's Formula

The Original Hoof Supplement

The importance of nutrition to the growth and quality of a healthy hoof was unheard of in 1979 when Farrier's Formula (formerly named Hoof and Hair) was developed and introduced by J. Frank Gravlee, DVM, MS, CNS. The concept of "feeding the hoof" was born and a new segment of the equine industry was created.

Farrier's Formula was developed to provide the nutrients needed to enable horses to build strong structural and connective tissue proteins (tendon, ligaments, bones, joints). Developed almost thirty years ago, it has always contained nutrients such as phospholipids, omega fatty acids, etc. that have only recently been recognized as important "players" to help produce healthy dermal tissues.

Ingredients Contained In Farrier's Formula

• Alfalfa meal is highly palatable to horses. It contains a high Carotene content. The horse converts Carotene to Vitamin A as needed.


• Yeast Culture is a rich source of B-Vitamins necessary for good metabolism and healthy dermis (skin, hoof and hair).


• Lecithin contains Phospholipids and Omega Fatty Acids which add strength and pliability to connective tissues, and are also critical for proper moisture balance. Skin, hoof and hair are connective tissues.


• Soy protein concentrate is rich in Amino Acids which are required building blocks of tissue. Soy protien concentrate also funishes the amino acid Tyrosine which is a component of thyroid hormone and the neurotransmitter dopamine. Tyrosine is an essential Amino Acid and therefore must be available in the diet. Research performed at Life Data Labs in the 1970s - 1980s established the relationship of this nutrient with hoof problems and obesity related syndromes. Tyrosine supplementation is the natural means of regulating these syndromes, and has always contributed to the effectiveness of Farrier's Formula.


• DL-Methionine is a sulfur-containing Amino Acid deficient in all commonly fed grains (corn, oats, barley, etc.). It is important for the proper utilization of lipids and building the sulfur crosslinks that add strength to connective tissue proteins.


• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) supplementation is traditionally believed to be unnecessary in horses. However, research conducted by Life Data Labs established that stabled or stressed horses often have minimal blood levels of Ascorbic Acid and therefore benefit from supplementation. Vitamin C is required for healthy and strong connective tissue.


• Copper is an important component of a multitude of metabolic functions. A Copper deficiency leads to a number of abnormal conditions including defects in the pigmentation and strength of hair and hoof.


• Zinc is required for the healthy maturing of keratin - a major component of the outer layers of dermal tissue. Proper keratin formation is important for wound healing, skin health, and hoof structue.


• Biotin is a highly active member of the B-Complex Vitamins. Biotin serves essential roles in Fatty Acid metabolism.


• Calcium Iodate provides an easily utilized form of iodine. Iodine is a component of thyroid hormones which regulate basal metabolism. A deficiency of thyroid hormones is known as hypothyroidism and leads to a multitude of disease conditions including poor hair coat and hoof quality.


• Cobalt is essential for the production of Vitamin B-12 by microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract of the horse, and is important in the formation of red blood cells and healthy skin.

Pelleting and nitrogen packaging reduces oxidative damage to nutrients, allowing Life Data Labs the unique ability to provide extended guarantees of the following nutrients that are susceptible to degradation: