When it comes to thrush of the frog, the talk is usually of environmental causes such as wet ground, a dirty stable, mud or a lack of regular hoof care. In those conditions anaerobic bacteria and fungi multiply and destroy the tissue of the frog. The horse’s general condition also matters. An animal with weakened immunity, metabolic disorders or deficiencies in the diet will be much more susceptible to infection within the hoof. That means hygiene and care on their own are not always enough: a properly balanced diet is also an important part of prevention.
A healthy hoof is the result of proper nourishment of the whole body. A diet poor in nutrients makes the hoof horn soft, brittle and prone to damage, while an excess of readily fermentable carbohydrates burdens the metabolism and indirectly worsens hoof quality. That is why, in horses at risk of thrush, it is so important to supply all the essential nutrients in the right proportions, while avoiding surpluses of energy and starch. Protein is of key importance, especially the sulphur-containing amino acids such as methionine and cysteine, which are the basis for building keratin (the main component of hoof horn). Shortages of these compounds mean the hoof regenerates more slowly and is more prone to infection, so the diet should include high-quality sources of protein: lucerne, linseed and feed yeast.
In the prevention of thrush, biotin deserves particular attention: supplementing it clearly improves the quality of the hoof horn. It increases its elasticity, strength and rate of growth, which translates into healthier frogs. Minerals such as zinc and copper, which are responsible for mineralising the horn, selenium and vitamin E with their antioxidant properties, and a suitable calcium-to-phosphorus ratio that supports the whole skeleton, also have a supporting effect. Fatty acids of the omega-3 type, present in linseed oil and linseed, are also an important part of the diet. They have an anti-inflammatory effect, improve microcirculation and the general condition of the hooves.
To sum up… thrush of the frog is not solely the result of a lack of hygiene in the stable or of wet ground. It is a disease whose risk can be significantly reduced through the right feeding. A well-balanced diet improves the quality of the hoof horn, strengthens the body’s immunity and speeds up regeneration of the frog tissue. If your horse tends to have hoof problems, look at its diet and, if needed, discuss it with a nutritionist. You can also effectively support prevention and protect your horse from serious complications linked to thrush by choosing supplements dedicated to hoof health ✨