Minerals make up 3% to 5% of an animal's body (dry weight). Basic functions of minerals include: skeletal formation and maintenance, function of protein synthesis, oxygen transport, fluid balance, regulating acid-base balance of the entire system, activators and/or components of enzyme systems and mineral-vitamin relationship.

It is helpful to know how to read an ingredient list on any feed for supplement in order to determine bioavailability. There are three basic levels of bioavailability:

1. Least available and least expensive (oxides i.e. Copper oxide).

2. Sulfates are more bioavailable and fall in the middle (i.e. Copper Sulfate).

3. Proteinates or chelates are the most bioavailable of the three. 

4. There are currently five proteinated trace minerals which are important in hoof integrity, they are: iron, copper, manganese, zinc and cobalt.

The word "chelate" means to combine a mineral molecule and another easily absorbable molecule, such as an amino acid. Proteinating improves the bioavailability of the mineral to target cells and organs. During digestion the weak bonds of conventional inorganic oxides and sulfates are broken down by the stomach's low pH. The released ions become susceptible to the formation of insoluble and unavailable complexes that are excreted in feces never reaching the target cells. Research shows that chelation improves reproduction in problem brood mares, helping them settle faster and carry the fetuses to term.

The use of chelated minerals, especially zinc, has been reported to dramatically improve hair and coat condition in horses as well. Field reports from farms using chelated zinc and copper found that young horses experienced fewer developmental orthopedic problems than in previous years when inorganic mineral sources were used.

Research has established the fact that Vitamins are a very important part of equine nutrition. Vitamins:

1) Are organic components of natural food but distinct from carbohydrates, fat, protein, and water;

2) Are present in food in minute amounts and effect in the animal body when present in small amounts;

3) Are essential for development of normal tissue; necessary for metabolic activity, but do not enter into the structural portion of the body;

4) When absent from the diet or not properly absorbed or utilized, result in a specific deficiency disease or syndrome;

Since vitamins play various roles and are regulators of metabolism, they are necessary for growth and maintenance of life. Therefore, proper vitamin levels in the diet are not only important from the standpoint of preventing specific deficiency symptoms, but also promote general health, vigor and the ability to combat stress and disease. For example, most vitamins are apparently involved in antibody synthesis, whereby animals acquire immunity to specific infections.

Vitamin requirements may also increase in old age due to difficulties in absorption and utilization. Today, sub-optimal vitamin levels in the rations fed livestock and laboratory animals that cause undetected reductions in performance and are probably of greater importance than from deficiencies, with the resulting typical deficiency symptom. On the other hand, vitamin supplementation should not be used as a "cure all" treatment.

There are several vitamins that are important in hoof nutrition: vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E and biotin.

Vitamin A plays an important role in bone formation, tissue and hoof wall growth and strength. Vitamin A is necessary for the growth and development of normal hooves. Horses that are deficient in vitamin A produce a poor, weak hoof wall in which tubules won't hold together and maintain the horse's weight.

Vitamin D also plays a role in bone formation because it enhances calcium and phosphorous absorption from renal tubules in the hooves.

Vitamin E plays and important role in muscle structure, which is directly related to the activity of the hoof. Selenium is thought to be involved in vitamin E absorption and/or retention. Selenium deficiencies include loss of hoof, mane, and tail.

Biotin, a B-vitamin, has been heralded as a hoof enhancer for many years.

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. The horse's digestive system converts plant protein into amino acids. Many of the nutrients are bonded to amino acids to enhance bioavailability. Recent research has shown that supplementation with DL-Methionine and L-Lysine improve hoof growth and integrity. Recommended feeding levels of DL-Methionine are 1500-3000mg and L-Lysine is 1200-2600mg per day, in order to improve hoof growth.

The interrelationships between vitamins, minerals and amino acids are vital to the overall well-being and care of the horse. Whether a horse owner or enthusiast, it is important to take an active role in the feeding and care. It is not necessary to be a nutritionist, or veterinarian to possess knowledge and understanding of how to properly supplement. It is however, necessary to seek out the advice and expertise of equine professionals in order to ensure that the horse is receiving the best overall diet and care.