Ker-A-Form is a scientifically formulated coat and hoof supplement that is named after one of the tissues it was developed to nourish “keratin.” Keratin is the fibrous protein that forms the main structural component of hair and hooves. Without healthy keratin, hooves and hair grow slowly and become dull, dry, and brittle. The combination of nutrients found in Ker-A-Form support keratin as well as multiple other components that make up healthy skin, hair, and hooves.
Ker-A-Form will aid in the eliminating of dry, flaky hair coats and brittle manes and tails
Ker-A-Form contains ingredients that provide natural oils in the coat, bring out dapples, and enhance both color and sheen
Ker-A-Form supports a reduced incidence of toe cracks, quarter cracks, and other hoof abnormalities that stem from weak keratin in the hoof wall
Ounce for ounce, Ker-A-Form provides superior value for your dollar
FAQ
I thought biotin helped a horse’s feet grow. Why does Ker-A-Form contain zinc?
Zinc is a trace mineral vital to protein metabolism. Because hooves are predominantly composed of protein, zinc is integral to hoof strength. Research has shown that horses consuming a diet deficient in zinc and copper were more likely to be diagnosed with white line disease, a painful and debilitating hoof ailment, than horses that were supplemented with higher levels of these minerals (Hihami, 1999). A study performed by Coenen and Spitzlei (1997) demonstrated that supplementation with 300-500 mg of zinc per day led to increased zinc concentration in the hoof. Zinc is also critical to proper immune function. Some researchers believe that the form of zinc offered is important when trying to improve hoof condition. Organic minerals are more highly digestible than inorganic minerals. Highly digestible zinc proteinate is the form of organic zinc found in Ker-A-Form.
Why is methionine important to hoof health?
Methionine is an amino acid necessary for proper hoof growth. Hoof-building processes depend largely on methionine to bind keratin fibers in the hoof. The bonds that occur during growth give the hoof wall strength and resiliency.
You don’t usually see iodine in hoof supplement. Why is it in Ker-A-Form?
Good question. You are correct that iodine is not frequently included in hoof-building supplements, but Ker-A-Form is much more than a hoof supplement. It is a coat conditioner too. Ker-A-Form contains iodine because of its known effects on coat condition. Iodine controls the production of thyroid hormones, which are necessary for optimal health. Iodine deficiency can cause a dry, lusterless coat and patchy or diffuse hair loss (Fadok and Wild, 1983).
Wow. I started using Ker-A-Form a couple weeks ago and I can’t believe how great my horse’s coat looks. What caused that?
Ker-A-Form is a great coat conditioner because it contains full-fat soybeans. These soybeans are a source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The addition of fat to the diet adds pliability to the skin and bloom to the coat. Few other hoof supplements offer these benefits and those that do are usually more expensive than Ker-A-Form.
Why is biotin important?
Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that is essential for the maintenance of connective tissue found in skin, hooves, and hair. Research has found that 20 mg of biotin per day significantly improves hoof health and coat condition. In controlled studies, there were no differences in rate or quality of hoof growth when more than 20 mg of biotin was offered daily. One ounce of Ker-A-Form contains 20 mg of biotin.
Do fats help only the coat and skin?
No, they also affect the hoof. Ker-A-Form contains full-fat soybean meal and lecithin. Both of these ingredients are abundant in fatty acids, which help maintain elastic skin and smooth, glossy coats. In addition, fatty acids contribute to hoof health by creating a barrier that repels excessive moisture.
My horse looks good at the beginning of show season but later his coat gets dull and dry. I think it is because we have to bathe him so much. Can Ker-A-Form help?
Yes. Ker-A-Form is a great supplement for show horses. The omega fatty acids it provides help prevent the skin from getting dry and flakey from too much washing. Constant wetting and drying cycles can also affect hoof quality; the fat in Ker-A-Form contributes to the development of a healthy moisture barrier in the hoof so they don’t dry out as readily.
I am looking for a hoof and coat supplement that contains high-quality proteins. Does Ker-A-Form?
Yes. One of the main ingredients in Ker-A-Form is full-fat soybeans, which are abundant in amino acids. Full-fat soybeans contain the highest quality protein and the greatest amount of lysine of any plant-source protein supplement. In addition to lysine, Ker-A-Form supplies horses with methionine, yet another essential amino acid, as well as a host of other essential amino acids necessary for optimal hoof and hair growth.
How quickly does Ker-A-Form begin to work?
In combination with a well-balanced diet, healthy hoof growth will be apparent approximately 8 to 12 weeks following the start of Ker-A-Form supplementation. It takes about a year for a horse to grow out a totally new hoof.
How will Ker-A-Form help my horse?
Ker-A-Form supplies horses with the nutrients necessary to produce soft, slick coats, thereby decreasing grooming time. Ker-A-Form also toughens hooves, eliminating the appearance of toe cracks, quarter cracks, and other hoof abnormalities that stem from weak hoof walls. Horses that have been supplemented with Ker-A-Form hold shoes longer because farriers nail them to less brittle hooves, which means less lameness and more riding time.
Recommended For
When to use Ker-A-Form:
If a horse or pony has a dull, dry hair coat, a short brittle mane and tail, or soft, cracked hooves, he may be missing important nutrients in his diet. Ker-A-Form is formulated to complement the concentrate and forage portions of your horse’s diet. It contains additional levels of the ingredients researchers have discovered contribute to optimal hair, hoof, and skin development. Horses that may not be consuming enough of these nutrients, or those that need more than their fair share to support healthy tissues, can be supplemented with Ker-A-Form.
Recommended for
Any horse or pony with brittle hooves, dry skin, and/or dull hair coats
Those that are prone to losing shoes
Horses or ponies that compete or are being ridden on a regular basis
Those that are bathed frequently or live outside in extreme weather conditions
Show and sale horses or ponies that require superior hair coats
Ingredients
First signs of insufficient nutrients
One of the first signs of inadequate nutrition is a dry, dull hair coat and cracked hooves. Even horses consuming enough energy to maintain appropriate weight can be missing the vitamins, minerals, fats, and proteins needed to support a shiny hair coat and tough hooves. Certain ingredients, such as fatty acids, lysine, biotin, zinc, methionine, and iodine, must be present in the correct amounts in a horse’s diet or skin, hooves, and hair will suffer.
How do the ingredients in Ker-A-Form work?
High-quality protein and fatty acids
Ker-A-Form contains both full-fat soybean meal and lecithin. Full-fat soybeans are abundant in amino acids, the building blocks of protein. In fact, full-fat soybeans contain the highest quality protein and the greatest amount of lysine (a limiting amino acid) of any plant-source protein. Both soybeans and lecithin are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain elastic skin and slick, glossy coats. In addition, fatty acids contribute to hoof health by creating a barrier that repels excessive moisture.
Biotin
Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that is essential for the maintenance of connective tissue found in skin, hooves, and hair. Research studies have proven that at least 20 mg per day of biotin is needed to toughen hooves and promote the growth of healthy hoof walls.
Zinc
Zinc is a trace mineral vital to protein metabolism. Because hooves and hair are predominantly composed of protein, zinc is integral to hoof and hair strength. Zinc is also critical to proper immune function. Ker-A-Form contains zinc proteinate, the form of zinc most easily digested by horses.
Methionine and iodine
Methionine is an amino acid necessary for proper hoof growth. Hoof-building processes depend largely on methionine to bind keratin fibers in the hoof. The bonds that occur during growth give the hoof wall strength and resiliency. Iodine controls the production of thyroid hormones, which are necessary for optimal health of hair and hooves.
Yeast cultures
Research has shown that high-quality yeast cultures help horses maintain a healthy digestive tract and increase the digestibility of nutrients by stimulating the activity of the good microorganisms in the hindgut. A healthy microbial population will also provide additional B vitamins to the horse, supporting better overall health.
Superior value for your dollar
Ounce for ounce, Ker-A-Form provides more of the ingredients you need to support and maintain healthy hooves, hair coat, and hindgut at a lower cost per day!
Serving and Storage
Feeding instructions:
1 scoop = 1 oz
Maintenance level: 1 scoop per day
Horses or ponies that need additional support: 2 scoops per day
Storage and shelf life:
Store Ker-A-Form in a cool, dry place and keep lid tightly closed between uses. Shelf life is 24 months from date of manufacture when stored under suitable conditions.
Available sizes:
3-lb container (48-day supply for 1 horse at 1 scoop per day)
25-lb container (400-day supply for 1 horse at 1 scoop per day)
More Information
For more information on hoof, hair, and skin nutrition visit our blog and explore these titles.
I looooooove using this! It saved my Quarter Horses’s flat, this, cracking soles! Oh and impossible to keep shoes on him. So he stays barefoot with boots i put on at time for rides.
But with this stuff, i have seen a difference in two weeks! I never go a day without it and he loves it too! Its easy for him to eat and he never turned his nose up! Even my most picky eater of my horses will eat it!
Rated 5 out of 5
Deborah Marl –
A very flat footed horse that always had terrible cracks, thin soles and often lame to hooves that are stronger, thicker with minimal cracking.
It has taken time, results did not appear overnight. I had tried other hoof supplements over the years, but this one really helped.
Katherine Rollin Villeneuve –
I looooooove using this! It saved my Quarter Horses’s flat, this, cracking soles! Oh and impossible to keep shoes on him. So he stays barefoot with boots i put on at time for rides.
But with this stuff, i have seen a difference in two weeks! I never go a day without it and he loves it too! Its easy for him to eat and he never turned his nose up! Even my most picky eater of my horses will eat it!
Deborah Marl –
A very flat footed horse that always had terrible cracks, thin soles and often lame to hooves that are stronger, thicker with minimal cracking.
It has taken time, results did not appear overnight. I had tried other hoof supplements over the years, but this one really helped.