How to Choose the Best Hoof Care Products for Your Horse

Caring for your horse’s hooves affects their comfort, performance and long-term soundness. When you choose the right products, you reduce the risk of cracks, infection and lameness, and you can save time and money on corrective work. This guide helps you cut through claims and pick products that actually support healthy hooves and reliable performance so you can keep your horse comfortable and riding-ready.

Top Picks

How We Picked These Hoof Care Products

You want products that deliver measurable hoof improvement without risking irritation or masking a problem. We prioritized: proven ingredient action (moisturizers like glycerin or oils for hooves, and nutrients such as biotin for growth), real-world ease of use (application method and frequency), safety for equine use, value for the price, and consistent positive feedback from horse owners and farriers.

We also considered whether a product is intended as a conditioner, a supplement, or owner-care (for your hands), and whether manufacturers provide clear directions and guarantees. Where possible we favored products with long track records and high average ratings.

Onyx Hard as Hoof Cream

If your horse-care routine had a tiny indulgence for you, this would be it — except this product is actually for human nails, but the idea is the same: consistent, simple care that makes a noticeable difference. You rub a small amount into the nail bed, cuticle and underside a few times a day (or nightly if you prefer), and it absorbs quickly — it’s more of a balm/paste than a greasy lotion.

For everyday use it firms up fragile nails, so you’re not constantly trimming or babysitting cracked tips. For special occasions — a show, a clinic or any day you want your hands to look put-together — a treatment overnight will make your nails look smoother and less ridged. People report visible improvement in weeks and ongoing maintenance only takes a couple of applications per week.

If you want something low-fuss that actually helps damaged nails recover, this is a practical, inexpensive pick you can try without changing your whole routine.

What People Say

Users consistently report stronger nails after regular nightly use, faster growth for damaged nails, and a non-greasy feel that makes it easy to add to a routine.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Long-Term Value

Because a little goes a long way, you may cut salon repair visits and expensive replacements. Routine at-home care with this jar (priced under $10) often means fewer emergency fixes and less spending on temporary salon solutions.

Situational Benefits

Health Benefits

Versatility

Works as a targeted treatment on individual nails, a nightly full-hand mask, or occasional upkeep; suitable for different levels of damage and for maintenance.

Safety

For external use only; A-plus content recommends a patch test. Contains common cosmetic preservatives and fragrance — check ingredients if you have sensitivities.

Durability

The jar is small (1 fl oz) but the balm-like texture means a little goes a long way; many users report the jar lasts longer than expected when used sparingly.

What It Solves

Effectively addresses brittle, peeling and slow-growing nails when used consistently; best results reported after several weeks of regular application.

Key Benefits

• Strengthens brittle, peeling or cracked nails
• Absorbs quickly with minimal greasy residue
• Contains nourishing ingredients like jojoba, coconut and vitamins
• Can speed recovery after acrylic/gel nail damage
• Small, affordable jar that lasts with spot treatments

Current Price: $8.88

Rating: 4.4 (total: 72140+)

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NUVADERMIS Urea Cream 40%

This is a heavy-duty foot cream meant for people, not horse hooves, but it’s worth mentioning in a hoof-care roundup because if you spend long days in the barn your feet can take a beating too. You’ll notice it’s thick and concentrated — a little goes a long way. Use it daily as part of an evening routine to soften rough heels and calluses, or do a short intensive run for a few nights before a clinic or show to make your feet feel less cracked and sore.

The 40% urea brings deep hydration while 2% salicylic acid helps slough away thickened skin; tea tree oil and vitamin E add a soothing touch. If you want something to repair and maintain hardworking feet without fuss, this is a practical pick to keep in your tack room or bathroom.

What People Say

People regularly report softer, less cracked heels after a few uses, noting the cream’s concentrated texture and overnight effectiveness.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Long-Term Value

Because the formula is concentrated and the 5.3 fl oz jar is meant for multiple spot treatments, routine use can reduce the need for frequent professional peels or salon fixes, saving you money over time.

Situational Benefits

Health Benefits

Versatility

Primarily a foot and heel treatment but useful on any rough patches — knees, elbows, even hands — when you need stronger hydration and exfoliation than a standard lotion.

Safety

For external use only. Keep away from eyes, keep out of reach of children and do a patch test if you have sensitive skin; contains preservatives like methylparaben and phenoxyethanol.

Durability

The 5.3 fl oz (5.29 Fluid Ounces) jar is sizable for a concentrated cream; because a small amount goes a long way, many users report the jar lasts through months of upkeep.

What It Solves

Addresses severe dryness, thick calluses and cracked heels at home with consistent use; best for people who want an active treatment rather than a light moisturizer.

Key Benefits

• Deep hydration from 40% urea for very dry, cracked skin
• Gentle exfoliation with 2% salicylic acid to reduce calluses
• Soothing ingredients like tea tree oil and vitamin E
• Multi-area use — feet, heels, knees, elbows and hands
• Dermatologically tested and cruelty-free

Current Price: $20.99

Rating: 4.5 (total: 3771+)

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Farnam Horseshoer's Secret Hoof Oil (32 oz)

If your horse struggles with dry, brittle hooves, this deep-penetrating oil is an easy product to add to your routine. You apply it to the wall, sole and coronary band to lock in moisture, improve texture and help prevent cracks over time.

What People Say

You’ll see plenty of owners saying it 'does the job' — regular users report softer, healthier hooves and fewer visible cracks. A few users note concerns about ingredients, but most praise the conditioning and quick results.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Long-Term Cost Benefits

Using a reliable hoof conditioner can help you avoid recurring repairs and emergency farrier visits caused by brittle or cracked hooves. Over a season, keeping hooves conditioned may reduce the frequency of corrective work, making the 32 oz bottle (a modest upfront cost) feel like a good value.

Situational Benefits

Health Benefits

Versatility

You can brush it into the sole, frog, hoof wall and massage it into the coronary band. It’s suitable for routine maintenance and for targeted treatment of dry or damaged areas.

Safety Features

Follow directions: keep hooves clean and apply to clean, dry surfaces. The product carries a Proposition 65 warning—store away from children, avoid contact with eyes, and use as directed.

Durability

The 32 oz bottle gives you a good amount of product for regular use. The formula is stable and widely used, so you won’t need to replace it frequently if you apply it as directed.

Problem-Solving Ability

This hoof oil directly targets dryness, brittleness and superficial cracks. While it helps prevent and improve many common hoof issues, you should still work with your farrier or vet for structural problems or infections.

Key Benefits

• Deep penetration with avocado oil to condition from the inside out
• Helps prevent and restore cracks, splits and contracted heels
• Glycerine attracts moisture while mineral oil helps lock it in
• Fast-absorbing formula that doesn’t leave heavy residue
• Improves hoof color, sheen and texture

Current Price: $24.99

Rating: 4.8 (total: 1,242+)

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Vita Biotin Crumbles (3 lb)

If you want a simple, everyday supplement to support hoof growth, this is the kind of product you can add to the grain bucket and not worry about. It’s a biotin-based crumble that’s easy to feed (less sorting than fine powders) and is formulated for all horses, including pregnant mares.

Use it daily as part of your regular feeding routine to help strengthen hoof walls and support new growth; people also turn to it after farrier work or when trying to grow out cracks. It won’t replace veterinary care for infections or major structural issues, but for routine support and improvement over a few months, it’s a solid, budget-friendly option you can rely on.

What People Say

You’ll see owners reporting visible hoof improvement after a few months—common notes are fewer cracks, stronger walls and the product being easy to feed. Many highlight the value compared with pricier alternatives.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Long-Term Cost Benefits

Using an effective hoof supplement can reduce the need for frequent corrective farrier work. At the current price of $20.94 for a 3 lb container (about $0.44/oz) and with Subscribe & Save available, this is a low ongoing cost compared with repeated treatments or expensive specialty formulas.

Situational Benefits

Health Benefits

Versatility

You’ll mix it into the regular grain ration once a day (1 oz scoop recommended). It works as a daily nutritional support and as a focused treatment when you’re trying to grow out a crack or recover from seasonal hoof issues.

Safety Features

Follow the directions on the label (1 oz daily). Keep feed bowls clean and monitor intake.

The product carries standard warnings—store out of reach of children and follow any vet guidance for medicated needs.

Durability

A 3 lb container offers a practical short-term supply (about 48 days at the recommended dose). The crumble form keeps well when stored in a cool, dry place, and the cost-per-day is low compared with many supplements.

Problem-Solving Ability

This supplement targets nutritional support for hoof quality—useful for chipping, cracking and weak hoof walls. It won’t fix infections or structural issues on its own, so team up with your farrier or vet for complex problems.

Key Benefits

• Provides biotin to support keratin formation and healthy hoof growth
• Helps strengthen hoof walls and reduce chipping or cracking
• Palatable larger crumble form reduces sorting at feeding time
• Suitable for all horses, including pregnant mares
• Affordable option compared with many specialized hoof supplements

Current Price: $20.94

Rating: 4.7 (total: 526+)

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FAQ

How Do I Choose The Right Hoof Care Product For My Horse?

Start by assessing your horse's hoof condition and environment: are the hooves dry and cracked, soft from mud and wet conditions, or showing white line or other structural problems? Match the product to the problem rather than chasing marketing claims.

For dry, brittle hooves you may prefer a deep-penetrating conditioner that contains natural oils and humectants; for example, products like Farnam Horseshoer's Secret (often around $24.99) are formulated to condition and lock moisture in with ingredients such as avocado oil and glycerine. If hooves are chronically wet, avoid heavy, greasy dressings that can trap moisture and promote thrush. Look for reputable brands with clear directions and ingredients, check reviews and consult your farrier.

Most importantly, consult your farrier or veterinarian before changing routine products so you don’t worsen the problem by using the wrong treatment.

Should You Use Topical Hoof Oils Or Oral Supplements?

Topical products and oral supplements serve different purposes and often work best together. Topicals like hoof oils or dressings condition the outer hoof, improve flexibility, protect against cracking and add sheen; they can show visible improvement in weeks when used correctly.

Oral supplements such as biotin support internal hoof growth and wall strength over time; a product like Vita Biotin Crumbles (around $20.94) is fed daily at the manufacturer’s dose and typically needs several months before you see structural changes. Remember that topicals cannot rebuild poor-quality horn from the inside and supplements won’t fix a one-off dry crack overnight. Also avoid applying human foot products with strong actives (for example, 40% urea or salicylic acid formulas) to horses without professional advice, and don’t assume a human nail cream (such as a coconut-scented nail conditioning cream) is appropriate for a horse’s hoof.

In short, use topicals for surface conditioning and supplements for long-term growth, and be patient—supplements take time.

How Do You Apply Hoof Care Products Safely And What Results Should You Expect?

Always start with clean, picked-out hooves that are free of debris and packed mud. For oils and conditioners follow the product directions: brush or rub the product into the sole, frog and bulbs, apply to the hoof wall and massage up into the coronary band to support healthy new growth, and repeat at the interval the manufacturer recommends (many dressings are applied two to three times per week or as needed). If you use a supplement follow the feeding instructions exactly, typically daily, and allow at least 3 to 6 months to judge effectiveness.

Watch your horse’s hooves for signs of improvement such as fewer cracks, harder-to-break walls, and healthier frog tissue; surface improvements can appear in weeks while structural growth requires months. If a product makes hooves softer, causes irritation, or you see increased cracking, stop use and contact your farrier or vet.

Use gloves when handling concentrated products, store items as directed, and remember that good trimming, balanced hooves, proper nutrition, and regular farrier care are the foundation—products are a supplement to good hoof management, not a replacement.

Customer Favorites

When choosing between Onyx Hard as Hoof Cream, NUVADERMIS Urea Cream 40%, and Farnam Horseshoers Secret Hoof Oil, you typically prioritize how quickly a product hardens and seals the hoof, the strength of moisturizing or keratolytic action, and how easy it is to apply and how long it lasts. So if you want rapid hardening and protection you’ll lean toward Onyx, for treating very dry or cracked areas the 40% urea cream is your go-to, and for deep conditioning and long-lasting protection between trims you’ll pick the Farnam hoof oil.

Wrapping Up

When you focus on the right combination of products — a reliable conditioning oil to maintain moisture and hoof wall integrity and a targeted supplement to support growth — you give your horse the best chance at durable, healthy hooves. Use topical hoof conditioners like Farnam Horseshoer's Secret to restore pliability and protect against cracks, and add a proven biotin supplement such as Vita Biotin Crumbles when you need structural improvement from the inside out.

Also remember to care for your own hands when you’re handling hooves; keeping your cuticles and nails healthy helps you perform farrier tasks safely and comfortably. Prioritize products with clear instructions, compatible ingredients, and strong user feedback, and check with your farrier or vet if a hoof issue persists.

Product	Image	Rating	Primary Use	Active Ingredients	Target Audience	Price
Onyx Professional Hard as Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream		4.4/5 (N reviews)	Nail Strengthening and Conditioning	Coconut Oil Vitamin E Lanolin	Individuals with brittle nails seeking growth and conditioning	$8.88
NUVADERMIS Urea Cream 40 Percent for Feet		4.5/5 (N reviews)	Moisturizing and Treating Cracked Heels	Urea Salicylic Acid Shea Butter	Individuals with dry, cracked feet seeking intensive moisture	$20.99
Farnam Horseshoer's Secret Deep-Penetrating Hoof Oil		4.8/5 (1,242 reviews)	Conditioning and Moisturizing Horse Hooves	Avocado Oil Glycerin Mineral Oil	Horse owners looking to maintain healthy hooves	$24.99
Vita Biotin Crumbles Horse Hoof Supplement		4.7/5 (526 reviews)	Supporting Healthy Hoof Growth	Biotin Protein Amino Acids	Horse owners wanting to improve hoof health through nutrition	$20.94