Wood pellets - dry, cracking hooves?

[Katkin]

Just wondering if anyone else has noticed their horses hooves being harder and drier than usual when using wood pellet bedding? My horse had no change in diet or management other than starting to use wood pellets but there was a noticeable difference in the condition of the hoof and sole by springtime. My farrier commented on it too and it hasn't caused a major problem but I'll be quicker off the mark if it starts again next winter.

 

[rossiroo]

I have found the same but it is easily solved by using a hoof oil/moisturiser. In the winter the pellets have prevented mine from getting black/smelly frogs.

 

[Miss L Toe]

I think that a lot of feet problems are due to fluctuation in moisture, and extreme wet / mud which soaks up in to the hoof, just as happens to your nails when in the bath.
If you have a problem I agree with dressing, but also check diet. Are you adding enough water to the pellets, I mix them in a wheelbarrow.