By Horse Hi 
Choosing the best feed for your horse is crucial to their health, performance, and overall well-being. Just as human athletes need specialized diets, so do horses, especially given the variety of breeds, workloads, and health conditions.
To help navigate the options, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 horse feed brands recommended by experts. Each of these brands is known for quality, consistency, and formulas that cater to the specific needs of horses. Here’s a look at why these brands stand out.
1. Purina Horse Feed
Why Experts Recommend It:
Purina is widely recognized in the equestrian community for its science-backed formulas and consistency across batches. The brand collaborates closely with equine nutritionists and veterinarians to develop feeds that meet the diverse needs of horses, whether they’re leisure trail horses or high-performance athletes.
Top Products:
Purina Equine Senior: This feed is tailored for older horses, with easily digestible nutrients to support aging joints and digestive health.
Purina Ultium Competition: Formulated for performance horses, it offers sustained energy and helps support muscle recovery after intense activities.
Unique Ingredients:
Purina includes high-quality protein sources and ingredients such as beet pulp and vegetable oils, which provide both energy and fiber. Many of their feeds also incorporate vitamins and minerals in optimal ratios to promote overall health.
2. Nutrena Horse Feed
Why Experts Recommend It:
Nutrena has over 90 years of experience in equine nutrition, developing a wide range of products catering to horses of all life stages and activity levels. The brand emphasizes high-quality, carefully sourced ingredients to ensure their feeds are nutrient-rich and palatable.
Top Products:
Nutrena SafeChoice Original: A balanced feed suitable for most adult horses, providing a stable energy source without excess sugar and starch.
Nutrena ProForce Fuel: Designed for performance and competition horses, this feed provides high-fat content for sustained energy and added amino acids for muscle maintenance.
Unique Ingredients:
Nutrena incorporates controlled levels of starch and sugar, with high-quality fats for energy. Their feeds often include biotin, which supports hoof and coat health, and added probiotics to aid digestion.
3. Triple Crown Nutrition
Why Experts Recommend It:
Triple Crown is known for its high-fiber, low-starch formulas, making it ideal for horses with sensitive digestive systems or metabolic concerns. Veterinarians and trainers frequently recommend Triple Crown for its commitment to quality and focus on digestive health.
Top Products:
Triple Crown Senior: Formulated specifically for senior horses, this feed includes high fiber and added probiotics to support digestive efficiency and gut health.
Triple Crown Complete: A versatile feed suitable for multiple types of horses, offering a blend of fiber, fat, and protein that supports weight management.
Unique Ingredients:
Triple Crown uses beet pulp, rice bran, and flaxseed oil in many of its formulas, ensuring horses receive high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Their feeds are also free from fillers and use organic minerals to enhance nutrient absorption.
4. Cavalor Horse Feed
Why Experts Recommend It:
Cavalor is a high-end feed brand trusted by top equestrians and performance riders worldwide. Known for its targeted nutrition, Cavalor designs feeds that cater to the intense energy demands of competitive and working horses.
Top Products:
Cavalor FiberForce: This high-fiber feed is excellent for horses with gastric issues or those requiring low-starch diets, providing fiber from a range of sources.
Cavalor Strucomix Original: Suitable for horses that need balanced energy without high sugar content, this feed also promotes healthy digestion.
Unique Ingredients:
Cavalor emphasizes natural ingredients, using a blend of oats, wheat, barley, and various fiber sources. Their feeds are also enriched with prebiotics and probiotics to maintain optimal gut health, making them ideal for performance horses.
5. Tribute Equine Nutrition
Why Experts Recommend It:
Tribute is highly regarded for its premium-quality, low-starch formulations, which make it an excellent choice for horses prone to metabolic issues. The brand uses only carefully selected ingredients to create well-balanced feeds that support immunity, energy, and digestion.
Top Products:
Tribute Kalm ‘N EZ: A low-starch, low-sugar feed perfect for horses with sensitivities to starch or sugar, or those needing a cool energy source.
Tribute Essential K: This feed provides a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, ideal for supporting horses on forage-based diets.
Unique Ingredients:
Tribute includes organic trace minerals in their feeds for better absorption, and many of their products are soy-free, which can be beneficial for horses with dietary sensitivities. Tribute also incorporates high levels of vitamin E and selenium, supporting immune health and muscle function.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Horse Feed
When selecting a horse feed, it’s important to account for your horse’s age, workload, health, and even temperament. Here are a few key factors experts recommend keeping in mind:
Starch and Sugar Levels: High-starch diets can lead to digestive upset, especially in horses with metabolic or behavioral issues. Look for low-starch options if your horse needs controlled energy.
Fiber Content: Horses are natural grazers, and high-fiber feeds align with their digestive needs. Feeds with ingredients like beet pulp and alfalfa meal can help maintain digestive health.
Protein and Fat: The right levels of protein and fat can support muscle development, weight management, and energy. High-performance horses typically need more fat for sustained energy.
Vitamins and Minerals: Proper mineral ratios and added vitamins like E and B-complex are essential for overall health, especially if your horse’s diet is forage-based.
Digestive Support: Ingredients like probiotics and prebiotics are increasingly common in top horse feeds. They help support the digestive system, reducing the risk of colic and other issues.
Choosing the right feed is fundamental for the well-being and performance of your horse. Brands like Purina, Nutrena, Triple Crown, Cavalor, and Tribute are all backed by scientific research and years of equine nutrition expertise. By selecting a feed that meets your horse’s specific needs, you’re investing in their health, energy, and happiness. Always consult with an equine nutritionist or veterinarian for personalized advice, as each horse is unique and may have specific dietary requirements.