
Selecting the right complete feed is crucial for maintaining your horse’s health, performance, and overall well-being. Complete feeds are formulated to provide all the essential nutrientsāproteins, fats, fiber, vitamins, and mineralsānecessary for a balanced diet. These feeds are particularly beneficial for horses with limited access to quality forage or those requiring specific dietary support. In this guide, we’ve curated a list of ten top-rated complete horse feeds, each catering to different needs and preferences. Whether you’re managing a senior horse, an active athlete, or a horse with metabolic concerns, there’s a suitable option to meet your equine companion’s nutritional requirements.
1. Total Feeds Total Equine Horse Feed
Total Feeds Total Equine Horse Feed is a complete, extruded feed formulated to meet the nutritional needs of horses, mules, and donkeys of all ages and activity levels. Made primarily from high-fiber alfalfa hay, it provides a balanced mix of protein, fat, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. The extrusion process enhances digestibility and nutrient absorption, promoting overall health, performance, and attitude. This feed is designed to be fed alongside quality roughage, offering a well-rounded diet for equines.
Pros:
- High digestibility due to extrusion process
- Supports overall equine health and performance
- Contains essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals
- Made with high-fiber alfalfa for palatability
- Suitable for horses, mules, and donkeys
Cons:
- May not be suitable for horses with grain sensitivities
- Requires careful feeding management
- Not available in all regions
- Limited flavor options
- Higher cost per pound compared to some feeds
2. Tribute Equine Nutrition Kalm ‘N EZ Pellet
Tribute Equine Nutrition Kalm ‘N EZ Pellet is a low non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) feed formulated for adult horses with sensitivities to sugar and starch. Containing 13.5% NSC, this pelleted feed is free from corn, oats, and molasses, making it suitable for horses with metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and PSSM Type 1. It is also beneficial for hyperactive horses and those with digestive tract sensitivities. The high fiber content (20%) and added fat (8%) support digestive health and provide sustained energy without causing excitability. Formulated with pre- and probiotics, it supports gut health, and the inclusion of Constant ComfortĀ® helps maintain a healthy gastric pH, reducing the risk of ulcers and digestive upset.
Pros:
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Low NSC (13.5%) suitable for metabolic-sensitive horses
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High fiber (20%) and added fat (8%) for sustained energy
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Free from corn, oats, and molasses
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Contains pre- and probiotics for digestive support
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Includes Constant ComfortĀ® for gastric pH balance
Cons:
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Higher cost per bag
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May not be suitable for horses without metabolic concerns
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Requires careful feeding management
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Not available in all regions
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Limited flavor options
3. Hygain Zero Ultra-Low Starch & Cereal Grain-Free Fully Fortified Horse Feed
Hygain Zero is a pelleted, soy-free, and cereal grain-free horse feed formulated for metabolic-sensitive horses. With an ultra-low non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) content of 6.5%, it is ideal for horses with conditions like laminitis, Cushingās, Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), or insulin resistance. The feed boasts 35% soluble fiber to support digestive health and is enriched with biotin, natural vitamin E, and prebiotics to promote hoof integrity, antioxidant support, and gut health. Additionally, it contains Hygainās proprietary rice bran oil (RBOĀ®) for added shine and essential fatty acids.
Pros:
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6.5% NSC, suitable for metabolic-sensitive horses
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35% soluble fiber supports digestive health
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Soy and cereal grain-free formulation
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Enriched with biotin and natural vitamin E
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Contains prebiotics for gut health
Cons:
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Higher cost per bag
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May not be suitable for all horses
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Requires careful feeding management
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Limited availability in certain regions
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Not suitable for all dietary needs
4. Nutrena SafeChoice Senior Molasses-Free Horse Feed
Nutrena SafeChoice Senior Molasses-Free Horse Feed is designed for aging horses, focusing on digestive health and muscle support. This feed is free from molasses and includes Digestive Shield⢠technology, which incorporates pre- and probiotics for gut health. The formula also contains Topline BalanceĀ® for maintaining muscle mass and Nutri-Bloom AdvantageĀ® for better fiber digestion. Omega fatty acids from rice bran and flaxseed help improve skin and coat condition. Itās a complete diet for senior horses with unique nutritional needs.
Pros:
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Molasses-free formula
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Supports digestion and immune health
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Promotes muscle maintenance
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Improves fiber digestion
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Enhances coat health
Cons:
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Higher price per bag
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May not be suitable for all horses
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Requires feeding management
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Limited regional availability
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Not suitable for all dietary needs
5. Bluebonnet Feeds Equilene Complete Forage Extender Horse Feed
Bluebonnet Feeds Equilene Complete Forage Extender Horse Feed is a comprehensive, alfalfa-based complete feed designed to replace or supplement hay and pasture for adult performance, breeding, and maintenance horses, including seniors. This low-starch, low-sugar formula is fortified with prebiotics and probiotics to support digestive health and nutrient absorption. It provides a balanced blend of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, making it suitable for horses with limited forage access or those requiring a controlled diet. The feed’s “Safe Carb” formulation ensures a safe energy release, promoting overall well-being.
Pros:
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Low starch and sugar content
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Fortified with prebiotics and probiotics
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Suitable for various life stages
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Supports digestive health
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Can replace or supplement forage
Cons:
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Requires careful feeding management
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May not be suitable for all horses
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Limited flavor options
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Not available in all regions
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Higher cost compared to some feeds
6. Cavalor FiberForce Horse Feed
Cavalor FiberForce is a high-fiber muesli formulated for horses with sensitive gastrointestinal systems or metabolic concerns. With a low sugar (5%) and starch (3%) content, it helps maintain stable blood glucose and insulin levels. The feed includes a blend of alfalfa, teff, and beet pulp, providing long fiber lengths that support healthy stomach and bowel function. Additionally, extrudates enhance digestibility, and probiotics promote gut health. This formulation is suitable for horses prone to metabolic disorders, nervousness, or those requiring a low-calorie diet.
Pros:
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Low sugar and starch content
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High in fiber for digestive support
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Contains probiotics for gut health
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Suitable for metabolic-sensitive horses
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Easily digestible extrudates
Cons:
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Higher cost per bag
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May not be suitable for all horses
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Requires careful feeding management
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Limited flavor options
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Not available in all regions
7. ProElite Growth Ultra Premium Low Sugar & Low Starch Horse Feed
ProElite Growth Ultra Premium Low Sugar & Low Starch Horse Feed is a textured feed formulated for foals, growing horses, and broodmares. It features a beet pulp-based, nutrition-locked formula that supports sound development and growth. The feed offers an unparalleled amino acid profile for enhanced performance, delivering superior toplines, haircoat, hoof quality, and muscle function. With regulated starch and sugar levels, it allows for confident calorie sourcing. Additionally, a top digestive health package, including an industry-leading approach to prebiotics and probiotics, ensures superior digestibility.
Pros:
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Beet pulp-based, nutrition-locked formula
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Unparalleled amino acid profile
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Regulated starch and sugar levels
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Supports digestive health
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Enhances performance and appearance
Cons:
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Higher cost per bag
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Requires careful feeding management
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Not suitable for all horses
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Limited availability in certain regions
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Not suitable for all dietary needs
8. Medalist Sprout Pellets Complete Horse Feed
Medalist Sprout Pellets Complete Horse Feed is a low-starch, high-fiber feed formulated for adult horses, including seniors and performance horses. Made with dried barley sprouts, 3-way oat hay, and alfalfa hay, it provides a balanced blend of nutrients to support overall health. The feed is designed to be highly palatable, encouraging consistent intake. Its low sugar and starch content make it suitable for horses with metabolic concerns. Additionally, the inclusion of quality forages supports digestive health and provides sustained energy.
Pros:
- Low sugar and starch content
- High fiber for digestive support
- Made with quality forages
- Highly palatable
- Suitable for metabolic-sensitive horses
Cons:
- Higher cost per bag
- May not suit all horses
- Requires careful feeding management
- Limited flavor options
- Not available in all regions
9. Unbeetable Feeds Grain-Free Complete Horse Feed
Unbeetable Feeds Grain-Free Complete Horse Feed is a low-starch, low-sugar formula designed for horses with metabolic concerns or those requiring a controlled diet. Made with beet pulp and timothy hay, it provides a balanced blend of fiber, protein, and carbohydrates, ensuring optimal nutrition. The inclusion of flaxseed offers omega-3 fatty acids to support healthy skin, coat, and muscle function. This feed is free from grains, corn, and soy, making it suitable for horses with sensitivities to these ingredients. Its complete formulation eliminates the need for additional supplements when fed as directed.
Pros:
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Low starch and sugar content
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Grain, corn, and soy-free
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High fiber for digestive support
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Contains omega-3 fatty acids
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Complete feed eliminates need for supplements
Cons:
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Higher cost per bag
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May not suit all horses
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Requires careful feeding management
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Limited availability in certain regions
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Not suitable for all dietary needs
10. Tribute Equine Nutrition K Finish High Fat Horse Feed
Tribute Equine Nutrition K Finish High Fat Horse Feed is a high-fat, high-fiber supplement designed to support weight gain and topline development in horses. Formulated with extruded grains, it ensures optimal digestion and nutrient absorption. The feed is enriched with essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to promote overall health and performance. Ideal for hard keepers, performance horses, and those in need of additional calories, it can be fed alongside a balanced diet to achieve desired body condition.
Pros:
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High-fat content for weight gain
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Supports topline development
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Extruded for better digestion
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Enriched with essential nutrients
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Suitable for hard keepers
Cons:
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Higher cost per bag
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May not be suitable for all horses
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Requires careful feeding management
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Not available in all regions
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Not suitable for horses needing weight loss