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10 Best Horse Feeds in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

farmer holding bucket and feeding horse in stable

Much like humans, horses need to consume a wide range of nutrients to maintain proper health, though they must do it with fewer food sources. Foraged grass and hay will make up the largest part of your horse’s diet, but additional feed is necessary to ensure that they are getting all the nutrients that it needs to stay healthy and happy. When fed an incomplete or improper diet, horses can exhibit poor health, weight loss or gain, and behavioral issues.

You may not know exactly what to feed your horse to maintain their optimum health, as there are so many products on the market that it can be hard to differentiate advertising from product efficacy. So, here, we have a list of reviews of the most popular horse feeds so you can see how they compare to one another and can decide on which will be best for your horse.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2025

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Buckeye Nutrition Gro ‘N Win Pelleted Horse Feed Buckeye Nutrition Gro ‘N Win Pelleted Horse Feed
  • 100% traceable ingredients
  • Fortified with important vitamins and minerals
  • Enhanced with biotin for hoof health
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Tribute Equine Nutrition Kalm N' EZ Pellet Horse Feed Tribute Equine Nutrition Kalm N' EZ Pellet Horse Feed
  • Affordably priced
  • Contains no corn, molasses, or oats
  • Made with dry yeast for gut health
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Crypto Aero Wholefood Horse Feed Crypto Aero Wholefood Horse Feed
  • Complete feed solution
  • Contains no additives, GMOs, gluten, or by-products
  • Helps build and protect cartilage
  • Buckeye Nutrition Ultimate Finish Buckeye Nutrition Ultimate Finish
  • High-fat formula aids in weight gain
  • Offered in nuggets for superior digestibility
  • More calories with less grain
  • Cavalor Fiberforce Horse Feed Cavalor Fiberforce Horse Feed
  • Very low non-structural carb content
  • High in fiber
  • Contains digestive enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics
  • The 10 Best Horse Feeds

    1. Buckeye Nutrition Gro ‘N Win Pelleted Horse Feed — Best Overall

    Buckeye Nutrition Gro 'N Win Pelleted Horse Feed

    Priced reasonably and made from 100% traceable ingredients, the Buckeye Nutrition Gro ‘N Win Pelleted Horse Feed is the horse feed most recommended. It’s crafted to contain a precise blend of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that will help keep your horse in peak condition.

    Beyond these great nutrients, you’ll also find that this horse feed is high in antioxidants that can aid your horse’s immune system. Furthermore, biotin was included to help its hooves. With just 13% non-structural carbohydrates, abbreviated NSC, this blend has a low glycemic index and can even help reduce hyperactivity.

    When you take a quick look at the nutritional info on this bag, you’ll see that it contains 32% crude protein, making it one of the highest-protein formulas out there. Additionally, it’s high in fiber and calcium, though its fat content is lacking. Still, we think that it’s the best overall horse feed for most horses.

    Pros
    • 100% traceable ingredients
    • Fortified with important vitamins and minerals
    • Enhanced with biotin for hoof health
    • High in antioxidants
    • High in protein
    Cons
    • Contains little fat

    2. Tribute Equine Nutrition Kalm N’ EZ Pellet Horse Feed — Best Value

    Tribute Equine Nutrition Kalm N' EZ Pellet Horse Feed

    Horses eat a massive amount of food. Aside from grazing all day, they can eat up to 10 pounds of grain each day. As such, it pays to find an affordable horse feed, but you should get one that you know offers your horse the nutrition that it needs. We feel that the Tribute Equine Nutrition Kalm N’ EZ Pellet Horse Feed is just such a product. In fact, we think that it’s the best horse feed for the money.

    The biggest draw of this feed is that it’s more affordable than most of the competition. Plus, it comes in a large 50-pound bag, so you won’t have to buy it every other day. Despite the low price, it’s crafted with quality ingredients, making it high in protein and fiber. What’s missing are corn, molasses, and oats. Dry yeast is added to aid in gut health. The total NSC content is about 14%, so it’s safe for most horses.

    It’s made with an optimal balance of minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids. With 8% crude fat, it’s a bit more calorically dense than some blends. However, it’s lacking in essential fatty acids compared to competitors.

    Pros
    • Affordably priced
    • Contains no corn, molasses, or oats
    • Made with dry yeast for gut health
    • High in protein and fiber
    Cons
    • Low in essential fatty acids

    3. Crypto Aero Wholefood Horse Feed — Premium Choice

    Crypto Aero Wholefood Horse Feed

    Crypto Aero Wholefood Horse Feed is a top-notch choice for any horse, though it’s a spare-no-expense type of product, as it’s far more expensive than competing offerings.

    This is a complete feed solution that can replace grain in your horse’s diet, though they’ll still need to forage and graze. This horse feed is made free of additives and by-products. Compared to other horse feeds on the market, this one’s ingredients list is incredibly short. Each ingredient serves a purpose, and they’re all quality choices, like whole oats, alfalfa hay pellets, and green peas.

    When you check the nutrition label, you’ll notice that this food is quite high in omega-6 fatty acids. There are also ample amounts of protein and fiber, with protein being supplied by six major sources. We’re not really wild about the 24% dietary starch, but the dried rose hips are meant to boost immunity and protect cartilage, which we are fans of.

    Pros
    • Complete feed solution
    • Contains no additives, GMOs, gluten, or by-products
    • Helps build and protect cartilage
    • Has protein from six major sources
    • Short ingredients list
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • 24% dietary starch

    4. Buckeye Nutrition Ultimate Finish

    Buckeye Nutrition Ultimate Finish

    Containing 25% crude fat, the Buckeye Nutrition Ultimate Finish is a great choice for underweight horses. Since it’s so high in fat, this formula is far more calorically dense than many alternatives, so your horses don’t have to eat as much to meet their intake needs. Basically, they’re getting more calories out of less grain. On the flip side, this can lead to a horse becoming overweight if you’re not careful.

    Another benefit of the high fat in this feed is that it also contains high amounts of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It’s got a whopping 10.5% omega-6 fatty acids. This will help your horse’s coat to shine like never before, as it reaches peak health thanks to the extra fatty acids.

    Although it’s high in fat, this feed is low in both starches and sugars. However, with 26% NSC total, it’s not low enough for many horses with metabolic problems. It’s a highly digestible feed thanks to the nuggets that offer superior digestibility. Unfortunately, some horses won’t eat it.

    Pros
    • High-fat formula aids in weight gain
    • Offered in nuggets for superior digestibility
    • More calories with less grain
    • Low in starch and sugar
    Cons
    • Can contribute to overweight horses
    • Some of our horses wouldn’t eat it

    5. Cavalor Fiberforce Horse Feed

    Cavalor Fiberforce Horse Feed

    The Cavalor Fiberforce Horse Feed is a high-quality product that has priced itself out of most budgets. It’s far more expensive than competing products, though it does work to earn that high price tag.

    Looking at the nutrition label, you’ll notice that this food contains a very short ingredient list. In truth, it’s the shortest ingredients list we’ve seen on a horse feed label so far on this list. The ingredients included are all high-quality choices, such as flaxseed, ground alfalfa hay, and dried beet pulp. It’s got an adequate amount of protein and an impressive 30% crude fiber.

    You’ll also notice that this blend contains digestive enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics, all designed to aid in your horse’s digestive health. This is an ultra-low NSC blend with a mere 5% starch and 3% sugar. It’s also low in fat, reducing its caloric density. Still, it’s a top-quality horse feed. We’re just not fans of the outrageously expensive price.

    Pros
    • Low non-structural carb content
    • High in fiber
    • Contains digestive enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics
    • Short ingredients list
    Cons
    • Far pricier than alternatives
    • Low in fat

    6. Tribute Equine Nutrition Essential K Horse Feed

    Tribute Equine Nutrition Essential K Horse Feed blend is advertised as being low in NSC and great for horses with health issues like obesity or insulin resistance. However, the manufacturer fails to disclose the total NSC count anywhere, so it’s hard to determine whether this claim is true.

    One thing that is listed on the nutritional info is the biotin that’s added to maintain healthy hooves. The protein content is also listed, and at 28%, it’s high in protein. Additionally, it contains plenty of omega-6 fatty acids, though it’s lacking in omega-3s.

    These pellets are low-calorie, so you’re not getting as much bang for your buck. Your horse would have to eat more of this blend than others to get the same amount of nutrition. But it’s ideal for overweight horses, as it can help them to lose weight naturally. On the downside, it’s more expensive than other formulas from the same brand.

    Pros
    • Low in non-structural carbohydrates
    • Great for insulin-resistant or overweight horses
    • Biotin fortified for healthy hooves
    • Contains plenty of omega-6
    • High in protein
    Cons
    • Low-calorie pellets don’t provide as much nutrition
    • Far pricier than alternatives from the same brand
    • Doesn’t disclose the NSC levels

    7. Tribute Equine Nutrition Kalm Ultra Horse Feed

    Tribute Equine Nutrition Kalm Ultra Horse Feed

    Priced reasonably, the Tribute Equine Nutrition Kalm Ultra Horse Feed is a good choice for horses that are severely underweight and need help to get to a healthy weight. However, it’s not a blend that we’d recommend for most healthy horses. It’s advertised as having a low NSC, which seems ideal for horses that have ulcers or behavioral issues, but with an NSC content of 23.5%, we wouldn’t actually classify it as low NSC.

    This formula is high in both fat and fiber, which is why it’s great for horses that need to gain weight or workhorses that expend a ton of calories each day. It’s also fortified with dry yeast, so it can help maintain a healthy gut. For horses that need extra calories to maintain or gain weight, it’s a great choice, but healthy horses would be better off skipping this one in lieu of another blend.

    Pros
    • Reasonable pricing
    • High-fat and fiber formula
    • Formulated with dry yeast for gut health
    • Great for underweight and workhorses
    Cons
    • Ingredients list is incredibly long
    • Higher in NSC than other formulas

    8. Buckeye Nutrition Safe N’ Easy Senior Horse Feed

    Buckeye Nutrition Safe N' Easy Senior Horse Feed

    The Buckeye Nutrition Safe N’ Easy Senior Horse Feed has quite a few features that we like, such as the reasonable pricing and supplemental amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. All of these boost the nutritional value of the food without raising the NSC level, which is a maximum of 12%.

    But this blend is only intended for senior horses. Unfortunately, it’s comprised of oversized pellets that can cause a choking hazard for some old horses. Of course, that relies on the horses actually eating the feed. Most don’t really seem interested.

    Pros
    • Priced reasonably
    • Low in NSC
    • Supplemented with amino acids, vitamins, and minerals
    Cons
    • Only meant for senior horses
    • Oversized pellets can choke horses
    • Many horses aren’t interested

    9. Bluebonnet Feeds Intensify Omega Force Horse Feed

    Bluebonnet Feeds Intensify Omega Force Horse Feed

    The Bluebonnet Feeds Intensify Omega Force Horse Feed is a grain-free feed meant to meet the nutritional needs of horses that are in training. It’s supposedly formulated by experts in the equine field to be perfect for horses of all life stages.

    This blend contains many health-boosting nutrients, including kelp seaweed, yucca, and biotin. It’s also high in omega fatty acids and low in NSC, with just 5% sugar and only 10% starch. Unfortunately, it’s also low in fiber and high in price.

    We could overlook the high price if it weren’t for several customers receiving moldy bags. There also isn’t anything about this feed that makes us overly excited to give it a try.

    Pros
    • Designed for horses of all life stages
    • Low in NSC
    Cons
    • Lower in fiber than other blends
    • Risk of mold
    • Overpriced

    10. Stabul 1 Equine Diets Horse Feed

    Stabul 1 Equine Diets Horse Feed

    It’s always worrisome when a feed bag doesn’t display its nutritional content, and the feed bag for the Stabul 1 Equine Diets Horse Feed conveys almost nothing. Fiber, fat, and protein are listed, but nothing else. Based on that, this blend is high in fiber but very low in fat, which makes sense since it’s extremely light calorically. Each pound of this feed offers only 1,100 calories, so you’re not getting nearly as much out of each pound.

    This blend is made specifically for horses with chronic health issues, such as laminitis, colic, or Cushing’s disease. But the long ingredients list leads us to believe that it may not be the best choice for horses with pre-existing conditions. It’s definitely not the best choice for healthy horses. Another minor complaint is the packaging, which is of poor quality.

    Pros
    • No corn, molasses, or oats
    • Made specifically for horses with chronic health issues
    Cons
    • Only 1,100 calories per pound
    • Doesn’t list most of the nutritional info
    • Not the best choice for healthy horses
    • Poor packaging

    Divider_Horses

    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Horse Feed

    The truth is, your horse would probably remain perfectly healthy eating any of the feeds covered in this list. But that doesn’t mean that all these foods are created equal. Peak health will be easier to achieve on the proper fuel. But how do you find that perfect formula for your horse?

    In this buyer’s guide, we aim to simplify the choices by helping you to understand the most important traits that you should be comparing between blends. Once you know what you’re looking for, choosing a feed in confidence will be much easier.

    YouTube video

    Caloric Density

    Caloric density refers to how many calories a feed provides per a given amount. For instance, let’s say that feed A offers a caloric density of 1,100 calories per pound, while feed B has a caloric density of 1,500 per pound. If you purchase a 50-pound bag of each, your bag of feed B will have 20,000 more calories than your bag of feed A, even though they both contain 50 pounds of feed.

    Essentially, a higher caloric density means you’re getting more bang for your buck. But this might not always be a great thing. If your horse is overweight, a feed with a high caloric density could contribute to further weight gain, while a low caloric density feed could help them slim down. Conversely, an underweight horse or a workhorse that needs to refuel after lots of physical activity will benefit from the higher caloric density feed.

    NSC Content

    NSC stands for non-structural carbohydrates. Basically, NSCs are starches and sugars, which can cause digestive and metabolic problems for horses when overconsumed. Furthermore, horses with health problems like insulin resistance, ulcers, laminitis, or even hyperactivity can all benefit from eating feeds with a low NSC content. Of course, just because a food is advertised as having a low NSC content doesn’t mean it’s true. Some of the foods we tested were much higher in NSC than the advertising would lead you to believe.

    Fat and Protein Content

    Protein is essential for many bodily processes, including building and repairing muscle. As such, it’s important that your horse gets a varied and adequate protein intake. Fats are also an important part of your horse’s diet, including omega fatty acids that can aid in coat and joint health. A high-fat feed also tends to be higher in calories, so you can get away with feeding your horse less of it.

    Stabul 1 Equine Diets Fenugreek Low Sugar

    Fiber

    A horse’s gastrointestinal tract is massive, and it requires a lot of food to stay full. Fiber helps keep your horse feeling full while also offering many calories. If your horse doesn’t get sufficient amounts of fiber, it can suffer diarrhea, dehydration, and colic.

    Volume and Price

    Once you’ve found a feed that meets your needs, you have to consider its price. To do this, you must first know the volume of the feed you’re purchasing. Don’t compare a 30-pound bag of feed to the price of a 50-pound bag from another manufacturer. Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples by comparing bags of the same size. This is the only way to accurately compare prices between brands. Remember, the more expensive product isn’t always better, though marketing claims might lead you to believe this is so.

    How We Determined This List of Horse Feeds

    All the horse feeds reviewed in this article were chosen by our writers, editors, and team of experienced veterinary professionals to ensure that they are safe and meet the care needs of your pet. When choosing which horse feeds to feature, we took into account brand reputation, personal and hands-on experience, reviews from other customers, and of course, feedback from our beloved pets, to make sure to bring you only the best of the best. We at PangoVet want to give you only the best products to choose from in our reviews, to ensure that they meet your pets’ needs for optimal health and well-being.

    Why Trust PangoVet?

    We are a team of experienced veterinarians, writers, and editors who are pet owners ourselves, so we understand how important your pets and the products they use and consume are to you. Whether you are caring for a furry, scaly, or feathered friend, we make sure that you have honest and unbiased reviews of the top horse feeds on the market, so you can make an informed decision.

    Divider_Horses

    Conclusion

    There are many horse feeds on the market for you to choose from, including the ones featured in these reviews. They all promise to offer improved health and immunity for your horse, but not all are on the same level. Each will provide your horse with a different degree of nutrition.

    Gro ‘N Win Pelleted Horse Feed from Buckeye Nutrition is our favorite horse feed overall. It’s high in protein and antioxidants and fortified with important vitamins and minerals. There’s biotin in it for hoof health, and it’s made with 100% traceable ingredients.

    For the best value, we turn to Tribute Equine Nutrition Kalm N’ EZ Pellet Feed. This blend is high in protein and fiber but contains no corn, molasses, or oats. It contains dry yeast for gut health, and it’s one of the most affordably priced horse feeds.

    Crypto Aero Wholefood Horse Feed is a complete feed solution with a short ingredient list. It’s our premium pick because it contains no additives, GMOs, gluten, or by-products. It has protein from six major sources, boosts immunity, and protects cartilage.


    Featured Image Credit: LightField Studios, Shutterstock

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