I N C E P T I O N A I

Top 12 Horse Feeds and Supplements in Canada for 2025: An Evidence-Based Guide to Complete Feeds, Forage, and Targeted Supplements to Optimize Performance, Health, and Life-Stage Needs

Complete feeds, quality forage, and targeted supplements are the backbone of modern equine nutrition. This category covers the top 12 product options available in Canada for 2025, including complete rations, fortified balancers, probiotics, joint support formulas, and electrolyte mixes. Canadian horse owners increasingly choose products that are life-stage and breed specific, support ration balancing, and combine performance nutrition with digestive and metabolic safety. Consumers prefer feeds and supplements that are transparent about ingredient sourcing, backed by measurable nutrient analyses, compliant with Canadian labeling, and suited to local forage variability and climate. The result is practical nutrition that aims to maintain condition, support performance, and reduce risk of common issues such as metabolic disease, joint decline, and digestive disturbance.

Top Picks Summary

  1. Ontario Dehy Timothy Alfalfa Cubes
  2. Masterfeeds Performance 12-8 Textured Horse Feed
  3. Mad Barn Omneity Pellets
  4. Mad Barn Optimum Growth
  5. Brooks Enhancer
  6. Masterfeeds Excel 14% Performance Textured Feed
  7. Mad Barn Omneity Premix P
  8. Vetoquinol Zylkene Equine
  9. Omega Alpha Biotic 8 Plus
  10. Finish Line Apple-A-Day Electrolyte
  11. Mad Barn Omneity Mineral and Vitamin Pellets
  12. Farrier's Formula Double Strength
1
BEST FORAGE AND HAY FOR HORSES

Ontario Dehy Timothy Alfalfa Cubes

Ontario Dehy
🏠 Local Product

Ontario Dehy Timothy Alfalfa Cubes hold a best-in-class position for horse forage because they deliver a consistent, high-protein, low-dust feed that simplifies portioning and reduces storage and transport costs compared with loose hay. For equine managers focused on uniform nutrition and minimized waste, these cubes offer a technical advantage over bulk square bales and chopped products by providing predictable nutrient analysis and easier handling in wet or cold conditions.

4.5
Show More Forage and Hay for Horses
  • Cube convenience — crowd-pleaser

  • Low-dust nibble — sneeze-safe

  • Cube convenience — crowd-pleaser

  • Low-dust nibble — sneeze-safe

Review Summary

88%

"Users generally praise the Ontario Dehy Timothy Alfalfa Cubes for consistent quality, good fiber/protein balance and high palatability; occasional complaints note a premium price and rare very hard or dusty pieces."

  • Long-shelf snack — road-ready

  • Compressed timothy-alfalfa cubes for consistent portion control and easy storage.

  • Long-shelf snack — road-ready

  • Compressed timothy-alfalfa cubes for consistent portion control and easy storage.

Time-Saving Convenience

Increased Safety & Security

Ontario Dehy Timothy Alfalfa Cubes hold a best-in-class position for horse forage because they deliver a consistent, high-protein, low-dust feed that simplifies portioning and reduces storage and transport costs compared with loose hay. For equine managers focused on uniform nutrition and minimized waste, these cubes offer a technical advantage over bulk square bales and chopped products by providing predictable nutrient analysis and easier handling in wet or cold conditions.

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$35-60 CAD

2
BEST CONCENTRATE AND GRAIN FEEDS FOR HORSES

Masterfeeds Performance 12-8 Textured Horse Feed

Masterfeeds Performance 12-8 Textured Horse Feed
🏠 Local Product

Masterfeeds Performance 12-8 textured feed is a balanced, easy-to-feed concentrate that emphasizes acceptance and steady energy for working horses, and its textured formulation often appeals to picky eaters. As a Canada-based product it can be financially advantageous for regional buyers versus imported brands, offering a robust value proposition though it is less specialised in gut-health features than some competitor formulas on this list.

4.2
Show More Concentrate and Grain Feeds for Horses
  • Balanced protein (conditioner’s pick)

  • Textured crunch (ponies love it!)

  • Balanced protein (conditioner’s pick)

  • Textured crunch (ponies love it!)

Review Summary

84%

"Generally praised for supporting performance conditioning and easy mixing, with good palatability; a minority of users report it can be too rich for laid-back horses or variable in availability."

  • Warm calories (ride-ready!)

  • 12% protein textured formula aimed at conditioning and sustained energy.

  • Warm calories (ride-ready!)

  • 12% protein textured formula aimed at conditioning and sustained energy.

Recreational Enjoyment

Time-Saving Convenience

Masterfeeds Performance 12-8 textured feed is a balanced, easy-to-feed concentrate that emphasizes acceptance and steady energy for working horses, and its textured formulation often appeals to picky eaters. As a Canada-based product it can be financially advantageous for regional buyers versus imported brands, offering a robust value proposition though it is less specialised in gut-health features than some competitor formulas on this list.

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$35-55 CAD

3
BEST COMPLETE PELLETED AND CUBED FEEDS FOR HORSES

Mad Barn Omneity Pellets

Mad Barn Omneity Pellets
🏠 Local Product

Mad Barn Omneity Pellets are a modern, research‑driven pelleted feed that prioritize ingredient transparency and lab‑verified nutrient profiles, giving them an edge for owners seeking precise calorie control and data‑backed feeding plans. Unlike mass‑market options, Mad Barn pairs its lower‑calorie pellet with digital mixing and support services that can reduce waste and optimize cost per calorie for individualized weight management programs. The technical advantage is the company’s emphasis on tested ingredients and adjustable feeding recommendations, which helps translate a premium price into measurable nutritional outcomes.

4.4
Show More Complete Pelleted and Cubed Feeds for Horses
  • Customizable blend

  • Low calorie

  • Customizable blend

  • Low calorie

Review Summary

87%

"Owners report good results managing weight and metabolic concerns with a low-calorie, low-sugar pellet that most horses accept. Reviewers appreciate the transparent formulation and company support, though some find it relatively expensive."

  • Tailor-made flavor

  • Science-driven complete pellet providing precise nutrient profiles for weight management needs

  • Tailor-made flavor

  • Science-driven complete pellet providing precise nutrient profiles for weight management needs

Time-Saving Convenience

Skill Development & Mastery

Increased Safety & Security

Mad Barn Omneity Pellets are a modern, research‑driven pelleted feed that prioritize ingredient transparency and lab‑verified nutrient profiles, giving them an edge for owners seeking precise calorie control and data‑backed feeding plans. Unlike mass‑market options, Mad Barn pairs its lower‑calorie pellet with digital mixing and support services that can reduce waste and optimize cost per calorie for individualized weight management programs. The technical advantage is the company’s emphasis on tested ingredients and adjustable feeding recommendations, which helps translate a premium price into measurable nutritional outcomes.

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$50-90 CAD

4
BEST LIFE STAGE AND BREED SPECIFIC FEEDS FOR HORSES

Mad Barn Optimum Growth

Mad Barn
🏠 Local Product

Mad Barn Optimum Growth is positioned as a science-first option for foals and growing horses, using precise amino-acid balancing, targeted calcium:phosphorus ratios and omega-fatty acid inclusion to support breed- and stage-specific growth without overloading calories. Compared with conventional mare/foal or generic growth feeds it emphasizes individualized nutrition plans and measurable developmental advantages, which can reduce the risk of growth-related problems and deliver downstream veterinary cost savings despite sometimes higher upfront ingredient cost.

4.3
Show More Life Stage and Breed Specific Feeds for Horses
  • Amino-balanced growth

  • Lean muscle support

  • Amino-balanced growth

  • Lean muscle support

Review Summary

86%

"Mad Barn Optimum Growth is appreciated for its modern formulation and clean ingredients that support steady, healthy growth in foals and young horses; reviewers commonly cite good digestibility but note a higher price and occasional supply constraints. Long-term users generally report positive growth and coat condition improvements."

  • Foal-approved fuel

  • Scientifically formulated to support rapid growth, bone and tissue development in foals and weanlings.

  • Foal-approved fuel

  • Scientifically formulated to support rapid growth, bone and tissue development in foals and weanlings.

Self-Improvement & Personal Growth

Mad Barn Optimum Growth is positioned as a science-first option for foals and growing horses, using precise amino-acid balancing, targeted calcium:phosphorus ratios and omega-fatty acid inclusion to support breed- and stage-specific growth without overloading calories. Compared with conventional mare/foal or generic growth feeds it emphasizes individualized nutrition plans and measurable developmental advantages, which can reduce the risk of growth-related problems and deliver downstream veterinary cost savings despite sometimes higher upfront ingredient cost.

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From 91.99$
5
BEST RATION BALANCERS AND FORTIFIED MIXES FOR HORSES

Brooks Enhancer

Brooks Enhancer
🏠 Local Product

Brooks Enhancer is a market-focused fortified mix prized for palatability and targeted performance support, blending proteins, key amino acids, and performance-minded vitamins and minerals to support athletes and hard keepers. It competes with the more clinical balancers here by offering a user-friendly, appetizing format that can improve intake and short-term performance gains, but its specialized focus often means a higher per-day cost than basic maintenance balancers for routine feeding programs.

4.2
Show More Ration Balancers and Fortified Mixes for Horses
  • Calorie-dense energy

  • Shine-enhancing oils

  • Calorie-dense energy

  • Shine-enhancing oils

Review Summary

82%

"Brooks Enhancer is praised for helping hard-keeping horses gain condition and for reliable vitamin/mineral balance; a number of users report dustiness and a strong odor, and some find it less readily available than mainstream brands."

  • Stable favorite

  • Fortified supplement designed to boost protein, vitamins and minerals for topline support

  • Stable favorite

  • Fortified supplement designed to boost protein, vitamins and minerals for topline support

Recreational Enjoyment

Increased Safety & Security

Brooks Enhancer is a market-focused fortified mix prized for palatability and targeted performance support, blending proteins, key amino acids, and performance-minded vitamins and minerals to support athletes and hard keepers. It competes with the more clinical balancers here by offering a user-friendly, appetizing format that can improve intake and short-term performance gains, but its specialized focus often means a higher per-day cost than basic maintenance balancers for routine feeding programs.

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$45-85 CAD

6
BEST PERFORMANCE AND HIGH ENERGY FEEDS FOR HORSES

Masterfeeds Excel 14% Performance Textured Feed

Masterfeeds Excel 14% Performance Textured Feed
🏠 Local Product

Masterfeeds Excel 14% is a textured performance feed from a Canadian supplier that balances energy and moderate protein for working horses, offering palatability and flexibility for mixed rations. It earns its place as a regionally tuned option with a textured formulation that can be less expensive in local markets than imported or specialty pellets, and it’s simpler to mix with Canadian forages than denser concentrates. Versus Purina and premium specialty pellets on this list, Excel trades off proprietary gut additives for straightforward, economically priced performance nutrition.

4.2
Show More Performance and High Energy Feeds for Horses
  • Balanced energy

  • Textured crunch

  • Balanced energy

  • Textured crunch

Review Summary

84%

"Owners report steady weight maintenance and good, manageable energy without excessive excitability; a few mention regional availability issues and occasional batch variability."

  • Trainer-approved zing

  • 14% protein textured feed offering steady energy for performance horses.

  • Trainer-approved zing

  • 14% protein textured feed offering steady energy for performance horses.

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

Time-Saving Convenience

Masterfeeds Excel 14% is a textured performance feed from a Canadian supplier that balances energy and moderate protein for working horses, offering palatability and flexibility for mixed rations. It earns its place as a regionally tuned option with a textured formulation that can be less expensive in local markets than imported or specialty pellets, and it’s simpler to mix with Canadian forages than denser concentrates. Versus Purina and premium specialty pellets on this list, Excel trades off proprietary gut additives for straightforward, economically priced performance nutrition.

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$35-55 CAD

7
BEST VITAMIN AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR HORSES

Mad Barn Omneity Premix P

Mad Barn Omneity Premix P
🏠 Local Product

Mad Barn Omneity Premix P ranks as a best-in-class option for owners seeking a research-driven, bioavailability-focused premix tailored to equine phosphorus and trace mineral balance. Mad Barn leverages nutritionist-led formulation and digital support tools to deliver precision dosing that can reduce the need for multiple add-on supplements, giving it a technical edge over broad-spectrum, less-customized products in this list. While typically priced at a premium versus mass-market options, its targeted formulation can be more cost-effective for horses with specific mineral-management needs compared with generic premixes.

4.6
Show More Vitamin and Mineral Supplements for Horses
  • Trace-mineral balance

  • Flexible dosing

  • Trace-mineral balance

  • Flexible dosing

Review Summary

88%

"Users praise Mad Barn Omneity Premix P for its comprehensive, research-backed formula and clear ingredient transparency, reporting improved coat, digestion and overall condition; some note it is pricier than generic options."

  • Science-nerd approved

  • Comprehensive premix designed to deliver balanced vitamins and chelated trace minerals for horses on forage-based diets

  • Science-nerd approved

  • Comprehensive premix designed to deliver balanced vitamins and chelated trace minerals for horses on forage-based diets

Self-Improvement & Personal Growth

Time-Saving Convenience

Mad Barn Omneity Premix P ranks as a best-in-class option for owners seeking a research-driven, bioavailability-focused premix tailored to equine phosphorus and trace mineral balance. Mad Barn leverages nutritionist-led formulation and digital support tools to deliver precision dosing that can reduce the need for multiple add-on supplements, giving it a technical edge over broad-spectrum, less-customized products in this list. While typically priced at a premium versus mass-market options, its targeted formulation can be more cost-effective for horses with specific mineral-management needs compared with generic premixes.

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$80-160 CAD

8
BEST DIGESTIVE AND PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENTS FOR HORSES

Vetoquinol Zylkene Equine

Vetoquinol

Vetoquinol Zylkene Equine delivers a natural, non-sedating calming ingredient (alpha-casozepine) to reduce stress-related gastric upset during transport, training transitions or antibiotic recovery. It is recognized here for addressing the behavioral and stress component of digestive disturbance rather than directly repopulating gut flora, making it a technically complementary option to probiotic and buffering products on this list and often a cost-effective adjunct for horses whose issues are stress-driven. Used alongside microbiome-focused supplements, Zylkene helps minimize the stress triggers that can impede recovery.

3.9
Show More Digestive and Probiotic Supplements for Horses
  • Natural calming aid

  • Stress-reduction support

  • Natural calming aid

  • Stress-reduction support

Review Summary

74%

"Owners report modest but reliable calming effects during stressful events, with mixed results on long-term behavior; palatability and individual response vary. It's often recommended by vets for short-term stress management."

  • Calm-inducing — zen vibes

  • Contains a natural casein-derived peptide (alpha-casozepine) to reduce stress-related behaviours that can exacerbate digestive upset.

  • Calm-inducing — zen vibes

  • Contains a natural casein-derived peptide (alpha-casozepine) to reduce stress-related behaviours that can exacerbate digestive upset.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Vetoquinol Zylkene Equine delivers a natural, non-sedating calming ingredient (alpha-casozepine) to reduce stress-related gastric upset during transport, training transitions or antibiotic recovery. It is recognized here for addressing the behavioral and stress component of digestive disturbance rather than directly repopulating gut flora, making it a technically complementary option to probiotic and buffering products on this list and often a cost-effective adjunct for horses whose issues are stress-driven. Used alongside microbiome-focused supplements, Zylkene helps minimize the stress triggers that can impede recovery.

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From 45.37$
9
BEST JOINT AND MOBILITY SUPPLEMENTS FOR HORSES

Omega Alpha Biotic 8 Plus

Omega Alpha

Omega Alpha Biotic 8 Plus is a market leader probiotic chosen for its concentrated multi‑strain formulation that helps stabilize hindgut flora and support protein metabolism relevant to collagen synthesis in horses. Versus the standalone collagen capsules here, Omega Alpha’s strength is its high CFU and strain diversity that can improve long‑term gut health and collagen assimilation, offering a technical advantage for horses needing a robust, shelf-stable probiotic alongside collagen therapy.

4.3
Show More Joint and Mobility Supplements for Horses
  • Probiotic pep party

  • Stool-smooth results

  • Probiotic pep party

  • Stool-smooth results

Review Summary

86%

"Users who gave Biotic 8 Plus repeatedly report steadier digestion, fewer episodes of loose manure and improved feed efficiency; a minority found little change and mentioned price or occasional shipping issues."

  • Tiny cap magic

  • Multi-strain probiotic designed to promote healthy gut flora

  • Tiny cap magic

  • Multi-strain probiotic designed to promote healthy gut flora

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Omega Alpha Biotic 8 Plus is a market leader probiotic chosen for its concentrated multi‑strain formulation that helps stabilize hindgut flora and support protein metabolism relevant to collagen synthesis in horses. Versus the standalone collagen capsules here, Omega Alpha’s strength is its high CFU and strain diversity that can improve long‑term gut health and collagen assimilation, offering a technical advantage for horses needing a robust, shelf-stable probiotic alongside collagen therapy.

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From 57.75$
10
BEST ELECTROLYTES AND REHYDRATION SUPPLEMENTS FOR HORSES

Finish Line Apple-A-Day Electrolyte

Finish Line

Finish Line Apple-A-Day Electrolyte is a market leader thanks to long-standing brand recognition, wide distribution, and a reliable, easily dosed apple-flavored formulation for everyday equine hydration needs. While typically priced a bit higher than concentrated powders like Apple Elite, Finish Line’s strengths are convenience (single-serve and bulk options) and proven field performance, making it the go-to in many barns versus more niche offerings such as Mad Barn’s science-focused powder or Purina’s hay-based approach.

4.6
Show More Electrolytes and Rehydration Supplements for Horses
  • Daily apple sip

  • Easy scoop dose

  • Daily apple sip

  • Easy scoop dose

Review Summary

92%

"Finish Line Apple-A-Day is widely praised for its taste, quick dissolution, and consistent effectiveness—many riders use it regularly for performance and recovery with high satisfaction."

  • Steady hydration

  • Apple-flavoured powder formulated for post-exercise electrolyte replacement

  • Steady hydration

  • Apple-flavoured powder formulated for post-exercise electrolyte replacement

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Recreational Enjoyment

Finish Line Apple-A-Day Electrolyte is a market leader thanks to long-standing brand recognition, wide distribution, and a reliable, easily dosed apple-flavored formulation for everyday equine hydration needs. While typically priced a bit higher than concentrated powders like Apple Elite, Finish Line’s strengths are convenience (single-serve and bulk options) and proven field performance, making it the go-to in many barns versus more niche offerings such as Mad Barn’s science-focused powder or Purina’s hay-based approach.

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$25-45 CAD

11
BEST SALT AND MINERAL BLOCKS FOR HORSES

Mad Barn Omneity Mineral and Vitamin Pellets

Mad Barn Omneity Mineral and Vitamin Pellets
🏠 Local Product

Mad Barn Omneity pellets are best-in-class for precision supplementation, delivering a complete vitamin and mineral package in a measured, pelleted form that suits stabled horses and situations where intake control and traceability matter. Technically superior to free-choice blocks for ensuring consistent daily intake, they carry a higher per-animal cost but can reduce nutritional gaps that blocks alone may leave.

4.6
Show More Salt and Mineral Blocks for Horses
  • Complete nutrient pellet — all-in-one

  • Mixes easily — feed-friendly

  • Complete nutrient pellet — all-in-one

  • Mixes easily — feed-friendly

Review Summary

90%

"Mad Barn Omneity mineral and vitamin pellets receive strong praise for their complete nutrient profile, palatability, and noticeable improvements in energy and coat when fed consistently; the main criticisms are higher cost and the need for regular feeding to realize benefits."

  • Science-formulated — data-driven

  • Complete pelleted formula delivering vitamins, minerals and chelated trace elements for daily feeding

  • Science-formulated — data-driven

  • Complete pelleted formula delivering vitamins, minerals and chelated trace elements for daily feeding

Time-Saving Convenience

Increased Safety & Security

Mad Barn Omneity pellets are best-in-class for precision supplementation, delivering a complete vitamin and mineral package in a measured, pelleted form that suits stabled horses and situations where intake control and traceability matter. Technically superior to free-choice blocks for ensuring consistent daily intake, they carry a higher per-animal cost but can reduce nutritional gaps that blocks alone may leave.

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$70-120 CAD

12
BEST HOOF HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS FOR HORSES

Farrier's Formula Double Strength

Farrier's Formula

Farrier's Formula Double Strength holds a top position for hoof supplements by offering a concentrated biotin- and amino-acid–forward formula that reduces daily scoop size while delivering faster measurable hoof growth than many single-ingredient options. Compared with Mad Barn's pure biotin product and Life Data Labs' original formula, its higher potency can make it more cost-efficient per mg of active nutrients for owners willing to pay a premium up front, and it competes technically with complex blends like Cavalor and Omega Alpha by focusing on dose intensity rather than breadth of trace minerals.

4.5
Show More Hoof Health Supplements for Horses
  • Double-strength boost

  • Keratin growth fuel

  • Double-strength boost

  • Keratin growth fuel

Review Summary

90%

"Longtime users report noticeably stronger, faster-growing hooves and fewer chips after 8–12 weeks, though a minority see little change or mild digestive upset. Generally considered highly effective and good value for a concentrated dose."

  • Farrier-approved flourish

  • High-biotin formula with zinc and methionine to support hoof horn formation.

  • Farrier-approved flourish

  • High-biotin formula with zinc and methionine to support hoof horn formation.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Farrier's Formula Double Strength holds a top position for hoof supplements by offering a concentrated biotin- and amino-acid–forward formula that reduces daily scoop size while delivering faster measurable hoof growth than many single-ingredient options. Compared with Mad Barn's pure biotin product and Life Data Labs' original formula, its higher potency can make it more cost-efficient per mg of active nutrients for owners willing to pay a premium up front, and it competes technically with complex blends like Cavalor and Omega Alpha by focusing on dose intensity rather than breadth of trace minerals.

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$40-80 CAD

What the Research Says: Beginner-Friendly Science Behind Key Ingredients

A growing body of equine research supports targeted approaches to feed formulation and supplementation. Trials and extension studies show measurable benefits when nutrition strategies are matched to the horse's life stage, workload, and metabolic profile. The following points summarize accessible, research-backed takeaways for owners who want practical science rather than marketing claims.

Forage-first approach: Multiple university extension programs in Canada and internationally emphasize maintaining high-quality forage as the foundation of equine diets to support gut health, reduce vices, and stabilize glucose and insulin responses.

Ration balancing reduces metabolic risk: Studies show that balancing energy, protein, and key minerals (especially calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and trace minerals) helps reduce laminitis and metabolic issues in susceptible breeds when done with forage analysis and a balancer or complete feed.

Probiotics and prebiotics: Controlled trials indicate certain probiotics and yeast-based additives can improve hindgut fermentation stability, reduce incidence of loose stools after dietary changes, and support recovery after stress, though strain-specific effects matter.

Joint supplements: Clinical and controlled studies report modest improvements in comfort and mobility from products containing omega-3s, glucosamine, chondroitin or related glycosaminoglycans, and hyaluronic acid. Results vary by product quality, dose, and duration of use.

Electrolytes and hydration: Research on working and performance horses supports targeted electrolyte replacement to maintain thermoregulation, hydration, and muscle function during prolonged exercise, especially in hot or humid conditions.

Vitamin and mineral premixes: Trials and feed analyses demonstrate that vitamin-mineral premixes and fortified balancers correct deficiencies commonly found in forage-only diets and support immune function, hoof quality, and reproductive health.

Fat and fiber for performance: Adding digestible fiber and stabilized fat sources can increase caloric density without increasing starch, supporting hot or insulin-sensitive horses while delivering sustained energy for performance.

Quality control and regulation: Canadian feed regulations and third-party quality programs (including good manufacturing practices and lot testing) improve product consistency. Research emphasizes choosing products with transparent nutrient profiles and certificates of analysis when possible.

This selection of complete feeds, forage strategies, and targeted supplements reflects the needs of Canadian horse owners in 2025: practical, evidence-informed options that address performance, life-stage nutrition, and metabolic safety. We hope you found the guidance you were looking for. If you want to narrow results by breed, life stage, workload, or province, use the search or filters to refine or expand your options.