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2025 Canada Guide: Top 5 Low-Calorie Pelleted & Cubed Feeds for Equine Weight Management — Purina WellSolve L/S, Tribute Essential K, Buckeye Nutrition Gro 'N Win, Mad Barn Omneity Pellets, Brooks Enhancer (Veterinarian-Reviewed Buying Guide)

Published on Thursday, August 21, 2025

Designed to support controlled weight loss and long-term maintenance, low-calorie complete pelleted and cubed feeds deliver balanced nutrients with reduced calories and controlled energy density—ideal for easy keepers and horses that need portion control without sacrificing essential vitamins and minerals. These feeds appeal to Canadian owners because they simplify daily rationing in variable pasture and hay-quality conditions, lower the risk of metabolic issues such as insulin dysregulation and laminitis, and offer convenient, consistent nutrient delivery through measurable portions. In Canada, where hay quality, winter feeding practices and turnout patterns vary by region, owners prioritize a predictable, low-energy option that supports weight reduction while maintaining muscle mass, hoof health and overall metabolic stability.

Quick Menu

1. Best Low-Starch Weight Management

2. Best Ration Balancer for Weight Control

3. Best Growth-Focused Low-Calorie Cubes

4. Best Premium Complete Pelleted Option

5. Best Budget-Friendly Weight Management Feed

1
BEST LOW-STARCH WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Purina WellSolve L/S

Purina WellSolve L/S

Purina WellSolve L/S earns a top position for offering a widely available, commercially proven low‑starch, low‑calorie pelleted option specifically formulated for weight management and metabolic horses. Compared with the smaller specialty brands on this list, WellSolve L/S combines scale-driven price efficiency and consistent manufacturing quality, making it a cost-effective choice for barns that need a reliable, large‑volume low‑calorie pellet. Its technical advantage is an engineered low glycemic formula that still supplies essential vitamins and minerals so owners can reduce calories without sacrificing complete nutrition.

4.3
★★★★☆
  • Low starch

  • Lean calories

  • Low starch

  • Lean calories

Review Summary

88%

"Users report it is highly palatable and effective at maintaining weight while keeping starch and sugar low for insulin- or laminitis-prone horses. Common praise for consistent formulation and results, with occasional complaints about price and local availability."

  • Barn-approved crunch

  • Low-starch, low-sugar formula specifically formulated to support weight control and metabolic horses

  • Barn-approved crunch

  • Low-starch, low-sugar formula specifically formulated to support weight control and metabolic horses

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Purina WellSolve L/S earns a top position for offering a widely available, commercially proven low‑starch, low‑calorie pelleted option specifically formulated for weight management and metabolic horses. Compared with the smaller specialty brands on this list, WellSolve L/S combines scale-driven price efficiency and consistent manufacturing quality, making it a cost-effective choice for barns that need a reliable, large‑volume low‑calorie pellet. Its technical advantage is an engineered low glycemic formula that still supplies essential vitamins and minerals so owners can reduce calories without sacrificing complete nutrition.

  • Low starch

  • Lean calories

  • Barn-approved crunch

  • Low-starch, low-sugar formula specifically formulated to support weight control and metabolic horses

  • Complete pelleted feed delivering balanced vitamins and minerals for daily maintenance

  • Low starch

  • Lean calories

  • Barn-approved crunch

  • Low-starch, low-sugar formula specifically formulated to support weight control and metabolic horses

  • Complete pelleted feed delivering balanced vitamins and minerals for daily maintenance

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$45-70 CAD

2
BEST RATION BALANCER FOR WEIGHT CONTROL

Tribute Essential K

TRIBUTE

Tribute Essential K is positioned as a technically focused ration balancer optimized for horses requiring calorie control and metabolic support, which makes it especially well suited to horses with insulin resistance compared with bulk feed options on the list. While it can be priced higher per pound than commodity pellets, its concentrated nutrient profile means smaller feed volumes and potentially lower overall feeding costs for owners needing targeted nutritional management. Tribute's formulation emphasizes low non‑structural carbohydrate levels and balanced minerals, giving it a measurable clinical advantage for weight management and laminitis risk reduction.

4.2
★★★★☆
  • Low glycemic

  • Balanced protein

  • Low glycemic

  • Balanced protein

Review Summary

86%

"Buyers praise the low-NSC formulation for steady condition maintenance in metabolic horses and generally good palatability. Some users note it can be pricier than alternatives and occasionally hard to source locally."

  • Hoof-happy nibble

  • Low-calorie ration balancer supplying essential amino acids and trace minerals without excess energy

  • Hoof-happy nibble

  • Low-calorie ration balancer supplying essential amino acids and trace minerals without excess energy

Time-Saving Convenience

Increased Safety & Security

Tribute Essential K is positioned as a technically focused ration balancer optimized for horses requiring calorie control and metabolic support, which makes it especially well suited to horses with insulin resistance compared with bulk feed options on the list. While it can be priced higher per pound than commodity pellets, its concentrated nutrient profile means smaller feed volumes and potentially lower overall feeding costs for owners needing targeted nutritional management. Tribute's formulation emphasizes low non‑structural carbohydrate levels and balanced minerals, giving it a measurable clinical advantage for weight management and laminitis risk reduction.

  • Low glycemic

  • Balanced protein

  • Hoof-happy nibble

  • Low-calorie ration balancer supplying essential amino acids and trace minerals without excess energy

  • Supports muscle and topline on restricted-calorie programs when fed with low-quality forage

  • Low glycemic

  • Balanced protein

  • Hoof-happy nibble

  • Low-calorie ration balancer supplying essential amino acids and trace minerals without excess energy

  • Supports muscle and topline on restricted-calorie programs when fed with low-quality forage

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From 257.82$
3
BEST GROWTH-FOCUSED LOW-CALORIE CUBES

Buckeye Nutrition Gro 'N Win

Buckeye Nutrition Gro 'N Win

Buckeye Nutrition Gro 'N Win stands out as a cubed, high‑fiber feed that balances moderate calories with palatability, offering a middle‑ground economically priced option for owners who want controlled weight gain without high energy density. Compared to the low‑starch pellets and precision balancers above, Gro 'N Win's cube form and fiber profile make it convenient for group feeding and slow consumption, lowering the risk of over‑eating while keeping costs competitive for larger herds. Its technical strength is a durable cube structure and consistent fiber matrix that supports satiety on a lower‑calorie ration.

3.9
★★★☆☆
  • Calorie-controlled

  • Pelleted consistency

  • Calorie-controlled

  • Pelleted consistency

Review Summary

78%

"Many purchasers find it effective for adding condition and energy in thinner horses, but several reviewers warn it's too rich for easy keepers and not suited for weight-loss programs. Overall performance is solid for its intended use but not ideal for weight management."

  • Foal-friendly fiesta

  • High-fiber cubed feed designed to promote steady condition and digestive health with moderated calories

  • Foal-friendly fiesta

  • High-fiber cubed feed designed to promote steady condition and digestive health with moderated calories

Skill Development & Mastery

Time-Saving Convenience

Buckeye Nutrition Gro 'N Win stands out as a cubed, high‑fiber feed that balances moderate calories with palatability, offering a middle‑ground economically priced option for owners who want controlled weight gain without high energy density. Compared to the low‑starch pellets and precision balancers above, Gro 'N Win's cube form and fiber profile make it convenient for group feeding and slow consumption, lowering the risk of over‑eating while keeping costs competitive for larger herds. Its technical strength is a durable cube structure and consistent fiber matrix that supports satiety on a lower‑calorie ration.

  • Calorie-controlled

  • Pelleted consistency

  • Foal-friendly fiesta

  • High-fiber cubed feed designed to promote steady condition and digestive health with moderated calories

  • Formulated to support topline and growth without relying on high starch or sugar levels

  • Calorie-controlled

  • Pelleted consistency

  • Foal-friendly fiesta

  • High-fiber cubed feed designed to promote steady condition and digestive health with moderated calories

  • Formulated to support topline and growth without relying on high starch or sugar levels

Order Now

$35-60 CAD

4
BEST PREMIUM COMPLETE PELLETED OPTION

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
★★★★☆
  • 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.

  • Customizable blend

  • Low calorie

  • Tailor-made flavor

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

  • Blends specialized protein and fiber sources to maintain condition on a lower-calorie ration

  • Customizable blend

  • Low calorie

  • Tailor-made flavor

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

  • Blends specialized protein and fiber sources to maintain condition on a lower-calorie ration

Order Now

$50-90 CAD

5
BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY WEIGHT MANAGEMENT FEED

Brooks Enhancer

Brooks Enhancer

Brooks Enhancer is included for its specialized low‑calorie cube designed to enhance condition without excess energy, appealing to owners who prefer a dense nutrient cube over loose pellets for portion control. In comparison to large commercial pellets, Brooks often commands a premium but delivers targeted ingredient choices (for example, high‑fiber byproducts and low sugar formulations) that can simplify rationing and reduce the need for additional supplements. Its unique selling point is blend stability in cubed form, which supports consistent feeding rates and predictable calorie delivery for weight management plans.

3.8
★★★☆☆
  • Low sugar

  • High fiber

  • Low sugar

  • High fiber

Review Summary

80%

"Reviews are mixed: many users like the palatability and steady weight maintenance it provides, while others report occasional batch inconsistency, availability issues, or concerns about mold in damp storage. Overall viewed as effective by a majority but with quality/control caveats."

  • Stable-flavor treat

  • Economical pelleted option formulated for easy keepers and light working horses

  • Stable-flavor treat

  • Economical pelleted option formulated for easy keepers and light working horses

Increased Safety & Security

Recreational Enjoyment

Brooks Enhancer is included for its specialized low‑calorie cube designed to enhance condition without excess energy, appealing to owners who prefer a dense nutrient cube over loose pellets for portion control. In comparison to large commercial pellets, Brooks often commands a premium but delivers targeted ingredient choices (for example, high‑fiber byproducts and low sugar formulations) that can simplify rationing and reduce the need for additional supplements. Its unique selling point is blend stability in cubed form, which supports consistent feeding rates and predictable calorie delivery for weight management plans.

  • Low sugar

  • High fiber

  • Stable-flavor treat

  • Economical pelleted option formulated for easy keepers and light working horses

  • Offers basic vitamin and mineral fortification with a lower calorie density to aid in weight control

  • Low sugar

  • High fiber

  • Stable-flavor treat

  • Economical pelleted option formulated for easy keepers and light working horses

  • Offers basic vitamin and mineral fortification with a lower calorie density to aid in weight control

Order Now

$30-55 CAD

What the Research Says About Low-Calorie Complete Feeds

Scientific research and established equine nutrition guidance support the use of reduced-energy complete diets when the goal is safe weight loss or long-term weight control. Key principles include lowering digestible energy while keeping adequate high-quality protein, essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals to protect lean tissue and meet daily requirements. Controlled energy density combined with appropriate fiber content helps manage glycemic response and reduces the risk of laminitis in at-risk animals. Veterinary-led feeding plans that include these complete feeds are shown to be more consistent and easier for owners to follow than forage-only restriction or homemade rations.

National Research Council (NRC) guidance and subsequent clinical work emphasize energy reduction with adequate protein to preserve lean mass during weight loss.

Peer-reviewed trials and clinical case series link lower non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) and controlled energy diets with reduced laminitis risk in insulin-resistant horses and ponies.

High-fiber, low-energy complete feeds increase satiety and slow digestion, supporting gradual weight loss without nutrient deficiencies.

Studies show that structured, pre-formulated complete feeds reduce owner error and variability compared with DIY restricted-forage programs.

Veterinary nutrition oversight improves outcomes: combining a low-calorie complete feed with a tailored exercise and monitoring plan yields the safest, most sustainable weight loss.

In the Canadian context these low-calorie complete pelleted and cubed feeds provide reliable tools to manage equine weight year-round. The five options covered here—Purina WellSolve L/S, Tribute Essential K, Buckeye Nutrition Gro 'N Win, Mad Barn Omneity Pellets, and Brooks Enhancer—each address controlled energy density and balanced micronutrients in slightly different ways to suit varied management styles and metabolic needs. For most Canadian easy keepers seeking a practical, scientifically supported solution, Purina WellSolve L/S is the best overall choice when used under veterinary guidance; however, Tribute Essential K, Buckeye Nutrition Gro 'N Win, Mad Barn Omneity Pellets and Brooks Enhancer are solid alternatives depending on individual goals and regional forage conditions. We hope you found the information you needed — refine or expand your search using the site search to compare ingredient panels, feeding rates, and veterinary recommendations for each product.

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