Purina WellSolve L/S
Purina WellSolve L/S earns a top position for metabolic health because it combines Purina’s extensive research pedigree with a proven low-starch, low-sugar formulation designed for horses prone to insulin resistance and laminitis. It is widely available and supported by large-scale feeding trials, so owners pay a premium for vetted, consistent results compared with smaller brands; however, its broader distribution and veterinary familiarity make it a dependable choice versus more niche or customizable options on this list.
Low-starch champion
Digestive-friendly pellets
Low-starch champion
Digestive-friendly pellets
Review Summary
"Users commonly report Purina WellSolve L/S reliably helps control insulin and weight in metabolic horses and mixes/pellets well, though a few picky eaters initially refuse it. Overall consumers praise its consistent low-NSC formulation and availability through feed stores and vets."
Stable-energy wizard
Low non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) formulation tailored for metabolic horses.
Stable-energy wizard
Low non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) formulation tailored for metabolic horses.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Purina WellSolve L/S earns a top position for metabolic health because it combines Purina’s extensive research pedigree with a proven low-starch, low-sugar formulation designed for horses prone to insulin resistance and laminitis. It is widely available and supported by large-scale feeding trials, so owners pay a premium for vetted, consistent results compared with smaller brands; however, its broader distribution and veterinary familiarity make it a dependable choice versus more niche or customizable options on this list.
Low-starch champion
Digestive-friendly pellets
Stable-energy wizard
Low non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) formulation tailored for metabolic horses.
Complete pelleted feed supplying balanced vitamins and minerals as a sole ration.
Low-starch champion
Digestive-friendly pellets
Stable-energy wizard
Low non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) formulation tailored for metabolic horses.
Complete pelleted feed supplying balanced vitamins and minerals as a sole ration.
$40-65 CAD
Tribute Equine Nutrition Essential K
Tribute Essential K is ranked as a market leader for metabolic feeds due to its concentrated balancer-style approach that delivers essential minerals and electrolytes while keeping NSC (non-structural carbohydrate) very low, making it cost-effective because small daily amounts meet nutritional needs without adding excess calories. Compared with full ration feeds here, Tribute’s technical advantage is its nutrient density—owners can retain forage-based diets and use Essential K as an economical complement to control starch and sugar intake.
Mineral-packed boost
Sugar-sensitive formula
Mineral-packed boost
Sugar-sensitive formula
Review Summary
"Tribute Essential K is frequently praised as a low-calorie, low-NSC ration balancer that maintains condition without adding sugars, with many owners noting improved metabolic stability. Some buyers call it pricey and note occasional palatability issues for very fussy horses."
Calm-performance wink
Very low starch and sugar to minimize post‑feed glucose and insulin spikes.
Calm-performance wink
Very low starch and sugar to minimize post‑feed glucose and insulin spikes.
Increased Safety & Security
Self-Improvement & Personal Growth
Tribute Essential K is ranked as a market leader for metabolic feeds due to its concentrated balancer-style approach that delivers essential minerals and electrolytes while keeping NSC (non-structural carbohydrate) very low, making it cost-effective because small daily amounts meet nutritional needs without adding excess calories. Compared with full ration feeds here, Tribute’s technical advantage is its nutrient density—owners can retain forage-based diets and use Essential K as an economical complement to control starch and sugar intake.
Mineral-packed boost
Sugar-sensitive formula
Calm-performance wink
Very low starch and sugar to minimize post‑feed glucose and insulin spikes.
Fortified with essential vitamins, minerals and electrolytes for metabolic support.
Mineral-packed boost
Sugar-sensitive formula
Calm-performance wink
Very low starch and sugar to minimize post‑feed glucose and insulin spikes.
Fortified with essential vitamins, minerals and electrolytes for metabolic support.
$45-75 CAD
Mad Barn Omneity Pellets
Mad Barn Omneity Pellets stand out for a science-forward formulation aimed at metabolic health, with emphasis on balanced amino acids, fermentable fibers and microbiome support that reduce glycemic load while promoting gut health. Technically sophisticated and backed by individualized feeding support, Omneity tends to be pricier than bulk fibre-only cubes but offers measurable performance advantages for horses needing targeted metabolic management versus simpler high-fiber alternatives.
Data-driven nutrition
Custom-care pellet
Data-driven nutrition
Custom-care pellet
Review Summary
"Mad Barn Omneity Pellets earn high marks for ingredient transparency, digestibility, and palatability in metabolic and easy-keeper horses, with many users reporting improved coat and stable weight. The main criticisms are higher cost and regional availability limits."
Microbiome-friendly grin
Low‑starch, low‑sugar complete pellet formulated specifically for metabolic health.
Microbiome-friendly grin
Low‑starch, low‑sugar complete pellet formulated specifically for metabolic health.
Self-Improvement & Personal Growth
Increased Safety & Security
Mad Barn Omneity Pellets stand out for a science-forward formulation aimed at metabolic health, with emphasis on balanced amino acids, fermentable fibers and microbiome support that reduce glycemic load while promoting gut health. Technically sophisticated and backed by individualized feeding support, Omneity tends to be pricier than bulk fibre-only cubes but offers measurable performance advantages for horses needing targeted metabolic management versus simpler high-fiber alternatives.
Data-driven nutrition
Custom-care pellet
Microbiome-friendly grin
Low‑starch, low‑sugar complete pellet formulated specifically for metabolic health.
High in digestible fiber and balanced amino acids to maintain condition without excess calories.
Data-driven nutrition
Custom-care pellet
Microbiome-friendly grin
Low‑starch, low‑sugar complete pellet formulated specifically for metabolic health.
High in digestible fiber and balanced amino acids to maintain condition without excess calories.
$55-85 CAD
Brooks Fibre O Plus
Brooks Fibre O Plus is recognized for delivering a straightforward, high-fibre, low-starch cube that is financially attractive for large herds or long-term management because of its value pricing and bulk availability. Its technical strength is simplicity—very high structural carbohydrate content with minimal sugars—so it competes on cost and proven fibre delivery compared with more complex, nutrient-dense pellets on this list, making it a practical choice for steady metabolic maintenance.
High-fiber crunch
Slow-release energy
High-fiber crunch
Slow-release energy
Review Summary
"Brooks Fibre O Plus is well regarded for being a high‑fiber, low‑starch option that supports weight management and digestive health, though some owners find feed volume bulky and add supplements for extra protein or calories. It’s popular with pasture‑ridden or laminitis‑prone horses but less so for horses needing concentrated calories."
Palate-pleaser nudge
Cubed, high‑fiber, low‑starch formula that slows sugar absorption and supports steady energy.
Palate-pleaser nudge
Cubed, high‑fiber, low‑starch formula that slows sugar absorption and supports steady energy.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Brooks Fibre O Plus is recognized for delivering a straightforward, high-fibre, low-starch cube that is financially attractive for large herds or long-term management because of its value pricing and bulk availability. Its technical strength is simplicity—very high structural carbohydrate content with minimal sugars—so it competes on cost and proven fibre delivery compared with more complex, nutrient-dense pellets on this list, making it a practical choice for steady metabolic maintenance.
High-fiber crunch
Slow-release energy
Palate-pleaser nudge
Cubed, high‑fiber, low‑starch formula that slows sugar absorption and supports steady energy.
Complete feed balanced with vitamins and minerals to meet daily requirements.
High-fiber crunch
Slow-release energy
Palate-pleaser nudge
Cubed, high‑fiber, low‑starch formula that slows sugar absorption and supports steady energy.
Complete feed balanced with vitamins and minerals to meet daily requirements.
$50-80 CAD
Hoffman's Special Blend
Hoffman’s Special Blend positions itself as a flexible, small-batch low-starch/low-sugar feed tailored for metabolic horses, appealing to owners who prioritize simple ingredient panels and local sourcing to control cost and ingredient transparency. While it may lack the large-scale research backing of national brands, its customizable formulations and lower overhead often translate into savings and practical advantages for horse owners seeking an affordable, regionally available pelleted or cubed option for managing insulin sensitivity.
Stable-metabolism cube
Veterinary-inspired mix
Stable-metabolism cube
Veterinary-inspired mix
Review Summary
"Hoffman's Special Blend is often recommended for easy keepers and senior/metabolic horses for its low sugar/starch profile and good palatability, but some users report inconsistent bag-to-bag texture and variable results on very insulin‑sensitive horses. It’s generally seen as a solid budget‑friendly option."
Easy-portion genius
Low starch and sugar complete feed formulated for easy keepers and metabolically prone horses.
Easy-portion genius
Low starch and sugar complete feed formulated for easy keepers and metabolically prone horses.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Hoffman’s Special Blend positions itself as a flexible, small-batch low-starch/low-sugar feed tailored for metabolic horses, appealing to owners who prioritize simple ingredient panels and local sourcing to control cost and ingredient transparency. While it may lack the large-scale research backing of national brands, its customizable formulations and lower overhead often translate into savings and practical advantages for horse owners seeking an affordable, regionally available pelleted or cubed option for managing insulin sensitivity.
Stable-metabolism cube
Veterinary-inspired mix
Easy-portion genius
Low starch and sugar complete feed formulated for easy keepers and metabolically prone horses.
Includes added fiber and digestive support to promote hindgut health and stable digestion.
Stable-metabolism cube
Veterinary-inspired mix
Easy-portion genius
Low starch and sugar complete feed formulated for easy keepers and metabolically prone horses.
Includes added fiber and digestive support to promote hindgut health and stable digestion.
$60-95 CAD