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Medicated Pelleted Horse Feed — 2025 Canada Guide: Top 5 Options Featuring Purina Gastric Support, Mad Barn Visceral+, Brooks Enhancer, Masterfeeds Opti-Ferm, Buckeye Nutrition EQ8 Gut Health

Published on Monday, August 25, 2025

Medicated pelleted horse feeds are formulated pellets that deliver approved therapeutic medications or functional additives targeted at common equine conditions such as gastric ulcers, internal parasites, and metabolic imbalances. In Canada these products appeal to owners and professionals who prioritize consistent dosing, ease of use, and palatable delivery in climates that demand storage stability and reliable performance. Consumers increasingly favor medicated pellets for predictable intake versus top-dressed liquid treatments, for clear label guidance that aligns with veterinary recommendations, and for products that combine medication with supportive nutrition to speed recovery and improve daily management. Market preferences in 2025 emphasize vet-verified efficacy, transparency about active ingredients and withdrawal times, local availability across Canadian provinces, and formulations designed for horses with low non-structural carbohydrate needs or sensitive guts.

Quick Menu

1. Best Trusted Brand Gastric Support

2. Best Microbiome-Focused Supplement

3. Best Performance & Digestive Support

4. Best Fermentation & Fiber Support

5. Best Targeted Hindgut Health

1
BEST TRUSTED BRAND GASTRIC SUPPORT

Purina Gastric Support

Purina Gastric Support

Purina Gastric Support is the market-leading medicated pelleted horse feed, backed by Purina's large veterinary research and broad distribution network which makes it easy to source and prescribe. It balances proven anti-ulcer medicants with palatable, cost-effective pellets, offering wider availability and lower per-unit cost than boutique microbiome-focused options like Mad Barn while providing a more established retailer footprint than niche brands such as Brooks or Masterfeeds.

4.2
★★★★☆
  • Ulcer soothing

  • Stable digestion

  • Ulcer soothing

  • Stable digestion

Review Summary

84%

"Users report consistent reduction in gastric discomfort and improved appetite with continued use; most find the pellets palatable though a minority mention slow onset and higher cost."

  • Molasses crunch

  • Pelleted formula designed to support gastric comfort and help reduce ulcer recurrence.

  • Molasses crunch

  • Pelleted formula designed to support gastric comfort and help reduce ulcer recurrence.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

Purina Gastric Support is the market-leading medicated pelleted horse feed, backed by Purina's large veterinary research and broad distribution network which makes it easy to source and prescribe. It balances proven anti-ulcer medicants with palatable, cost-effective pellets, offering wider availability and lower per-unit cost than boutique microbiome-focused options like Mad Barn while providing a more established retailer footprint than niche brands such as Brooks or Masterfeeds.

  • Ulcer soothing

  • Stable digestion

  • Molasses crunch

  • Pelleted formula designed to support gastric comfort and help reduce ulcer recurrence.

  • Fortified with vitamins and minerals to maintain daily nutrient balance while supporting digestion.

  • Ulcer soothing

  • Stable digestion

  • Molasses crunch

  • Pelleted formula designed to support gastric comfort and help reduce ulcer recurrence.

  • Fortified with vitamins and minerals to maintain daily nutrient balance while supporting digestion.

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$40-80 CAD

2
BEST MICROBIOME-FOCUSED SUPPLEMENT

Mad Barn Visceral+

Mad Barn Visceral+
🏠 Local Product

Mad Barn Visceral+ is best-in-class for targeted gut-microbiome modulation in a medicated pelleted format, using research-informed probiotic and postbiotic blends and high ingredient transparency favored by clinicians. Though typically positioned at a premium versus mass-market medicated feeds, its technical advantage is precise strain selection and dosing that complements or replaces broader medication strategies found in larger-brand feeds.

4.1
★★★★☆
  • Microbiome boost

  • Nutrient uptake

  • Microbiome boost

  • Nutrient uptake

Review Summary

78%

"Many horse owners note clearer manure, steadier digestion, and fewer digestive upsets after extended use; some users say results vary by individual and it can be pricey."

  • Lab-smart zing

  • Formulated to support digestive tract function and microbial balance throughout the gut.

  • Lab-smart zing

  • Formulated to support digestive tract function and microbial balance throughout the gut.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Eco-Friendly Living

Mad Barn Visceral+ is best-in-class for targeted gut-microbiome modulation in a medicated pelleted format, using research-informed probiotic and postbiotic blends and high ingredient transparency favored by clinicians. Though typically positioned at a premium versus mass-market medicated feeds, its technical advantage is precise strain selection and dosing that complements or replaces broader medication strategies found in larger-brand feeds.

  • Microbiome boost

  • Nutrient uptake

  • Lab-smart zing

  • Formulated to support digestive tract function and microbial balance throughout the gut.

  • Includes prebiotic and probiotic ingredient support to encourage healthy hindgut populations.

  • Microbiome boost

  • Nutrient uptake

  • Lab-smart zing

  • Formulated to support digestive tract function and microbial balance throughout the gut.

  • Includes prebiotic and probiotic ingredient support to encourage healthy hindgut populations.

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$80-140 CAD

3
BEST PERFORMANCE & DIGESTIVE SUPPORT

Brooks Enhancer

Brooks Enhancer

Brooks Enhancer targets performance horses needing medicated pelleted nutrition that also supports energy and palatability, combining gut-protective medicants with performance-focused nutrient density. It offers a competitive mid-market price and practical formulation for trainers who want integrated medication and conditioning in one feed, sitting between large-scale solutions like Purina and specialized microbiome formulas such as Mad Barn.

3.9
★★★☆☆
  • Rapid relief

  • Even dosing

  • Rapid relief

  • Even dosing

Review Summary

73%

"Owners appreciate the convenience and some appetite support, but reviews are mixed on efficacy for serious gastric issues and picky eaters sometimes refuse the pellets."

  • Apple hint

  • Pelleted supplement aimed at supporting digestive efficiency and overall condition.

  • Apple hint

  • Pelleted supplement aimed at supporting digestive efficiency and overall condition.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

Brooks Enhancer targets performance horses needing medicated pelleted nutrition that also supports energy and palatability, combining gut-protective medicants with performance-focused nutrient density. It offers a competitive mid-market price and practical formulation for trainers who want integrated medication and conditioning in one feed, sitting between large-scale solutions like Purina and specialized microbiome formulas such as Mad Barn.

  • Rapid relief

  • Even dosing

  • Apple hint

  • Pelleted supplement aimed at supporting digestive efficiency and overall condition.

  • Contains buffering agents and nutrients intended to promote gastric comfort during work or stress.

  • Rapid relief

  • Even dosing

  • Apple hint

  • Pelleted supplement aimed at supporting digestive efficiency and overall condition.

  • Contains buffering agents and nutrients intended to promote gastric comfort during work or stress.

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$60-120 CAD

4
BEST FERMENTATION & FIBER SUPPORT

Masterfeeds Opti-Ferm

Masterfeeds Opti-Ferm
🏠 Local Product

Masterfeeds Opti-Ferm is a fermentation-enriched medicated pellet that leverages stabilized yeast and fermentation metabolites to support hindgut function alongside prescribed medication. Its technical strengths are cost-efficient bulk production, shelf stability, and practical dosing for barn-scale use, making it an economical alternative to boutique gut-targeted products while providing more targeted support than generic medicated pellets.

4.3
★★★★☆
  • Yeast balance

  • Fiber optimization

  • Yeast balance

  • Fiber optimization

Review Summary

82%

"Long-term users commonly report improved hindgut balance and reduced digestive incidents, with generally good acceptance; a few report a slower onset of benefits."

  • Barn fizz

  • Contains yeast-derived fermentation support designed to improve fiber digestion and gut stability.

  • Barn fizz

  • Contains yeast-derived fermentation support designed to improve fiber digestion and gut stability.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Eco-Friendly Living

Masterfeeds Opti-Ferm is a fermentation-enriched medicated pellet that leverages stabilized yeast and fermentation metabolites to support hindgut function alongside prescribed medication. Its technical strengths are cost-efficient bulk production, shelf stability, and practical dosing for barn-scale use, making it an economical alternative to boutique gut-targeted products while providing more targeted support than generic medicated pellets.

  • Yeast balance

  • Fiber optimization

  • Barn fizz

  • Contains yeast-derived fermentation support designed to improve fiber digestion and gut stability.

  • Pelleted delivery provides consistent dosing and convenient handling for daily use.

  • Yeast balance

  • Fiber optimization

  • Barn fizz

  • Contains yeast-derived fermentation support designed to improve fiber digestion and gut stability.

  • Pelleted delivery provides consistent dosing and convenient handling for daily use.

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$120-220 CAD

5
BEST TARGETED HINDGUT HEALTH

Buckeye Nutrition EQ8 Gut Health

Buckeye Nutrition EQ8 Gut Health

Buckeye Nutrition EQ8 Gut Health is formulated as a focused medicated pelleted support for acute digestive issues, combining buffering agents, gut-soothing additives, and practical dosing for performance and pleasure horses. It competes on concentrated gut-treatment efficacy and vet-friendly formulation, frequently offering competitive pricing below some mass-market brands but with a narrower distribution footprint compared to industry leaders like Purina.

4.5
★★★★☆
  • Microbiome harmony

  • Stable stools

  • Microbiome harmony

  • Stable stools

Review Summary

88%

"Widely regarded as effective for promoting gut health and reducing gastric episodes over time, with many praising consistent results despite a higher price point."

  • Probiotic party

  • Formulated to support large-intestine health with prebiotic and probiotic-style components.

  • Probiotic party

  • Formulated to support large-intestine health with prebiotic and probiotic-style components.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

Eco-Friendly Living

Buckeye Nutrition EQ8 Gut Health is formulated as a focused medicated pelleted support for acute digestive issues, combining buffering agents, gut-soothing additives, and practical dosing for performance and pleasure horses. It competes on concentrated gut-treatment efficacy and vet-friendly formulation, frequently offering competitive pricing below some mass-market brands but with a narrower distribution footprint compared to industry leaders like Purina.

  • Microbiome harmony

  • Stable stools

  • Probiotic party

  • Formulated to support large-intestine health with prebiotic and probiotic-style components.

  • Pelleted supplement that mixes well with daily rations for consistent intake and compliance.

  • Microbiome harmony

  • Stable stools

  • Probiotic party

  • Formulated to support large-intestine health with prebiotic and probiotic-style components.

  • Pelleted supplement that mixes well with daily rations for consistent intake and compliance.

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$90-170 CAD

What Research Says About Medicated Pelleted Feeds

A growing body of equine nutrition and veterinary research supports the benefits of medicated pelleted feeds when used appropriately under veterinary guidance. Key findings show that consistent, measured delivery of therapeutic agents via a palatable pellet improves compliance and can lead to faster clinical responses for targeted issues such as gastric ulcers, parasite control, and gut dysbiosis. Supplements and additives commonly paired with medications, including buffering agents, probiotics, and prebiotic fibers, are supported by trials demonstrating improved gastric mucosa health, more stable hindgut fermentation, and reduced clinical signs in at-risk or affected horses.

Gastric ulcer management: Controlled dosing of acid-suppressing agents formulated in consistent pellets has been associated with improved healing rates and easier at-home administration compared with variable top-dressed treatments.

Anthelmintic delivery: Pelleted feeds that include approved anthelmintics can increase owner compliance and ensure full therapeutic doses for strategic deworming when used according to label and veterinary advice.

Microbiome and gut support: Peer-reviewed trials indicate that adding specific probiotics, yeast products, or prebiotic fibers to feeds can help stabilize hindgut populations during or after medication, reducing diarrhea and supporting nutrient absorption.

Metabolic and laminitis risk: Low non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) medicated pellets, or formulations designed for metabolic sensitivity, help manage insulin response while delivering therapeutic agents, reducing the risk of post-feeding glycemic spikes.

Real-world feeding trials: Field studies and controlled trials from veterinary colleges and equine nutrition programs show that palatability and pellet uniformity are key drivers of effective dosing and owner satisfaction.

Across Canada in 2025, medicated pelleted horse feeds are a practical option for owners seeking targeted therapy combined with supportive nutrition. The five featured products on this page — Purina Gastric Support, Mad Barn Visceral+, Brooks Enhancer, Masterfeeds Opti-Ferm, and Buckeye Nutrition EQ8 Gut Health — each address different needs from ulcer management to parasite control and gut microbiome support. For most Canadian horse owners looking for a broadly available, vet-aligned balance of therapeutic effect and supportive nutrition, Purina Gastric Support is the best overall choice among these options due to its clinical backing, distribution, and formulation focus on gastric health. We hope you found what you were looking for; refine or expand your results using the search to compare formulations, active ingredients, provincial availability, or to find a product matched to your horse's specific condition.

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