Feed balancers for horses have risen in popularity over the years – and for good reason. More than a vitamin and mineral supplement, when fed at the correct amount a balancer will provide your horse with all the nutrients he needs. The best feed balancers allow you to get all the essential nutrients into your horse, in a low-volume and low-energy way, which is particularly helpful if you’re watching your horse’s waistline.
Of course, nutritional requirements change with age and workload, so like other feed products not all feed balancers are created with the same goal in mind. Balancers can usually be divided into one of the following groups…
- light balancers – formulated to provide all the nutrients they are likely to be missing from the restricted diets of good-doers and horses in light work
- performance balancers – designed to support competition horses and those working hard
- senior balancers – formulated to support digestion, comfort and movement in older horses
- stud balancers – aimed at stallions, pregnant or lactating mares and youngstock with higher protein requirements
Although these products provide a wide range of nutrients, if your horse has a particular issue or demand on his lifestyle, a specific supplement – such as a one of the best joint supplements for horses – may provide him a greater benefit. It’s also important to note that, in most cases, you need to feed an electrolyte in addition to the balancer if your horse requires one.
Most feed companies offer free nutritional advice, so if you’re unsure which is the best feed balancer or other product is right for your horse give them a call to discuss. You can also read through some advice they gave H&H on how to choose a feed balancer for your horse.
We’ve rounded up a selection of some of the best feed balancers for horses to help you find the right feed for your horse…
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NB: Cost per day has been calculated using the maintenance measure for a 500kg horse in light work (where there was variation) and the RRP of the smallest available bag/tub. Some products require you to feed more in certain situations, which will increase the cost per daily measure, while buying a larger bag/tub will likely decrease it – these costs per day are a guide only.
Light balancers: what’s on the market?
Baileys No.14 Lo-Cal Balancer
Sizes: 20kg
RRP: £27
Daily feeding rate: 500g
Cost per day: £0.68
Aimed at horses at rest or in light work who require a calorie-considered diet, this pelleted balancer is ideal for good-doers on restricted grazing or soaked forage who would otherwise miss out on important nutrients. Low starch (6%) and sugar (5.5%) levels make it suitable for equines prone to laminitis, while it is also suitable for equine prone to gastric ulcers.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Blue Chip Low Calorie Super Concentrated Balancer
Sizes: 3kg
RRP: £28.90
Daily feeding rate: 100g
Cost per day: £0.96
This very low starch and sugar balancer contains cinnamon, which helps to maintain blood sugar levels and improve glucose tolerance, and L-Carnitine, which can fast-track fatty acids into the muscle cells to be used. The probiotics restore the natural balance of the gut flora and help to maintain the natural wellbeing of the digestive system, allowing optimum utilisation of the vitamins, minerals and nutrients.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Dodson & Horrell Go Lite Balancer
Sizes: 15kg
RRP: £20.88
Daily feeding rate: 500g
Cost per day: £0.70
This low-calorie balancer is suitable for horses in need of a calorie-controlled diet and those prone to laminitis. It contains an effective level of biotin, zinc and methionine for hoof strength and growth, as well as natural antioxidants to support overall health, and protected yeast to support a healthy hindgut and nutrient uptake.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Feedmark Benevit
Sizes: 5kg, 10kg, 15kg, 25kg
RRP: £54.99 for 5kg
Daily feeding rate: 80g
Cost per day: £0.88
This complete supplement supplies 25 essential vitamins and minerals as well as omega-3 and -6 to add shine to your horse’s coat. It also provides vitamin E and selenium, which are important antioxidants that support healthy muscle function.
In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
NAF Slim
Sizes: 3.3kg
RRP: £36.99
Daily feeding rate: 110g
Cost per day: £1.23
Described as a highly palatable weight management supplement, this is designed to provide essential micronutrients to horses on a restricted diet. It includes metabolism-boosting marine extracts to provide essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and promotes wellbeing for good-doers while supporting healthy weight loss.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Saracen Essential Balancer
Sizes: 20kg
RRP: £31
Daily feeding rate: 500g
Cost per day: £0.78
Whole cereal grain-free, low in sugar, starch, and calories, this balancer is suitable for good-doers. It is dense in vitamins, minerals, and quality protein sources, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, live yeast and micronutrients that are essential to support optimum hoof growth. It can be fed alone to balance forage only rations, fed alongside other compound feeds to top-up the nutrient specification or to balance rations that are fed below the recommended intake.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Science Supplements WellHorse Leisure
Sizes: 1.3kg
RRP: £29.99
Daily feeding rate: 42g
Cost per day: £0.97
Part of the WellHorse range that is suitable for horses on restricted diets, this balancer contains every important nutrients and meets the NRC (National Research Council) and BASF (Animal Nutrition) recommendations for vitamins and microminerals. It also contains nutrients to support hoof growth, skin and coat condition, and protected live yeast to support a healthy digestive system.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Spillers Lite + Lean Balancer
Sizes: 20kg
RRP: £34.19
Daily feeding rate: 500g
Cost per day: £0.85
This balancer is high in amino acids, including extra lysine, methionine and threonine to help support lean muscle and topline – this is particularly important for horses fed low-energy or soaked hay. It also contains cinnamon, FOS and magnesium to support weight loss and a healthy metabolism and is suitable for those prone to laminitis.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
TopSpec Lite Feed Balancer
Sizes: 15kg
RRP: £27.30
Daily feeding rate: 500g
Cost per day: £0.91
Designed for good-doers, this balancer is a ‘non-heating’, cereal-grain-free formula, with low levels of starch and sugar, and a considered level of protein to help maintain muscle function but avoid promoting body condition. It contains all the micronutrients required to balance the diet of horses in light to medium work in a small amount of exceptionally low-calorie feed. It is suitable for horses and ponies that have recovered from laminitis providing they are not obese.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk
Performance balancers: what’s on the market?
Baileys No.19 Performance Balancer
Sizes: 20kg
RRP: £30
Daily feeding rate: 500g
Cost per day: £0.75
Aimed at good-doers in work, this low-calorie balancer provides all the nutrients you’d find in a competition mix or cube, but without the associated calories, making it ideal for horses who are stressy or excitable but require nutrients for health and performance. Low levels of starch and sugar also make it suitable for horses prone to gastric ulcers. It can be fed as the sole concentrate, alongside forage, or added to reduced quantities of other hard feeds, to ensure a fully balanced diet.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Blue Chip Joint Care Super Concentrated Feed Balancer
Sizes: 3kg
RRP: £28.90
Daily feeding rate: 100g
Cost per day: £0.96
This balancer contains turmeric, black pepper, oils and glucosamine to promote healthy joint function and movement. It contains carefully formulated levels of essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients along side complete hoof, respiratory and digestive supplements. Available in a rodent and waterproof recyclable tub.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Dengie Performance+ Balancer
Sizes: 15kg
RRP: £38.59
Daily feeding rate: 500g
Cost per day: £1.29
This product is formulated to balance the diet of performance horses, those in work on fibre-only rations or those being fed less than recommended of a fortified feed. It’s a molasses-free blend that includes alfalfa and linseed with glucosamine for joint support, prebiotics to support digestive health, B vitamins for efficient energy metabolism and hoof condition, chelated minerals for efficient absorption and herbs for palatability.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Dodson & Horrell Ultimate Balancer
Sizes: 20kg
RRP: £39.30
Daily feeding rate: 500g
Cost per day: £0.98
This balancer is a low-calorie source of vitamins and minerals with additional digestive, hoof, recovery, immune, and protein support. It is ideal for topping-up natural vitamin levels in forage and is described as suitable for all horses.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Global Herbs GlobalVite
Sizes: 3kg, 6kg, 12kg
RRP: £32 for 3kg
Daily feeding rate: 50g
Cost per day: £0.53
Packed full of easy-to-absorb minerals that are necessary to support general bodily functions, maintaining peak condition and immune system stability, this balancer helps to support healthy joints, skin and hooves.
In the UK? View now at globalherbs.co.uk, amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
NAF Five Star Optimum Concentrated Feed Balancer
Bag weight: 3.7kg, 9kg
RRP: £34.99 for 3.7kg
Daily feeding rate: 100g
Cost per day: £0.95
This concentrated formula is described as suitable for all – from the family pony to performance horse. It contains key ingredients to optimise gut function, combined with optimum nutritional supplement specification that balances a high-fibre, low-concentrate, or performance diet.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Saracen Competition Fit Balancer
Bag weight: 20kg
RRP: £33
Daily feeding rate: 500g
Cost per day: £0.83
This highly nutritious, low-intake balancer comes in the form of a mix. This allows it to provide a higher level of fibre and oil, which support stamina, and the inclusion of micronised maize helps to provide a higher energy level when compared to traditional pelleted balancers.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Science Supplements WellHorse Performance
Bag weight: 1.4kg
RRP: £39.99
Daily feeding rate: 48g
Cost per day: £1.37
This balancer contains every important nutrient that your performance horse requires and meets the NRC (National Research Council) and BASF (Animal Nutrition) recommendations for vitamins, microminerals and macrominerals. It also supports joint health and the immune system, to keep your horse competing at its peak.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Spillers Original Multi Balancer
Bag weight: 20kg
RRP: £43.89
Daily feeding rate: 500g
Cost per day: £1.10
This balancer provides digestive and immunity support in addition to everyday vitamins and minerals. It is rich in amino acids to support muscle development and topline, high in antioxidants and contains pre- and probiotics.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
TopSpec Performance Lite Feed Balancer
Bag weight: 15kg
RRP: £34.50
Daily feeding rate: 500g
Cost per day: £1.15
Designed for good-doers in medium to hard work that do not need extra topline or muscle development, this balancer provides everything your horse needs in a small amount of non-heating low-calorie feed. It contains a multi-supplement including that is described as including the levels of micronutrients normally only found in high quality specialised supplements.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk
Senior balancers: what’s on the market?
Blue Chip Senior Super Concentrated Feed Balancer
Sizes: 3kg
RRP: £28.90
Daily feeding rate: 100g
Cost per day: 96p
Formulated for horses over the age of 14, this balancer contains the correct levels of vitamins, minerals and nutrients in the diet, along with additional supplements to ease the ageing process. It includes CushinCombo, a complete joint supplement and is completely molasses free. Available in a rodent-proof and waterproof recyclable tub.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Dodson & Horrell Senior Support Balancer
Sizes: 15kg
RRP: £29.68
Daily feeding rate: 500g
Cost per day: £0.99
Designed for older horses who are actively competing or in light work, this balancer provides quality protein and all the vitamins and minerals a veteran requires in a low-volume, low-calorie way, which is ideal for horses that hold their weight well and don’t need a lot of compound feed.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Keyflow Golden Oldies
Bag weight: 15kg
RRP: £47.50
Daily feeding rate: 500g
Cost per day: £1.58
Providing comprehensive nutritional care for older horses, this balancer comes in the form of a cereal-free mash, which allows it to be ingested easily, even when dentition is poor. It is low in sugar and starch and contains omega-3 to support joint mobility and muscle suppleness.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
NAF In The Pink Senior
Sizes: 900g, 1.8kg, 3.6kg
RRP: £26.99 for 900g
Daily feeding rate: 30g
Cost per day: £0.90
Formulated to meet all the nutritional requirements of the older horse and give him all the support he needs to stay active and feeling young, this balancer supports the digestive system, which helps your horse maximise the value of his feed intake.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or amazon.co.uk
Science Supplements WellHorse Veteran
Bag weight 1.6kg
RRP: £39.99
Daily feeding rate: 54g
Cost per day: £1.35
Formulated to meet the demands of the older horse, this balancer contains every important nutrient your veteran requires and meets the NRC (National Research Council) and BASF (Animal Nutrition) recommendations for vitamins, microminerals and macrominerals. It also supports joint, hoof and gut health as well as the immune system.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Spillers Supple + Senior Balancer
Bag weight: 15kg
RRP: £37.95
Daily feeding rate: 500g
Cost per day: £1.27
This balancer supports digestion, comfort and movement in older horses. It is high in antioxidants to support immune health and has probiotics and prebiotics to support digestive health. It also contains high levels of glucosamine, MSM and omega-3 to support joint health.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
TopSpec Senior Lite Feed Balancer
Bag weight: 15kg
RRP: £39.95
Daily feeding rate: 500g
Cost per day: £1.33
Designed for elderly horses that are prone to weight gain, this balancer combines the benefits of a low-calorie feed balancer and a joint supplement in a cost-effective way. It’s formulated without cereal grains and provides only low levels of sugar and starch, which helps to maintain healthy hindgut function and avoid loose droppings.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk
Stud balancers: what’s on the market?
NB: We have not calculated a cost per day for the stud balancers below as feeding rates vary greatly with stage of pregnancy for mares as well as age for youngstock.
Baileys Stud Balancer
Sizes: 20kg
RRP: £25
This balancer provides optimum nutrition for all breeding stock. It can be introduced from 3 months of age and, being low calorie, it is ideal for good-doers, supporting even growth rates without encouraging weight gain. Its quality protein and elevated levels of vitamins and minerals, including chelated minerals for improved bioavailability, support foetal development as well as helping ensure the mare is receiving the nutrients she needs to produce good quality milk.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Blue Chip Pro Feed Balancer
Sizes: 15kg
RRP: £39.65
Formulated for performance horses and growing young stock, this balancer supports consistent, steady growth rates for youngstock. It contains elevated levels of vitamins and minerals, and includes nucleotides for quality cell replication, pre- and probiotics, plus essential omega-3 and -6 oils.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk
Connolly’s Red Mills Grocare Balancer
Sizes: 20kg
RRP: £23.14
This nutrient-rich balancer, specifically formulated for broodmares, stallions, and youngstock, contains a long-lasting gastric acid buffer and prebiotics to support gastric and hindgut function. It has been formulated to help promote bone strength and correct limb development by providing quality protein, vitamins A, D and K, plus essential micronutrients such as elements calcium and phosphorus.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Dodson & Horrell Suregrow
Sizes: 20kg
RRP: £20.30
This balancer is a concentrated source of vitamins and minerals, packed with additional support supplements for stallions, mares, foals and youngstock. It is low in starch and includes key amino acids, hoof support and vitamin E, which helps support fertility and milk quality. It also contains MOS and FOS prebiotics and ActiSaf yeast – a probiotic which supports a healthy hindgut environment of fibre fermentation and nutrient uptake.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Keyflow Nurture Pro
Sizes: 15kg
RRP: £29.95
This scientifically formulated, pre-digested feed balancer supports and balances a pasture-based diet for equine stud animals. The highly palatable nuggets, which are large enough to be eaten off the floor, contain amino acids that support quality lean muscle and skeletal growth and development. DHA, a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid, is included to support semen motility, mare postpartum recovery, foal feeding behaviours and development.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
NAF Mare Foal & Youngstock
Sizes: 1.8kg
RRP: £28.99
This broad-spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement will ensure the correct micro-nutrient, vitamin and mineral levels are provided for optimum development of the foal and nutritional support for the mare prior to foaling.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Saracen Stamm 30 stud balancer
Sizes: 20kg
RRP: £27.50
This balancer, designed to support breeding and youngstock, is whole cereal free, low in starch and sugar, which makes it suitable for fast-growing foals and horses with more excitable temperaments. It can be fed alongside a forage only diet or alongside the existing ration to support nutrient intake. All types of breeding stock will benefit from the elevated inclusion of antioxidants, including vitamin E, which supports immune function, colostrum quality and can help to support optimal muscle function.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Spillers Gro N’ Win Stud Balancer
Sizes: 20kg
RRP: £26.49
Designed for youngsters who hold their condition well and to complement a forage-based diet, this balancer is a low-calorie nutrient-rich growth formula for safe and even development. It’s suitable for foals, youngstock and pregnant or lactating mares.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk
TopSpec Stud Lite Feed Balancer
Sizes: 20kg
RRP: £37.95
TopSpec Stud Lite Feed Balancer provides most of the benefits of TopSpec Stud Feed Balancer, including a multi-supplement combined with a feed, but on a low-calorie, low-protein base, making it ideal for youngstock and broodmares that are good-doers.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk
You might also be interested in:
Veteran supplements: what’s on the market?
What is a feed balancer? H&H explains…
How to choose the right feed balancer for your horse
How are feed balancers different to vitamin and mineral supplements?
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