Triple Crown Diamond Feed Review

Why I Switched to Triple Crown Diamond Feed

I recently transitioned my horses onto the Triple Crown Diamond feed line , available exclusively through Tractor Supply. The change was driven by a specific nutritional need rather than a routine feed adjustment.

I have always owned Thoroughbreds, which are typically harder keepers requiring nutrient-dense, high-calorie feeds. My feeding philosophy has consistently focused on maximizing calories, fat, and essential nutrients in fewer pounds of feed. The decision to evaluate a new feed began with my 24-year-old horse, Gage, who had a megaesophagus . At that point, he could no longer safely consume hay without a significant risk of choking. I began researching complete feeds capable of delivering higher fat and calorie content in a smaller feeding volume to reduce risk while maintaining condition. He had some colic episodes and was going on and off his feed more during this time. 

My research led me to Triple Crown Diamond Senior, which became the first product I incorporated into the feeding program. While I was researching this feed my main concern was if it would break down completely in water. Gage could not have any bulk in his feed due to his severe degenerative disease. I saw on Triple Crown's Facebook page one of their nutritionists speak on the Diamond Line. I messaged them on Facebook and their social media person answered all my questions immediately. She went out of her way to send me samples to see if this feed would dissolve enough for Gage's needs. That is a level of customer service I was not expecting from a large brand. That experience alone had a major influence on me changing all my feeds over to Triple Crown. Here you can find more information about TC Diamond .  

Feeding Strategy and the Importance of Reduced Feed Volume

One of the most significant advantages of this feed was the ability to reduce total daily feed volume while maintaining or improving caloric intake. Instead of feeding approximately 16 to 20 pounds of a complete feed, I was able to maintain Gage's body condition on approximately 12 to 16 pounds. For a horse with high swallowing risk, reducing feed volume was just as important as improving nutritional density.

After the initial transition, I decided to move my 10-year-old OTTB performance horse, Kevin, onto Triple Crown Diamond Perform , and my PPID and EMS Mustang pony over to Triple Crown Diamond Balancer.  

Important Note on Gage  

Unfortunately, Gage passed away approximately two months after the feed transition. This was not related to feed changes, colic, or choke. His passing was associated with an EPM flare-up, and the timing was coincidental. The feed program was not a contributing factor and I am sadden that he left us before seeing the full benefits I know he would have received from this feed.

Case Study: Kevin, 17-Hand OTTB Performance Horse

Following Gage's passing I kept Kevin on the Diamond line of feed. He has had a very positive outcome from this feeding program shift. Even though Gage's needs were the initial deciding factor, my other two horses, Kevin and Josie, also met needs through the full Diamond line. Kevin is a large Thoroughbred with a high metabolism and has had a long history of hindgut issues while on the track, and following his racing career.

Prior to the feed change, Kevin consistently had loose manure resembling a “cow patty” consistency. I and his veterinarian discussed this many times and she associated it with hindgut imbalance and potential residual digestive stress and ulcers from his racing days. He also had a dull coat, brittle mane and tail, and required large quantities of feed just to maintain his body condition.

Historically, he has been sensitive to starch and sugar levels. Excess grain would quickly result in behavioral reactivity, while insufficient calories would lead to slight weight loss and reduced body condition.

Findings on Feeding Efficiency and Cost Analysis

Although the per-bag cost of the Triple Crown Diamond line is higher than the other brand I was feeding, the overall feeding efficiency has improved significantly. Kevin’s daily intake changed from approximately 10 to 12 pounds (13,200- 15,840 calories) of feed per day to approximately 6 to 8 pounds (10,800- 14,400 calories) per day while maintaining caloric intake and improving nutrient balance.

This reduction resulted in approximately two fewer bags of feed purchased per month and an estimated savings of $30 to $40 monthly. It also reduced storage requirements and feed bag waste in my barn. I have added high quality forage into his diet as well, so I plan to follow up with a Part II on this Feed Review to give an entire overview into the total changes I made to Kevin's diet.

Results Observed in Kevin

Following the transition, Kevin demonstrated consistent and measurable improvements across multiple areas:

• His overall body condition improved without digestive compromise. 
• His energy level became more consistent and appropriate. 
• His coat quality improved significantly, including increased shine.
• His mane and tail have also shown noticeable regrowth, particularly in areas that had previously been broken or damaged during pasture turnout. His tail, which had remained short and uneven, is now visibly growing in length and fullness.
• And the most significant improvement has been in manure consistency. 

His stool is now consistently formed and stable, even during this recent spring grass transition, when he historically experiences looser stool. I have been able to discontinue his Succeed supplement which ranged in price from $120-$160 depending on special subscriber discounts I had. 

Overall, his hindgut function appears happier: more balanced, with improved nutrient absorption and more consistent body condition even without the added support of Succeed. I will cover Freedom Health's Succeed in a separate product review because I do contribute that to his overall gut healing. Whereas I believe the Diamond Perform maintains the overall balance and health.

Case Study: Josie, Metabolic Mustang Pony

Josie required a different nutritional approach. He does not require high caloric intake but he was not receiving sufficient vitamin and mineral coverage on the lower NSC grain I was feeding to him. Because of this I transitioned him onto Triple Crown Diamond Balancer to ensure complete nutritional support without unnecessary calories or starch or added supplements. I will write a full review on Diamond Balancer to break down the pros and cons I have seen in this product, specifically related to Josie and his overall needs, health and support. Make sure you are subscribed to our email newsletter to get my Succeed and Diamond Balancer reviews.  

Overall Results

Kevin and Josie's feeding plans are customized based on their individuals needs; however, with both feeds I have experienced several consistent outcomes. I am ok with feeding different brands and feeds based on needs, but it is very nice to be able to know and trust one brand, and be able to pick up their feeds at the same store each month. If Tractor Supply is out of the feed then I can also easily subscribe to the feed and have it shipped to my desired store for pick up, guaranteeing that I always have the feed I need, when I need it. Tractor Supply also offers subscription discounts which saves even more money per bag of feed each month. If you are looking for ways to cut down on cost, total mass, free up storage and reduce waste (such as number of feedbags) this is a really great option!

So what I have experienced: 

• The total daily grain volume has decreased across horses while maintaining and/ or improving body condition. 
• Digestive stability has improved, particularly in Kevin who was previously prone to loose manure and hindgut imbalance. 
• Coat quality, hoof strength, and hair growth have improved drastically in Kevin and as Josie sheds his PPID winter coat his shorter summer coat has a nice sheen to it as well.
• Kevin's energy levels have become more predictable and appropriate, particularly for a OTTB. 

Final Review

Overall, the Triple Crown Diamond Perform has allowed me to reduce total feed volume for Kevin, while improving his nutritional density and digestive consistency. This feed has been positive for him, who, like other sport horses, has a high metabolism, hindgut sensitivity, and requires calorie-dense nutrition in limited volume.

If you have a hard keeper, sport horse, or senior horse requiring concentrated nutrition, and/ or a metabolically sensitive horse requiring controlled starch intake then I highly recommend the Triple Crown Diamond Line. 

To shop for this feed at your local Tractor Supply Store visits here.  

Frequently Asked Questions: 

What is Triple Crown Diamond Perform designed for?

Triple Crown Diamond Perform is formulated for mature horses, performance horses, and underweight horses that require additional calories in a nutrient-dense, controlled-starch diet. It is designed to support stamina, muscle function, immune health, and digestive stability while maintaining a high-energy feed profile suitable for active or hard-keeping horses.

What are the key nutritional features of Diamond Perform?

Diamond Perform is a high-fat, high-fiber pelleted feed designed to deliver concentrated energy in a reduced feeding rate. It is grain-free and built around digestible fiber and fat sources rather than high-starch grains. The feed is formulated to support gastric health and oxidative stress management, particularly in performance horses under physical or metabolic stress.

What are the protein, fat, and fiber levels?

Diamond Perform provides approximately:

• Crude Protein: 12.5%
• Crude Fat: 12%
• Crude Fiber: 15%

These levels support muscle maintenance and controlled energy release without relying on high-starch ingredients that can contribute to digestive or behavioral instability.

Is Triple Crown Diamond Perform low starch and low sugar?

Yes. Diamond Perform is formulated with controlled non-structural carbohydrate levels to support horses sensitive to starch and sugar. It typically contains:

• Sugar (ESC): ~5.3%
• Starch: ~9.2%

This makes it suitable for horses that require a calmer energy source or those prone to hindgut sensitivity.

How many calories does it provide?

Diamond Perform delivers approximately 1,800 kilocalories per pound, making it a calorie-dense feed designed to reduce total daily feed volume while maintaining or improving body condition.

How much should I feed per day?

Feeding rates vary by body weight and workload, but general guidelines include:

• 600 lb horse: 3–4 lb/day
• 900 lb horse: 4–9 lb/day
• 1,100 lb horse: 5–11 lb/day
• 1,300 lb horse: 6–13 lb/day

It should always be fed alongside adequate forage, with a minimum forage intake depending on body weight and condition.

What types of horses benefit most from Diamond Perform?

This feed is commonly used for:

• Performance horses in regular work
• Hard keepers needing weight support
• Mature horses requiring higher calorie density
• Horses needing controlled starch intake for metabolic or digestive stability

Its formulation supports both energy demand and hindgut health, making it versatile across multiple equine types.

Can it be used for horses with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues?

Yes. Diamond Perform includes gastric buffering support and is designed to promote gut health and reduce oxidative stress. It is often selected for horses with histories of ulcers, stress-related digestive issues, or hindgut sensitivity when higher calorie intake is needed. The label confirms inclusion of a “Total Direct Fed Microbials” blend (3.62 billion CFU/lb) (Probiotic), which includes:

• Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product
• Enterococcus faecium fermentation product
• Bacillus subtilis dried fermentation product
• Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast culture + yeast extract)

And it contains functional prebiotic sources, meaning ingredients that feed and support beneficial gut bacteria:

• Beet pulp (fermentable fiber)
• Wheat middlings
• Alfalfa meal
• Ground flaxseed
• Rice bran
• Yeast culture components

These ingredients function as fermentable fibers and oligosaccharide sources, which act as prebiotic substrates in the hindgut even though they are not marketed under a standalone “prebiotic blend.”

How does it compare to traditional grain-based feeds?

Unlike traditional grain-heavy feeds, Diamond Perform uses fat and fiber as primary energy sources rather than starch. This allows for higher calorie intake with lower total feed volume and reduced starch load, which may support more consistent digestion, energy, and behavior in sensitive horses.