Easy to Fill Slow Feed Hay Bag
The Best Slow Feeders of 2022
Best Slow Feeders Buying Guide
While most know that horses are meant to graze 24/7, not all horse owners are able to provide a big, green pasture for their equine companions. Slow feeders are a great alternative to grazing if you have limited access to a pasture. Slower feeding can be beneficial for horses prone to certain conditions like foundering, laminitis, or ulcers. Available in many different forms, slow feeders can also improve your horse's overall health and well-being. Below, we have narrowed down our favorite products and answered some commonly asked questions to make your slow feeding choices a bit less daunting!
Factors to Consider
There are important factors to keep in mind when choosing a slow feeder; it is not a one-size-fits-all solution! Material, hole size, hay type, and horse age or size all influence your equine's comfort during their hay consumption. If your horse is destroying your slow feeder or eating too quickly (continuing weight issues), it is time to reexamine your slow feeder and hay combo. Please refer to the handy chart below for a general guideline:
| Hole Size | Hay Type | Horse Age/Size |
| 0.5" - 1" | Grass, Chopped, Medium to Coarse Hay | Minis, Ponies, Donkeys, & Mules |
| 1.5" | Longer Grass, Chopped, Alfalfa, Bermuda, Fine Hay | Young & Most Horses (Used to Hay Nets/Bags) |
| 1.75" - 2" | Grass, Timothy, Alfalfa, Forage, Thick to Coarse Hay | Anxious & Most Horses, Drafts, Warmbloods |
| 3" - 4" | Long Stemmed, Straw, All Hays | Adult, Special Needs/Senior Horses, Cattle |
Finding the right combo can take time and even some trial and error with different hole sizes. Horses have different learning speeds, personalities, and patience when it comes to slow feeders. Be mentally prepared to invest effort into helping your horse understand slow feeding, especially if you are introducing the concept for the first time.
Our Top Slow-Feeder Picks:
Most Durable: NibbleNet Slow Feeder
Durability Defined
The NibbleNet Slow Feeder was designed to simulate grazing, with a one-bite-at-a-time concept for a more natural method of feeding. Made in the USA from heavy-duty vinyl and poly webbing, this slow feeder holds up against even the toughest of horses. With different hole sizes to choose from, you can customize your NibbleNet to your specific horse and hay needs. Stainless steel hardware and nylon straps ensure security and durability for daily feeding.
Hay Capacity: Tough 1 Round Bale Hay Net
Go Big or Go Home
The Tough 1 Round Bale Hay Net is specifically constructed to net an entire round bale of hay for horses in the pasture. It is made from a tough poly cord that won't stretch over time, helping to prevent hay waste. Ideal for feeding a larger group of horses, this hay net also comes with a repair kit for fixing possible rips and tears. You can feel secure knowing speedy eaters will effectively be slowed down by the 1.5" or 2.5" hole openings.
Ease to Fill: Weaver Breathable Easy Fill Hay Bag
Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy
While the Weaver Breathable Easy Fill Hay Bag is not technically a "slow feeder" per se, we cannot ignore the accessibility! With a simple wide top opening and a variety of tying options, loading and securing your hay is a breeze. Constructed from durable Cordura nylon and mesh, this bag is durable, breathable, and easy to clean. The large front hole opening is good for horses easily frustrated by the small openings of slow feeders. Ease your horse's mental well-being with this handy option for your barn or trailer.
Trailer Friendly: Prof Choice Scratch-Free Hay Bag
No Scuffs or Scratches
The Professional's Choice Scratch-Free Hay Bag is ideal for trailering, showing, or camping. This hay bag does not have any metal hardware, preventing the possibility of scratches on your trailer. This option is great for overnight camping when your horse is tied to your trailer since the absence of hardware will lessen the sound from noisy eaters. The top drawstring closure provides access for top loading and adjusting your hay bag's height. Reinforced nylon webbing and the 3" x 2" openings make this bag perfect for traveling.
Boredom Buster: Equi-Essential Hay Ball
Bored No More
The Equi-Essential Hay Ball is the go-to slow feeder to beat boredom. The unique shape entertains your horse by allowing them to play and push the hay ball around without letting it roll too far away. It can also be hung on the stall like a standard hay bag if preferred. This hard plastic hay ball is 16" in diameter and weighs about 4.5 lb when not filled with hay. It has a 4.75" screw opening to fill and twelve 2.75" openings for your horse to eat from. The hay ball can hold up to 7 lb of hay and is ideal for one horse—especially a playful one!
Most Versatile: Niblet Hay Net Slow Feeder
All-Around Prospect
The Niblet Hay Net is a great option whether your horse is turned out, in a stall, or on the go. This hay net is made of a durable poly-blend rope woven into 2" to 2.5" square openings, with a drawstring closure for easy filling. And it can hold up to 35 lb of hay! Designed to reduce waste and lengthen eating time, this versatile hay net is priced to fit every equestrian's budget.
Long-Term Use: Kiwi Helix Feeder
As Nature Designed
The perfect solution both at home and on the go, the Kiwi Helix Feeder slow feeder is designed to allow your horse to eat in a natural head-down position. This feeder is built to collapse as the horse consumes the hay inside, making it easy to bring along when away from home. Heavy-duty mesh, corrosion-proof hardware, and a 1/2"-thick high-density plastic feeding plate ensure this slow feeder will withstand the elements. This easy-to-fill feeder can hold up to 60 lb of hay and is offered in both 3.5" and 4" hole options. Provide frustration-free feeding for your best equine friend!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My horse is aggressive during feeding time, would a slow feeder help?
A: Slow feeders are helpful in managing aggressive food behaviors in horses. Bad habits like cribbing are usually caused by underlying issues such as boredom. Slow feeders give bored or aggressive horses a positive energy outlet. Ulcers can be caused when stomach acid levels rise due to too long a time between feedings, leading to other negative behaviors. Slow feeders give your horse a steady feeding schedule to help protect against ulcers and their side effects. Horses that are anxious during feeding times can develop food-related stress. Slow feeders provide constant access to food and therefore can help lower stress levels and prevent poor or aggressive behaviors.
Q: What hole size do I choose?
A: It is best to choose a hole size that will slow down eating to mimic the grazing effect, but not one small enough to cause exasperation in your horse. If your horse is refusing to eat at all with a slow feeder, they are likely too frustrated. It is best to introduce slow feeders with a larger hole size, then transition to smaller holes after your horse adjusts to the slow feeder concept.
Q: Are slow feeders safe for horses?
A: Slow feeders are quite safe when used properly. It is important to purchase a hay net or bag that is made of high-quality materials to prevent breakage of the feeder or hazards to your horse. Be sure the slow feeder is secured to prevent swaying, and any excess rope or straps are tucked away. Shod horses can get shoe nails stuck or shoes pulled off if snagged on a hay net; make certain your slow feeder is hung high enough to prevent entanglement, but low enough for a normal eating position. Improper height placement can cause neck and back issues in your horse.
Q: Are hay nets bad for your horse's teeth?
A: Hay nets are not bad for your horse's teeth as long as they are high-quality nylon or polyester and are not constructed from steel, wire, or metal parts. However, that is not to say that metal feeders or grates are necessarily detrimental to your horse's dental health. Slow feeding can actually help manage dental risks caused by underlying conditions, such as laminitis or high-sugar diets. If your horse does experience any dental issues with a hay net or slow feeder, please consult your veterinarian immediately.
Closing Thoughts
We hope this guide has helped alleviate any personal doubts in choosing a slow feeder for your horse. Your horse's health and eating habits are extremely important for a longstanding equine relationship. Please be aware that no hay net is totally indestructible! Check out all of our slow feeder and hay bag options below to make an educated decision. If you have any lingering questions, feel free to reach out to our friendly customer service team.
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Source: https://www.ridingwarehouse.com/lc/buying_guides/Horse_Care/Best-Slow-Feeders.html