Slow feeder or hay net for your horse: how to choose what fits
, by Michael van Wassem, 6 min reading time
Hay net, hay bag or box? Learn how to choose a slow feeder for your horse: mesh size, safety, hanging height and the mistakes to avoid.
Your horse often finishes a portion of hay much faster than you would like, and then waits for hours until the next feed. A slow feeder can make the same amount of hay last longer. But the choice is confusing: net, bag, box or ring, coarse or fine mesh. Here you can read what the differences are and what to check before you buy.
💡 Short answer: a hay net is hung up, a hay bag or hay pillow is placed on the ground, and a box or ring feeder with a grid or lid is meant for larger portions or a group. "Slow feeder" is the umbrella term for anything that makes a horse take in hay more slowly. Start with the widest mesh and only move to a finer mesh when your horse eats calmly from it. Safety comes before speed: a net that hangs too low or sags is a risk to the hoof and horseshoe.
What is a slow feeder and why does it suit a horse?
A horse is built to take in small amounts of roughage spread over the day. In the field, horses graze for a large part of the day. In a stable or on a bare paddock, a portion of hay is often finished quickly, followed by long periods without roughage. A slow feeder makes your horse pull the hay out of the mesh bit by bit. That fits his natural feeding behaviour better and can help bridge long gaps without roughage.
A slow feeder is an aid, not a treatment. If your horse has problems with the stomach, teeth or weight, discuss the ration with your vet.
Hay net, hay bag or box: the differences at a glance
| Type | How you use it | Advantage | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hay net (hanging) | Hang from a sturdy point | Takes little space, flexible to place | Too low or slack: a hoof can get caught. An empty net sags |
| Hay bag or hay pillow (on the ground) | Fill and lay down | Horse eats with the head down, as when grazing | Needs a clean, dry surface. A hoof or shoe can get caught |
| Box or ring feeder with grid or lid | Put hay in, place grid or lid on top | Suitable for larger portions, also for a group | Large and less flexible. Check that the grid has no sharp edges |
Mesh size: finer slows more, but frustrates sooner
The smaller the opening, the more slowly your horse eats. But he also has to work harder, and some horses become frustrated by that. There is no "best" size: it depends on your horse, his experience and the type of hay. A horse that has never eaten from a slow feeder is better off starting with a wide mesh.
An example is a square hay bag of 62 x 55 cm with openings of about 6 cm. That is relatively wide, and therefore a logical first step. If you want to slow things down more later, move to a finer mesh step by step.
Safety: hanging height, horseshoes and checks
- Hang a net from a sturdy point and high enough that your horse cannot get a hoof into it, even when it is (almost) empty. An empty net sags.
- Be extra alert with horses wearing horseshoes and horses that paw at their feed with the front legs.
- Check the material regularly for tears and loose seams. A torn mesh is larger than intended.
- Watch how your horse reacts during the first days: does he calmly pull hay, or does he become angry or apathetic?
- Keep hay bags and nets clean and dry, so no old or damp hay stays inside.
Which horses is it suitable for, and when do you take extra care?
A slow feeder works well for horses that bolt their hay, for limited hay portions and in the stable or paddock. Be cautious with horses that become frustrated quickly or horses with dental problems: ask your vet whether a slow feeder is suitable.
Are several horses together? Provide more feeding spots than horses and place them far apart, so a high-ranking horse cannot keep the others away from all the hay. A slow feeder is also just one part of a varied stable. Combine it with stable toys against boredom if your horse spends a lot of time indoors.
Common mistakes with slow feeders
- Choosing the finest mesh right away, so your horse becomes frustrated or hardly eats.
- Hanging a net too low or too loose.
- Seeing a slow feeder as a solution to a medical problem instead of an aid.
- Continuing to use damaged material.
- Offering only one feeding spot to a group.
Checklist before you buy
- Is your horse used to a slow feeder? If not: choose a wide mesh.
- Does the type (hanging, on the ground or box) suit your stable, paddock or field?
- Does your horse wear horseshoes? Then choose extra carefully and supervise.
- Can you attach it safely and firmly, or lay it on a clean, dry spot?
- Is the material easy to clean and check?
- Do you have enough feeding spots for a group?
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a slow feeder and a hay net?
A hay net is one type of slow feeder. Slow feeder is the umbrella term for nets, bags, boxes and ring feeders that make hay intake slower.
How high should I hang a hay net?
High enough that your horse cannot get a hoof into it even when it is almost empty, and from a sturdy point. An empty net sags, so allow for that.
Is a fine mesh always better?
No. A finer mesh slows more, but it can also frustrate. Start wide and build up when your horse eats calmly.
When should I talk to the vet?
For questions about weight, stomach or teeth, or if your horse no longer seems to eat because of a slow feeder. A slow feeder does not replace medical advice.
Summary and conclusion
- Slow feeder is the umbrella term; a hay net hangs, a hay bag lies on the ground, a box or ring feeder is for larger portions.
- Start with a wide mesh and only build up if your horse eats calmly from it.
- Safety first: hanging height, horseshoes and regular checks.
- A slow feeder is an aid. For health questions, your vet is the first point of contact.
The best slow feeder is the one your horse eats from calmly and safely.
Sources and further reading
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University: knowledge on horse nutrition and welfare
- Wageningen University & Research: research on horse nutrition and behaviour
- KNMvD: veterinarians and horse health
- Manufacturer product information (Excellent Horse)
⭐ Add Fidello as a preferred source on Google
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