7 Slow Feed Dos and Dont's for Horses

7 Slow Feed Do’s and Don’ts for Horses

7/14/2022

By Monique Warren
Last Updated July 14, 2022. Originally published November 15, 2017.

Following are 7 helpful tips and realistic expectations to consider when using any brand of slow feeder or small mesh hay net. This is valuable information whether you currently use slow feeders or are debating to try them!

Two horses eating together from Hay Pillow slow feeders on the ground

Offer a minimum of one location per individual. Pictured is the Standard Hay Pillow slow feed hay bag.

1) Do Consider Ease of Loading

Don’t discount slow feeding entirely due to the time required to load your feeders. 10 minutes once or twice a day is a minimal time investment for your horse to have forage available 24/7.

2) Do Provide Access to Forage 24/7
Meal fed individuals are typically anxious at feeding time and more determined to eat as fast as possible. This can result in possible damage to teeth, gums and the slow feed device. Provide appropriate slow feeders to accommodate enough hay between feedings so there is always hay left. If your horse won't be "fed" for 12 or 14 hours, you may need a bale net or multiple slow feed bags/nets in different locations to offer enough slow fed forage.

Don’t expect any one slow feeder to slow the rate of consumption enough to provide forage 24/7 when you offer limited amounts of hay (for example, feeding 1% of body weight in a 24 hour period.) If appropriate forage is available at all times, your horse can typically eat more and maintain or lose weight. A slow, steady flow of forage will help to regulate insulin spikes. A slow metabolic rate (body survival mode) created from forage restriction may take some time to speed up. Include routine exercise.

See our posts Slow Feeding - Transition Tips & Techniques and How I Choose the Best Slow Feeder for more helpful tips.

3) Do Offer Multiple Feeding Locations - Regardless of the Enclosure Size
Mobility promotes gut motility, increases metabolic rate, and allows them to choose where they are most mentally and/or physically comfortable. Horses enjoy foraging for food. They were not designed to be stationary for extended periods of time.

Don’t provide one feeding location and expect voluntary movement. Keep in mind, not all slow feed devices are appropriate for all weather conditions. During inclement weather, you may need more than one type of feeder for under cover and outside use. See our tips for slow feed options by weather condition/environment.

More than one horse, offer a minimum of one location per individual.
If your horse is an only child, provide a minimum of 2 slow feed stations to encourage movement.
Pictured are four Standard Hay Pillow slow feed hay bags set out for three horses.

4) Do Experiment with Slow Feeders & Mesh Sizes
Experimentation is key to determining the best mesh size (for overweight individuals) that keeps your horse nibbling and enables your horse to extract hay without frustration. Frustration is counterproductive.

Don’t continue the use of any slow feeder that stresses - or injures - your horse. Stress and/or frustration increases gastric acid production and defeats the purpose.

Bonus: Potential Safety Risks & Tips
Slow feeder safety is becoming a hot topic and rightfully so. As with any device, there are potential risks (including, but not limited to, damage to teeth, gums and lips and entanglement).

Please don’t sacrifice your beloved companion’s physical and/or mental health in an attempt to slow his rate of consumption to the point of injury or frustration.

See our post Horse Slow Feeder Safety Tips to learn:

The three primary causes for damage to lips, teeth and gums
Tips for using varied slow feed surfaces
Tips when shopping for a new slow feeder

5) Do Feed from Ground Level to Enable a Natural Grazing Posture & Relaxed Mental State

Don’t mount or hang a slow feeder any higher than necessary. Although hanging bags is not optimum, if you must, you can minimize adverse physical effects:

If your horse is barefoot, hang it low, around 4" off the ground when empty
For shod livestock, hang it just high enough to be out of strike range when empty

6) Do Offer Tested Low NSC (10% or below) Straight Grass Hay for Overweight Individuals
Consult an equine nutritionist to ensure all vitamin/mineral/protein requirements are being met in proper ratios/amounts and unique conditions addressed.

Don’t offer the only source of forage in a new slow feeder. To ease the transition, feed as you normally would and offer the slow feeder in addition. Often horses will choose eating from a slow feeder over loose hay - especially if it engages their natural grazing instincts.

7) Do Buy Multiple Slow Feeders if You Board Your Horse
You can fill them ahead of time if barn staff are not willing to refill them. And using them outside in a run or paddock will prevent the hay from blowing around while you encourage your horse to move between feeding stations. It’s a wise investment and you won’t spend anymore. A device that is used 25% of the time will last 4 times longer!

Don’t expect all boarding facilities to be on board with slow feeding - so make sure you check with your barn in advance.

Did You Know?

Most slow feed manufacturers are willing to offer advice on how to maximize your slow feed investment - call them. A phone call may make or break the success of their product for your individual situation and goals. Take advantage of their knowledge and experience.

Two horses and one goat eating from Hay Pillow ground slow feeders

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Helpful How-to Resources for Slow Feeding

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About the Author:
Monique Warren invented the Hay Pillow® slow feeder and is the owner of Hay Pillow Inc.
Warren has been an equine guardian for over forty years and slow-feed advocate for over 10 years. She contributes equine nutrition and digestive and hoof health articles to publications such as Equine Wellness, The Journal, The Naturally Healthy Horse, Natural Horse Magazine , Nicker News, Horse Back Magazine, The Horse's Hoof, and Miniature Horse World Magazine. Equine nutrition and horses feet are her passions. She resides in Southern California.

2 Comments

Nicole Jenkins

2/26/2022 11:14:47 am

I feed alfalfa hay and grass hay. If I mix it, can my horses eat both out of the same 1 3/4 mesh pillow? (I read the info about straight alfalfa in the trailer bag and wondered if it would be hard to pull out the alfalfa) I usually feed about 3-4 pounds alfalfa and 8-10 pounds grass hay, twice a day. I usually feed the alfalfa separately at home but like to mix it in travel.
Thanks for your help :)

Hay Pillow Inc

3/25/2022 04:13:33 pm

Hi Nicole,
It shouldn't be a problem as long as you completely break up the alfalfa and blend it with your grass hay. The Manger Hay Pillow won't be able to accomodate 10 pounds of grass hay + 4 pounds of alfalfa. Maximum capacity is up to 10 lbs. of grass hay (in flake form).

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