Last Updated: February 9, 2026
Target Keywords: slow feeder FAQ, hay net questions, are slow feeders safe for horses, slow feeder benefits
Target Audience: Horse owners researching slow feeders for the first time or troubleshooting issues
2-Minute Version (Read This First)
1) What is the real problem?
Most owners are not failing because they “don’t care”. They are dealing with too many conflicting tips.
2) Why does it matter?
Small setup mistakes (hole size, height, anchoring) can erase the benefits of slow feeding.
3) What should you do next?
- Start with one horse and one simple setup.
- Monitor behavior and intake for 7 days.
- Use this FAQ as a troubleshooting map: identify the symptom first, then apply the matching fix.
How to Use This FAQ in 5 Minutes
- Find the symptom first (too fast eating, frustration, safety worry, winter issues).
- Jump to the matching question block.
- Apply one change at a time for 7 days.
This is a troubleshooting guide, not a “read every line” document.
The Complete Slow Feeder FAQ
Use this FAQ when you need a fast answer and a practical next step. Start with your immediate problem, apply the fix, then re-check after a week.
General Questions
1. What is a slow feeder for horses?
A slow feeder is any device designed to extend the time it takes for a horse to consume hay or grain. The most common types include:
| Type | Description | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Hay nets | Mesh bags with small openings | Individual portions |
| Hay bags | Similar to nets, often with reinforced structure | Travel, stalls |
| Container feeders | Solid boxes/tubs with restrictor mechanisms | Ground feeding, outdoor |
| Grazing muzzles | Worn by horse, restricts pasture intake | Turnout |
| Grain slow feeders | Compartmented bowls for concentrates | Meal feeding |
2. Why do horses need slow feeders?
Horses evolved to eat small amounts continuously for 16-18 hours daily. Modern feeding practices (2-3 large meals) conflict with their biology:
| Natural Grazing | Modern Feeding | Problem Created |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous access | Time-restricted | Long fasting periods |
| High fiber | Higher concentrate | Digestive imbalance |
| Movement while eating | Stationary feeding | Reduced digestion |
Slow feeders bridge this gap by extending eating time while controlling portion access.
3. What are the main benefits of slow feeders?
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Digestive health | Continuous fiber flow supports gut function |
| Ulcer prevention | Constant saliva production buffers stomach acid |
| Colic reduction | No long fasting, improved gut motility |
| Weight management | Controls intake without hunger |
| Behavior improvement | Reduces boredom, stereotypies |
| Waste reduction | Less hay trampled or soiled (up to 57% reduction) |
Key Research Statistics:
| Study | Finding |
|---|---|
| Roig-Pons 2025 (1,283 owners) | Slow feeders extend feeding by up to 61% |
| Seabra 2023 | Horses spent 50%+ of day foraging (matching natural behavior) |
| Banse/Luthersson | 6-7x lower ulcer risk with 3+ meals/day |
| Survey Data | <10% reported health problems or accidents |
Quick Takeaway: Expanded Research Statistics Summary (Quick Reference)
| Topic | Best available figure | Study/source | Practical meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feeding-time extension | Up to 61% longer intake | KER / Greppi et al. synthesis | Lower fasting pressure between hay meals |
| Natural foraging behavior | 50%+ of day spent foraging in slow-feeding systems | Seabra et al. 2023 | Better behavioral alignment with horse biology |
| Hay waste reduction | ~57% (ground) -> ~6% (slow-fed systems) | Bordin synthesis / The Horse summary | Strong economic argument for slow feeding |
| Ulcer-risk signal | 6-7x higher risk when fed <3 meals/day | Banse; Luthersson | Meal spacing and pacing are core gut-protection tools |
| Survey scale | 1,283 respondents / 1,425 horses | Roig-Pons et al. 2025 | Large field dataset, not anecdotal evidence |
| Problem-free use | ~50% reported no issues | Roig-Pons et al. 2025 | Many setups work well when correctly matched |
| Health/accident reports | <10% overall | Roig-Pons et al. 2025 | Safety depends heavily on setup quality |
| High-vertical net problem signal | 68.9% reported >=1 issue | Roig-Pons et al. 2025 | Net style and mounting method materially affect outcomes |
4. Are there any downsides to slow feeders?
Potential issues include:
| Risk | Cause | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Frustration | Holes too small | Start larger, decrease gradually |
| Dental concerns | Rough materials, metal grates | Use smooth mesh, avoid metal |
| Entanglement | Improper placement | Secure properly, use breakaway ties |
| Neck strain | Hung too high | Position at chest height or lower |
| Ingestion of material | Chewing net | Inspect regularly, replace worn nets |
Safety Questions
5. Are slow feeders safe for horses?
Yes, when used properly. Safety depends on:
- ✅ Appropriate hole size for your horse
- ✅ Correct placement height
- ✅ Quality materials (no metal grates)
- ✅ Breakaway ties
- ✅ Regular inspection for wear
6. Do slow feeders damage horses’ teeth?
Research says no—with proper use.
A two-year study by Dr. Michelle DeBoer (University of Wisconsin) found:
“No increase in tooth wear, bevels, or other dental abnormalities in horses fed with hay nets compared to those without them.”
However, risks increase with:
- Metal grates (can chip enamel)
- Knotted nets with too-small holes
- Nets that force teeth-pulling vs. lip-pulling
Best practice: Use smooth, knotless mesh with 1” or larger openings.
7. How should I hang a hay net safely?
| Factor | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Height | Between knee and chest (not higher than withers) |
| Attachment | Two points minimum (prevents swinging) |
| Breakaway | Use leather or twine that breaks under pressure |
| Shod horses | At least 12” off ground when empty |
| Barefoot horses | Can be lower, but not resting on ground |
8. Can horses get hooves caught in hay nets?
Risk exists, but is preventable:
- Hang nets high enough when empty
- Use smaller mesh sizes (less chance of hoof insertion)
- Consider container-style feeders for high-risk horses
- Always use breakaway ties
9. Are slow feeders safe for senior horses?
Generally yes, with considerations:
| Concern | Solution |
|---|---|
| Dental issues | Use larger holes (2”+), soft materials |
| Difficulty extracting hay | Container feeders may be easier |
| Arthritis | Position at comfortable height |
| Weight maintenance | Monitor intake; don’t over-restrict |
Health Questions
10. Do slow feeders help prevent colic?
Yes, in multiple ways:
| Colic Type | How Slow Feeders Help |
|---|---|
| Impaction colic | Continuous fiber + saliva flow |
| Gas colic | Reduced gulping, better digestion |
| Sand colic | Ground-level grazing can increase risk—use elevated feeders |
| Spasmodic colic | Reduced stress and anxiety |
“Continuous intake of roughage promotes improved gut motility and increases saliva production, which buffers stomach acid and reduces the risk of digestive disturbances.” — Colorado State University
11. Do slow feeders help prevent ulcers?
Yes—this is one of their primary benefits.
How it works:
- Horses produce stomach acid continuously
- Saliva (produced only during chewing) is alkaline
- Fiber in stomach creates protective mat
- No fasting = no acid “splashing” on vulnerable tissue
Studies show horses with consistent forage access have significantly less stomach acidity than those fasting between meals.
12. Can slow feeders help with weight loss?
Yes, slow feeders are ideal for easy keepers:
| Mechanism | Effect |
|---|---|
| Extended eating time | Horse feels satiated longer |
| Same portions, slower intake | No starvation perception |
| Regulated insulin | Fewer spikes, less fat storage |
| Increased movement | Multiple feeders encourage activity |
Important: Slow feeders don’t reduce portions—pair with measured hay amounts for weight loss.
13. Can underweight horses use slow feeders?
With caution. For hard keepers:
- Use larger hole sizes (2”+)
- Prioritize continuous access over restriction
- Monitor intake to ensure adequate calories
- Consider free-choice hay if weight gain is priority
Selection Questions
14. What hole size should I choose?
| Horse Type | Recommended Size |
|---|---|
| Easy keepers, metabolic | 1” - 1.25” |
| Average horses | 1.5” (standard) |
| Seniors, dental issues | 2”+ |
| Hard keepers | 2”+ |
| New to slow feeders | 1.75” - 2” (start here) |
| Aggressive eaters | 1.75” - 2” |
| Minis, ponies | 1” - 1.25” |
Rule of thumb: Start larger, decrease later if needed.
15. What’s the difference between knotted and knotless nets?
| Feature | Knotted | Knotless |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Good | Very good |
| Dental impact | Rougher on teeth | Gentler |
| Price | Often cheaper | Often slightly more |
| Effective opening | Knots reduce hole size | Full stated opening |
| Recommendation | Acceptable | Preferred |
16. What size net do I need?
| Net Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|
| Small (5-10 lbs) | Single meals, travel |
| Medium (15-25 lbs) | All-day feeding, overnight |
| Large (40+ lbs) | Multi-horse, multi-day |
| Round bale | Herd feeding, pasture |
17. Hay nets vs. container feeders—which is better?
| Factor | Hay Nets | Container Feeders |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $ | $$-$$$$ |
| Portability | High | Low-Medium |
| Durability | Medium (wear item) | High |
| Ground-level feeding | Possible but challenging | Easy |
| Herd use | Good with multiple | Limited |
| Net destroyers | Not suitable | Excellent |
Choose containers for: Net destroyers, ground-level preference, permanent installations
Choose nets for: Portability, budget, multiple feeding locations
Usage Questions
18. How do I introduce a slow feeder?
Gradual introduction prevents frustration:
| Week | Approach |
|---|---|
| 1 | Offer slow feeder alongside loose hay |
| 2 | Reduce loose hay to ~25% of ration |
| 3 | Remove loose hay; slow feeder only |
| 4 | Decrease hole size if needed |
Signs to slow down introduction:
- Refusal to eat from feeder
- Aggressive behavior toward net
- Weight loss
- Excessive frustration behaviors
19. Should slow feeders be available 24/7?
Ideally yes, with controlled portions.
“24/7 access” doesn’t mean unlimited hay—it means:
- Weighed portions
- Continuous access throughout the day
- No extended empty periods
For weight management: Fill with daily ration, let horse pace themselves.
20. How many slow feeders do I need per horse?
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Single horse, stall | 1-2 (backup when refilling) |
| Single horse, pasture | 2-3 (different locations) |
| Multiple horses | 1 per horse + 1 extra minimum |
| Herd/paddock | Multiple locations to prevent guarding |
21. Can I use slow feeders for travel?
Yes, hay bags and portable nets are excellent for:
- Trailer travel (keeps horse calm)
- Shows and competitions
- Overnight stabling away from home
- Trail head waiting
Tip: Practice at home first so horse is comfortable eating from travel setup.
Hay Questions
22. Does hay type affect slow feeder use?
Yes—match hay texture to hole size:
| Hay Type | Hole Size Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Fine/leafy grass | 1” - 1.5” works well |
| Coarse/stalky | 1.5” - 2” (prevents frustration) |
| Timothy | 1.25” - 1.75” |
| Alfalfa | 1.5” - 2” |
| Mixed | Start with 1.5” |
23. Can I soak hay in a slow feeder?
Not recommended for most nets. Soaking:
- Causes freezing in winter
- Promotes mold growth
- Weakens net materials over time
Alternatives:
- Soak hay before placing in net
- Use The Hay Pillow or similar (designed for soaking)
- Steam hay instead (better for winter)
24. How do I clean slow feeders?
Hay nets:
- Shake out loose hay daily
- Machine wash monthly (cold/mild detergent)
- Hang to dry completely
- Inspect for wear
Container feeders:
- Brush out debris daily
- Deep clean weekly
- Check hardware/mechanisms monthly
Troubleshooting Questions
25. My horse won’t eat from the slow feeder. What do I do?
Common causes and solutions:
| Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| Holes too small | Increase hole size |
| Unfamiliar device | Gradual introduction with loose hay |
| Placement wrong | Adjust height/location |
| Wrong hay type | Match hay to net opening |
| Underlying issue | Vet check for dental/health problems |
26. My horse destroys slow feeders. How do I stop this?
See our complete guide: Aggressive Eater Solutions
Quick tips:
- Increase hole size (reduces frustration)
- Switch to container feeder
- Double-secure nets (top AND bottom)
- Address underlying hunger/boredom
- Consider more durable brands (Hay Chix, Tough-1)
27. My horse gets frustrated and paws/bites the net. Is this normal?
Mild frustration for 3-7 days = Normal adaptation
Ongoing frustration = Problem
| Duration | Action |
|---|---|
| Days 1-7 | Monitor, expect some adjustment behaviors |
| Week 2 | If continuing, increase hole size |
| Week 3+ | Reassess setup, hay type, or feeder type |
28. Can slow feeders cause behavioral issues?
Rarely, and usually due to improper use:
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Aggression | Extreme hunger/frustration | Larger holes, more hay |
| Resource guarding | Competition in herd | More feeding stations |
| Stereotypies | Net causing stress (rare) | Try container feeder |
29. My horse finishes the slow feeder too fast. What do I do?
If horse eats too quickly:
- Decrease hole size (gradually)
- Use double-netting technique
- Switch to lower-opening container feeder
- Increase hay amount (issue may be hunger)
30. My slow feeder freezes in winter. How do I prevent this?
See our complete guide: Winter Slow Feeding
Quick tips:
- Increase hole size seasonally
- Keep nets off ground
- Store in heated area before use
- Feed dry hay (avoid soaking)
- Use sheltered locations
Quick Reference Summary
Should I Use a Slow Feeder?
| Your Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Easy keeper / metabolic horse | ✅ Essential |
| Normal maintenance horse | ✅ Highly recommended |
| Ulcer-prone horse | ✅ Essential |
| Stall-kept horse | ✅ Essential |
| Senior with dental issues | ⚠️ Yes, with larger holes |
| Hard keeper | ⚠️ Yes, but don’t over-restrict |
| Horse that destroys nets | ⚠️ Try containers instead |
Where to Start
- Choose 1.5” hole size (standard, versatile)
- Buy quality net (Hay Chix, Shires, Texas Hay Net)
- Introduce gradually (week-long transition)
- Position correctly (knee-to-chest height)
- Monitor and adjust (height, hole size, quantity)
Related Articles
- slow feeder physiology explained - Review core studies behind common recommendations.
- diagnose slow feeder problems - Move from quick answers to full diagnostic workflows.
- choose the right hay net opening - Resolve sizing-related questions with concrete ranges.
- grain slow feeder guide - Handle concentrate-specific questions beyond hay-only setups.
Sources
- Kentucky Equine Research. Slow Feeders FAQ. ker.com
- The Horse. Slow Feeder Safety. thehorse.com
- Mad Barn. Complete Slow Feeder Guide. madbarn.com
- Dr. Michelle DeBoer. Hay Net Dental Study. University of Wisconsin
- Colorado State University. Colic Prevention Research. colostate.edu
- Tribute Equine Nutrition. Slow Feeding Benefits. tributeequinenutrition.com
- GutzBusta. Slow Feeder FAQ. gutzbusta.com.au
Disclaimer: This FAQ provides general information. For horses with specific health conditions, dental issues, or feeding challenges, consult your veterinarian or equine nutritionist for personalized guidance.