6 Best Horse Hay Nets For Slow Feeding That Mimic Natural Grazing
Slow-feed hay nets mimic natural grazing to improve digestion and reduce boredom. We review the 6 best options to promote your horse’s overall well-being.
Keeping horses on a small property means you’re constantly thinking about their digestion and mental well-being. A horse’s gut is designed for constant, slow grazing, something that scheduled feedings in a stall or dry lot just can’t replicate. Switching to a slow-feed hay net is one of the single best changes you can make to mimic that natural behavior, saving hay and improving your horse’s health at the same time.
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The Benefits of Slow Feeding for Horse Health
Horses are trickle feeders by nature, meaning their digestive systems are built to process small amounts of forage almost continuously. When we feed them two or three large meals a day, we leave their stomachs empty for long periods, which can increase the risk of ulcers and colic. Slow feeding keeps a steady supply of forage moving through their system, buffering stomach acid and promoting a healthy gut environment.
Beyond the physical benefits, slow feeding is a powerful tool against boredom. A horse with nothing to do can develop vices like cribbing, weaving, or wood chewing. A slow-feed net turns mealtime into a longer, more engaging activity, giving them a "job" to do and keeping their minds occupied for hours. This is especially crucial for horses on stall rest or those living in smaller paddocks with limited natural forage.
Hay Chix Half Bale Net for All-Day Forage
Reduce hay waste and promote healthy digestion with the Hay Chix slow feed hay net. Made from durable, UV-treated marine-grade nylon, this half bale net features a patented closure for easy filling and secure feeding.
The Hay Chix Half Bale Net is a game-changer if you’re trying to reduce your daily chores. Its large capacity means you can stuff it with three or four flakes of hay, providing forage for a full day or overnight. This is perfect for the hobby farmer who works a day job and can’t be there for multiple feedings.
Filling these large nets can be a bit of a wrestling match at first, but you quickly develop a system. The real payoff is knowing your horse has consistent access to food without being able to gorge or waste it by spreading it all over their stall. The durable, knotless netting is also gentler on a horse’s lips and teeth than traditional knotted nets.
Freedom Feeder Day Net for Paddock Use
Freedom Feeder nets are designed with practicality in mind, especially for outdoor use. The Day Net is a versatile size, easy to hang from a fence post, in a run-in shed, or even in a trailer. They are known for their soft, flexible netting that holds up well to the elements.
What sets the Freedom Feeder apart for many is the variety of hole sizes available, allowing you to tailor the feeding experience to your specific horse. An older horse might need a larger hole, while a metabolic "easy keeper" will benefit from the smallest openings. This level of customization helps you find the perfect balance between slowing them down and preventing frustration.
Shires Deluxe Haynet: A Durable Classic
Sometimes, you just need a reliable, no-frills tool that gets the job done. The Shires Deluxe Haynet is that classic, durable net you see in barns everywhere for a reason. Made from thick, knotted poly-cord, it’s built to withstand a lot of abuse from a determined horse.
While it’s a solid choice, be mindful of the hole size. Many traditional nets like this one have larger, 2-inch or greater openings. This will slow a horse down compared to eating off the ground, but it may not be "slow" enough for a horse with a fast metabolism or one prone to founder. It’s a great starting point, but you might need something more restrictive for true slow-feeding benefits.
Tough-1 Web Hay Feeder: An Affordable Option
If you’re outfitting multiple stalls or just starting with slow feeding, the cost can add up quickly. The Tough-1 Web Hay Feeder is an excellent budget-friendly option that uses a webbing design instead of a traditional net. The crisscrossing nylon straps create small openings for the horse to pull hay through.
The main tradeoff here is often durability. An aggressive or playful horse might figure out how to tear the webbing over time, so it may not be the best choice for a known "destroyer of things." However, for a calm, older horse or as a way to test out slow feeding without a big investment, it’s a perfectly practical choice.
Derby Originals Supreme 4-Sided Hay Bag
A hay bag offers a different approach to slow feeding. Instead of a net, the Derby Originals bag features solid sides with a single netted opening on the front. This design is fantastic for reducing hay waste, as it catches all the small, dusty bits that would fall through a regular net.
This style is particularly useful in trailers or on windy days, as it keeps the hay contained. The downside is that it’s a less natural feeding position; the horse can only access hay from one direction. For a horse that needs maximum waste reduction, it’s a winner, but for one that enjoys pushing and manipulating a net, it might be less engaging.
Weaver Leather Slow Feed Net for Durability
When you’ve got a horse that treats hay nets like a personal chew toy, you need to bring in the heavy-duty gear. Weaver Leather is known for its tough, high-quality products, and their slow feed net is no exception. It’s often made with a continuous piece of durable poly-rope, minimizing weak points.
This is the net you buy when you’re tired of replacing cheaper ones every few months. The robust construction and strong knots can stand up to the most persistent horses. While it might cost more upfront, the long-term savings from not having to constantly replace it make it a smart investment for the right situation.
Choosing the Right Hay Net Hole Size for Your Horse
The hole size is the most important factor in choosing a slow-feed net, and there’s no single right answer. It’s a balance between slowing consumption and avoiding excessive frustration, which can lead to a horse giving up or trying to destroy the net. A good starting point for most horses is a 1.5-inch to 1.75-inch opening.
For a horse with metabolic issues, insulin resistance, or a serious tendency to gain weight, you may need to go down to a 1.25-inch or even a 1-inch hole. Conversely, if you introduce a small-holed net and your horse gets angry, chews the net, or refuses to eat, you may need to go up to a 2-inch hole and work your way down. Always monitor your horse closely when introducing a new net to ensure they can eat from it effectively and without damaging their teeth.
Ultimately, the best hay net is the one your horse will use safely and that fits your daily routine. Don’t be afraid to try a couple of different styles or hole sizes to see what works best for your situation. The goal is a healthier, happier horse that can enjoy its forage naturally, and finding the right tool makes all the difference.
