6 Best Multi Purpose Trough Feeders For Mixed Feeds That Prevent Waste
Explore the 6 best multi-purpose trough feeders for mixed rations. These top designs prevent feed sorting and spillage, reducing waste and saving money.
Watching your animals toss expensive feed onto the ground is one of the most frustrating parts of raising livestock. That feed represents money out of your pocket and nutrients that never make it into your animals. The right trough feeder isn’t just a container; it’s a tool for efficiency, saving you cash and reducing your daily chores.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
Key Features of a Good Multi-Purpose Trough
The material of your trough is the first decision point. Galvanized steel is tough and resists chewing from determined animals like pigs, but it’s heavy and can eventually rust. Heavy-duty molded plastic is a fantastic alternative, as it’s lightweight, won’t rust, and is easy to clean, but it can be damaged by aggressive chewers or become brittle in extreme sun over many years.
Look closely at the design features meant to reduce waste. A V-shaped bottom funnels feed toward the center so animals can clean it up easily, leaving less behind. Rolled or rounded edges not only protect your animals from cuts but also make it harder for them to hook their noses underneath and flip feed out. Some of the best designs include dividers or bars that force animals to eat more slowly and prevent them from shouldering each other out of the way.
Finally, consider versatility and placement. Can the trough be used on the ground, or does it have hooks or brackets for mounting on a fence? A fence-mounted feeder is excellent for keeping feed clean and away from manure, while a heavy ground feeder is better for open pasture settings. The ability to use a trough for different animals—from calves to goats to sheep—makes it a much better long-term investment for a small farm.
Little Giant Galvanized Trough for Durability
When you need a feeder that can take a beating, the classic galvanized steel trough is hard to beat. The Little Giant is a prime example of this workhorse design. Its heavy-gauge steel construction means it can withstand kicking from goats, rooting from pigs, and the general abuse of daily farm life without denting or breaking.
The V-bottom design is a key feature for minimizing waste. It ensures that grain and pellets collect at the lowest point, encouraging animals to finish every last bit instead of leaving feed to mold in the corners. The edges are also rolled smooth, a critical safety feature that prevents cuts and scrapes on sensitive noses and mouths.
The primary tradeoff here is weight and potential for rust. These troughs are heavy, making them stable but a chore to move frequently for rotational grazing. While galvanized steel is rust-resistant, scratches and weld points can become vulnerable over time, especially in wet climates. This is your go-to feeder for a permanent or semi-permanent setup with tough livestock.
Tuff Stuff Products Heavy-Duty Plastic Trough
For hobby farmers who value portability and easy cleanup, a heavy-duty plastic trough is a game-changer. Tuff Stuff makes a range of products known for their impact-resistant, chemically neutral plastic that holds up to weather extremes. You can leave it out in the freezing cold or baking sun without it cracking.
The biggest advantage is how lightweight and easy it is to manage. You can easily dump out old water, scrub it clean, and move it to a fresh patch of pasture with one hand. This makes it ideal for rotational grazing systems, temporary pens, or just bringing animals in for a supplemental feeding.
Of course, plastic isn’t indestructible. While very tough, a determined chewer like a pig or a bored goat with nothing else to do can eventually gnaw on the edges. It’s also light enough that larger animals can push it around or flip it if it’s not well-placed or weighed down. It’s the perfect choice for flexibility, ease of cleaning, and general use with sheep, goats, and calves.
Behlen Country Fence-Line Feeder for Goats
Mounting your feeder on a fence or gate is one of the smartest ways to improve hygiene and reduce waste. The Behlen Country Fence-Line Feeder excels at this. By keeping the feed off the ground, you eliminate contamination from mud and manure, which not only saves feed but also promotes better animal health.
This feeder is specifically designed to control eating habits. The angled metal bars, often called a "V-rack," force animals to put their heads through to eat. This simple barrier prevents them from pushing each other aside, standing in the trough, or quickly flinging feed everywhere. It slows them down and ensures each animal gets its fair share.
While marketed for goats, this design works equally well for sheep, alpacas, and other small ruminants. The main consideration is its fixed nature; once you bolt it to a fence post, it’s not moving. This makes it a superior choice for permanent pens, sacrifice lots, or barn stalls, but it isn’t suited for open pasture feeding.
Sioux Steel Adjustable Trough for All Sizes
If you raise animals from youth to maturity or have a mixed herd of different sizes, an adjustable-height feeder is a phenomenal investment. Sioux Steel is known for its heavy-duty, long-lasting farm equipment, and their adjustable troughs are no exception. The ability to change the height of the feeder is its defining, must-have feature.
Setting a trough at the animal’s chest height accomplishes several things at once. It makes it nearly impossible for them to step in it, defecate in it, or use their weight to flip it over. This one adjustment can drastically cut down on your feed bill and cleaning chores. You can start with it low for lambs or kids and raise it as they grow.
These feeders are built from heavy steel and are designed to last for decades, but that comes with a higher upfront cost. Think of it as buying one feeder for the long haul instead of several different ones over the years. For a serious hobby farmer with a diverse or growing herd, the versatility and waste-prevention of an adjustable trough is unmatched.
Brower Covered Trough for Outdoor Feeding
Feeding animals in an open pasture without shelter presents a major challenge: the weather. A single downpour can turn a trough full of expensive pellets into a soupy, inedible mess. The Brower Covered Trough is designed specifically to solve this problem by protecting its contents from rain, snow, and even sun.
The design typically includes a slanted roof or a full-coverage lid that keeps precipitation out while allowing animals access from the sides. This not only prevents spoilage but also helps deter birds and other wildlife from stealing feed. Some models even have weighted flaps that animals learn to nudge open, providing even greater protection.
The cover does add a layer of complexity and cost. Some more timid animals might need a little time to get used to putting their head under the cover. However, if you feed outdoors regularly, the amount of feed you save from being ruined will pay for the feeder in short order. It’s an essential piece of equipment for pasture-based operations.
Farm Innovators Small Portable Trough Feeder
Sometimes you don’t need a massive, 50-pound trough. For small-scale needs, a compact and portable feeder is far more practical. The Farm Innovators line includes smaller plastic troughs that are perfect for a handful of animals, like a pair of goats, a small flock of sheep, or even chickens and ducks.
These feeders often come with built-in brackets or hooks, allowing you to hang them securely on a wire fence panel or wooden gate. This gets them off the ground to keep the feed clean and prevents small but mighty animals from knocking them over. Their small size makes daily cleaning a breeze, which is especially important when feeding young or vulnerable livestock.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t the solution for a large herd. Its value lies in its specific applications. Use it for separating an animal for special feeding, in a kidding or lambing jug, for creep feeding young, or simply for a backyard-sized flock. It’s an inexpensive, incredibly useful tool to have on hand.
Matching Your Trough to Your Livestock Needs
The "best" trough feeder isn’t a single product, but the one that best fits your specific farm. The right choice depends entirely on your animals, your setup, and your management style. Don’t get sold on a feature you don’t need; focus on what solves your biggest problems.
Before you buy, ask yourself a few key questions:
- Who are you feeding? Goats and pigs are notoriously destructive, so lean toward heavy-duty steel. Sheep are generally gentler, making plastic a great option.
- Where are you feeding? For a permanent barn stall or pen, a fence-line feeder is ideal for cleanliness. For open pasture, a heavy, low-profile ground trough or a covered feeder is better.
- Do you need to move it? If you practice rotational grazing, a lightweight plastic trough is your best friend. If the feeder stays in one place, the weight of a steel trough is an advantage.
- What type of feed? A V-bottom trough is excellent for pellets and grain. If you’re feeding chopped hay or silage, a wider, bunk-style feeder might be more appropriate.
The most efficient solution for many hobby farms is to have more than one type of feeder. You might use a heavy-duty steel trough in the main winter paddock and have a few lightweight plastic ones that you can move around with your animals during the grazing season. Being flexible and matching the tool to the job is the core of smart, small-scale farming.
Choosing the right trough is a small decision that has a big impact on your daily workload and your budget. By investing in a feeder designed to prevent waste, you’re not just buying equipment—you’re buying back your time and saving money on feed, one scoop at a time.
