Benefits of Slow Feeding for Horses
the transition
It is very important to note that a transition period should take place when going from tossing loose hay to providing hay in slowfeeders or nets. Horses can become frustrated and agitated when you suddenly make the switch on them. When introducing a net or slow feeder, you should provide your horse with both their regular loose hay in addition to the net. Observe your horse while eating and then transition to just the slow feeder. You also want to be sure to start with large netting and then transition to smaller holes as they get used to slow feeding.
reduce feeding shifts
Once your horses make the transition to ultra slow feeders you might be able to reduce the number of trips out to the paddock to drop hay! If you can provide enough hay to last them all day and all night you may only need to go out once or twice a day. By creating various feeding stations in their turnout you can also encourage them to seek out forage from multiple locations.
Less Wasted hay
Slow feeders also reduce hay that often becomes expensive bedding which can be rather difficult to clean. If you’re looking for a really easy option, check out these panel feeders by Hay Chix.
Prevent & reduce Stomach Ulcers
Constant access to slow fed hay encourages your horse to snack throughout the day, rather than eat scheduled meals all at once. This is actually more natural for horses and their digestive makeup. When your horse is able to eat small amounts, at any time of day, this helps them to reduce the copious amounts of stomach acid that their stomachs produce. The more acid that the horse produces, the more susceptible they are to ulcers. Eating helps neutralize the stomach acid and keep them feeling their best. When horses are angry and impatient at meal time, this could be because they are desperate to fill their bellies and reduce the stomach acid that may be irritating their stomach. An alarming rate (70-90%) of horses have ulcers - and when their stomach is empty of food, the acid accumulates - this situation is painful and irritating for them.
reduce Resource Guarding
Horses rely on us to feed & water them - and they know it. Horses also begin to guard their resources (food, water, shelter, friends, etc.) when they feel threatened and unsafe. This is done in an attempt to preserve their resources - in case their caregiver doesn’t show up later - and sometimes they take on the “every man for himself” attitude.
It is not uncommon to hear of certain horses guarding the hay pile, or the water trough, and dictating when other members of the herd are allowed to access these resources (if at all). Sure, part of this is due to herd hierarchy but unfortunately traditional horse keeping practices may also promote this behavior.
Happier Horses
We often unintentionally (or intentionally) restrict access to “The Three F’s: Friends, Forage, Freedom”. By stalling horses, limiting their turnout, limiting their social interactions & controlling their friendships, and scheduling access to forage and food - we can create those feelings of instability in our horses life.
