Horse Hay Nets and Feed Bags: Smarter Feeding Solutions
Horse Hay Nets and Feed Bags: Smarter Feeding, Less Waste, Happier Horses
Feeding hay isn’t just about convenience—it’s about supporting your horse’s health, digestion, and well-being. Horses are natural grazers, designed to eat for up to 18–20 hours a day. Their stomach empties every 25–30 minutes, which means they need a near-constant supply of roughage to keep their gut healthy and their minds calm. When pasture is limited, hay becomes essential. That’s where slow-feeder hay nets and hay bags can make a real difference—replicating natural grazing behaviour while reducing waste and mess.
Disclaimer: The following information is for general educational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your vet or an equine nutritionist when making feeding or management changes for your horse.
Why Slow Feeding Is Essential for Horse Health
Veterinarians and equine nutritionists often recommend slow feeding to promote better digestive and mental health. By limiting how much hay a horse can grab in one bite, slow feeders encourage steady, natural eating patterns. This can help reduce the risk of colic, gastric ulcers, stable vices such as cribbing or weaving, and obesity from rapid hay consumption.
Interestingly, many owners report that slow feeding helps regulate weight—overweight horses slim down, while underweight horses maintain better condition. That’s because the horse spends more time eating steadily, rather than gorging quickly and then standing empty-stomached.
Feed by Weight, Not by Biscuit
While many horse owners measure hay in “biscuits,” the more accurate approach is to feed by weight. Horses generally require 1.5–2.5% of their bodyweight in forage per day. For a 500 kg horse, that equals around 10–12 kg of hay (including grazing). Hay nets make it easy to portion hay correctly, stretch it across the day, and reduce waste that often comes with loose feeding.
Hydration Matters in Australian Conditions
Slow feeding only works if hydration keeps up. In hot Australian summers, horses may drink two to three times their usual intake. Always ensure water sources are clean, fresh, and plentiful. Scrub troughs regularly to prevent algae growth, check for contaminants such as drowned wildlife, and ensure automatic waterers are functioning after hot or windy days. Salt blocks or loose salt help drive thirst, while balanced electrolytes can replace minerals lost during heavy sweating.
Seasonal Benefits: Summer vs Winter Feeding
Hay nets and feed bags aren’t just for convenience—they support your horse year-round:
Summer: Slow feeding keeps horses occupied in the stable or paddock, reducing boredom and stress. Elevated nets or bags keep hay cleaner and dust-free. Combined with constant access to water and electrolytes, slow feeders help maintain hydration and gut function.
Winter: Digesting fibre generates heat, helping horses stay warm from the inside. A slow feeder ensures steady chewing through long, cold nights, improving comfort while reducing waste on wet ground.
Helping the Airway: Dust, Mould and Height
If hay is dusty, feed from chest height so particles fall downwards, not into nostrils. Solid-sided bags reduce fallout in breezy barns, while soaking hay before loading can help control dust. Store hay under cover and off damp ground to prevent mould, which can irritate airways.
The Delzani Deluxe Slow Feeder Hay Bag
Our best-selling Deluxe Slow Feeder Hay Bag is built from strong 600D Oxford fabric and designed to hold 2+ biscuits. Reinforced straps, quick-release clips, and a double-webbed front panel with 75 mm holes make it durable and horse-friendly, while the one-piece front/rear panel avoids weak seams. It’s ideal for floats, paddocks, or stables in tough Australian conditions.
Other Hay Nets and Feeding Solutions
Different horses and routines call for different designs. That’s why Delzani offers a complete range of hay nets, bags, and storage solutions:
- Slow Feeder Hay Net Bag – Heavy-duty polyester with marine-grade rope and steel bottom ring.
- Easy Fill Slow Feeder Net – Flexible ring design for fast filling.
- Canvas Hay Feed Bag – Ripstop canvas with reinforced seams, ideal for travel.
- Hay Bale Feed & Storage Bag – Transport whole bales without mess.
Smarter Feeding, Healthier Horses
Feeding with hay nets or bags is about more than convenience—it supports gut health, reduces waste, and promotes calmer horses. Delzani’s hay nets and slow-feeder bags are strong, practical, and suited to Australian conditions. From single biscuits to whole bales, there’s a solution to make your feeding cleaner and more efficient.
Disclaimer: Always seek veterinary or equine nutrition advice for specific feeding requirements, especially if your horse has health conditions such as laminitis, colic history, or metabolic issues.
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