Horse Hay Nets and Feed Bags: Smarter Feeding Solutions
Smarter Horse Feeding: Why Hay Nets and Feed Bags Keep Horses Healthier, Calmer and Better Fed
Updated September 2025
A practical guide for Australian riders on feeding smarter with hay nets and bags - how slow feeding improves digestion, reduces waste, and supports calmer behaviour in all seasons, from summer dust to winter mud.
Feeding hay is not just about convenience; it directly affects your horse’s digestion, behaviour, and long-term health. Horses are natural grazers, designed to eat steadily for 18 to 20 hours a day. Their stomach empties every 25 to 30 minutes, which means they need constant access to forage. When pasture is limited, slow-feeder hay nets and hay bags make all the difference by reducing waste, calming anxious eaters, and supporting gut health in challenging Australian conditions.
Why Slow Feeding Is Essential for Horse Health
Veterinarians and equine nutritionists recommend slow feeding systems because they mimic natural grazing. By controlling how much hay a horse can grab in each bite, hay nets and bags promote steady eating patterns. This helps reduce the risk of colic, gastric ulcers, stable vices like cribbing or weaving, and weight issues caused by fast hay consumption.
Many owners also report better weight control. Overweight horses slim down when they eat more slowly, while underweight horses keep condition more easily when hay is always available.
Feed by Weight, Not by Biscuit
Experts recommend feeding by weight, not by biscuit. Most horses need 1.5 to 2.5 percent of their bodyweight in forage per day. For a 500 kg horse, that is 10 to 12 kg of hay, including grazing. Horse hay nets make it simple to portion hay correctly, spread it across the day, and cut down on the waste that comes with loose feeding.
Hydration Matters in Australian Conditions
Slow feeding only works if hydration is maintained. In hot Australian summers, horses can drink two to three times more than usual. Always provide fresh, clean water, scrub troughs regularly to stop algae build-up, and check automatic waterers after hot or windy days. Salt blocks and electrolytes are also valuable for supporting hydration and mineral balance when sweat loss is high.
Seasonal Benefits: Summer vs Winter Feeding
Summer: Slow-feeder hay nets keep horses busy, reduce boredom, and prevent hay being wasted or blown away. Raised hay bags also help reduce dust inhalation.
Winter: Chewing fibre generates warmth. Slow feeders ensure hay is available through long nights while minimising waste in muddy paddocks.
Helping the Airway: Dust, Mould and Feeding Height
If hay is dusty, hang feeders at chest height so particles fall down instead of into the horse’s nostrils. Solid-sided hay bags reduce chaff scatter in breezy barns, while soaking hay before feeding can further reduce dust. Always store hay off damp floors to prevent mould, which is a common trigger for respiratory problems.
The Delzani Deluxe Slow Feeder Hay Bag
Our best-selling Deluxe Slow Feeder Hay Bag is made for Australian conditions. Built from durable 600D Oxford fabric, it holds over two biscuits, with reinforced straps, quick-release clips, and a double-webbed front panel with 75 mm holes. Its one-piece design avoids weak seams, making it reliable for paddocks, stables, or floats.
Other Hay Nets and Feeding Solutions
Different horses and routines call for different feeders. That is why Delzani offers a complete range of hay nets, slow feeder bags, and hay bale storage bags:
- 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 quick loading.
- Canvas Hay Feed Bag: ripstop canvas with reinforced seams, perfect for floats and travel.
- Hay Bale Feed & Storage Bag: 1600D fabric with moisture-proof lining for clean storage and transport.
Smarter Feeding, Healthier Horses
Feeding with hay nets, hay bags, or bale carry bags is about more than saving hay; it is about calmer horses, healthier digestion, and cleaner routines. Built tough for Australian conditions, Delzani feeders keep forage fresher, reduce waste, and support long-term horse health.
Always seek veterinary or equine nutrition advice for specific feeding requirements, especially for horses with laminitis, a history of colic, or metabolic issues.
Explore our complete range of Delzani horse hay nets and feed bags, built for Australian riders and trusted to keep horses healthier, calmer, and better fed.
Written by Jane Griffiths - An experienced Australian horse owner and product developer with over three decades immersed in equestrian life. Jane has spent years refining horse rugs, tack, and riding apparel to better suit Australian climates. She has enjoyed countless weekends at gymkhanas, show jumping events, and pony club competitions with her daughter, and still loves hitting the trails with friends whenever she can. Her lifelong passion for horses and hands-on understanding of equine comfort continue to shape her practical, rider-first approach to horse care and product design.
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