Promote Horse Health with Slow Feeders
Slow feeders are growing in popularity more and more every year. Some horse owners use slow feeders primarily for convenience, but as people start to become educated on their horse’s digestive system and how it functions it becomes clear that horse hay feeders are the best choice for promoting your horse’s overall health and wellness.
Why are Slow Feeders a Benefit to Horse Digestive Health?
The horse’s digestive system is designed to graze on small amounts of forage continuously throughout the day. When we restrict the horse’s grazing time and feed large meals only a couple of times during the day, we impede the proper function of the horse’s GI tract.
- Saliva production is reduced
- The stomach gets overfull
- The food matter moves too quickly through the small intestine, resulting in less nutrition absorption
- Teeth are not worn down evenly
- Fasting times increase acid and raise the risk of ulcers
The list above explains the negative impact large meal feeding and long times of fasting can have on your horse’s health. Through utilizing slow feeders you can expect benefits like:
- Increase in support and protection of the esophagus and stomach against damage and ulcers
- Better nutrient absorption and digestion
- More even wear of teeth
- Supports the proper pH of the horse’s GI tract for proper digestive health.
Selecting a Horse Hay Feeder
Here are some tips for those who are ready to utilize slow feeders to improve your horse’s health.
- Consider your horse’s “body type.” Are they an easy keeper or do they need to consume more than the average horse during the day? This can help you decide what hole size you need on the slow feeder, as well as the size or quantity in which the hay feeder can hold.
- Where/how will you use the slow feeder? Think about where you would like to hang or place the slow feeder. Is your fencing or stable set up to easily and safely hang or attach a horse hay feeder? Would you be better off with a slow feeder that is safely recommended for ground use?
- Are you currently feeding hay that will be compatible to feed with a slow feeder? Some alfalfa and alfalfa mixes are not always recommended in all hay feeders.
- Quality- oftentimes with hay nets and slow feeders, you get what you pay for. Some of the more expensive options are truly worth it because of the durability of the material and the safety options for the horse.
We have used NibbleNets here at Equine Essential Wellness and enjoy the quality and durability of them. But I have also heard good reviews from customer’s on the Hay Pillow products as well.
Additional Steps to Promote Equine Nutrition & Digestive Health-
If you would like to learn more information on equine nutrition and equine digestion check out:
- The 3 Amigos of Equine Digestive Health
- Aloe Vera- a Natural Effective Horse Supplement
- 5 Reasons to Choose Chia Seed as a Horse Supplement
Don’t Allow Dangerous Digestive Problems Linger-
In my content, I share the story of supporting my mare through health concerns, naturally, after traditional methods had failed and euthanasia became the only recommendation veterinarians had for her. Part of our mission has to do with the success I had in helping her and many other horses from around the world. I invite you to grab your copy of my book Healthy as a Horse and discover the forgotten framework of care that can transform your horse’s health. Click here to reserve your copy now.
I hope you found value in this post. Please share via your favorite social media page to help us on our mission to promote horse health and wellness. You will find share buttons at the bottom of the post.
Life is better when you’re horsin’ around!
