Slow feeding for horses
What is slow feeding?
Slow feeding is a feeding strategy designed to allow the horse to ingest small amounts of forage continuously for many hours a day. By mimicking their natural grazing behavior, this system improves digestive health, reduces stress, prevents disease and helps maintain a cleaner, more efficient environment.
At Forrajeco we have applied this philosophy in the design of our metal feeders, specifically developed to offer slow feeding without the need for nets, ropes or materials that can deteriorate or generate anxiety.
Natural feed adapted to the domestic horse
In the wild, a horse can spend up to 16 hours a day grazing, ingesting small amounts of hay or grass on a constant basis. However, in domestic environments, it is common to concentrate food in 1 or 2 feedings per day, which generates:
- Anxiety and competition among animals.
- Rapid and uncontrolled intake.
- Increased risk of colic, gastric ulcers or laminitis.
- Boredom, stress and the appearance of stable vices.
With slow feeding, horses recover their natural feeding rhythm, keeping them calmer, healthier and better nourished.
Benefits of slow feeding
For the horse:
- Improves digestion and reduces the risk of ulcers.
- Stimulates saliva production (neutralizes gastric acid).
- Reduces stress and repetitive behaviors.
- It keeps your mind active and your body in balance.
For the owner or center:
- Less work: a single charge can last 3 to 6 days.
- Real reduction of forage wastage.
- Greater savings and efficiency in handling.
- Improved environment: less dirt, moisture and mold.
Nets or metallic structure, which is better?
Networks can be useful in certain contexts, but they have several drawbacks:
- They wear out and require frequent replacement.
- They can generate frustration if the orifice is too small.
- Risk of entrapment, especially in shod horses.
- They are less hygienic and difficult to handle with large bales.
Forrajeco’s slow feeding metal structure is a robust, safe, permanent solution designed for real farms.
How to implement slow feeding on your farm?
You only need to adapt the feeding system. With Forrajeco feeders you can install one slow feeding point for every 4 to 8 horses, depending on the model. The structure is loaded in 15 minutes with a tractor, and from that moment on the forage is protected, available and accessible without constant control.
How is Forrajeco different?
Unlike other systems based on nets or textile bags, in Forrajeco we bet for metallic structures with slow and controlled design, thought for outdoor use, fast loading with tractor and feeding without wear.
- 10 cm spacing between bars: limit the size of the bite without frustrating the animal.
- Access from all four sides: ideal for groups, without fights or hierarchies.
- Food always available: reduces stress and improves natural salivation.
- Total hygiene: hay remains dry, aerated and free from contact with the ground.
- Structural safety: no sharp edges, no risk of entrapment or breakage.
Slow feeding is not a fad. It is the most consistent way to feed an animal designed to eat little and often.
At Forrajeco we not only believe in this philosophy, we manufacture it. If you are looking for a durable, safe and professional solution to feed your horses, our slow feeders are your best option.
Can we help you choose the most suitable system?
We advise you according to the type of bale, number of horses and available space.