Why Slow Feeder Hay Bags Are Replacing Hay Nets at Leading Stables
When it comes to feeding horses, how we feed matters just as much as what we feed. In recent years, top equine nutritionists and barn managers alike have begun rethinking traditional feeding tools—particularly during the hot summer months. The result? A growing movement away from hay nets and toward slow feeder hay bags, with leading stables making the switch to improve horse health, reduce waste, and simplify daily chores.
Why Now: The Summer Feeding Risk Factor
In warm weather, horses are more prone to dehydration, ulcers, and digestive upset—especially when they gobble down hay quickly. Rapid consumption leads to long gaps between meals, increased acid production in the stomach, and heightened risk for colic or choke.
Veterinary experts now emphasize the importance of slowing down hay intake year-round, but especially in summer. Controlled grazing not only supports better digestion but also mimics the horse’s natural grazing behavior, promoting calmness and reducing anxiety in stalled or dry-lot horses.
Hay Bags vs. Hay Nets: What’s the Difference?
Traditional hay nets are lightweight and inexpensive—but they’re not without their problems. Loose netting can create entanglement risks, wear quickly with rough use, and often don’t slow horses down much at all. Some clever horses even learn to manipulate them for faster access.
Slow feeder hay bags, on the other hand, offer a more controlled feeding experience. With reinforced panels, properly sized openings, and a sturdier design, they prevent gorging while eliminating the risk of tangled limbs or halters.
Why Kensington’s Slow Feeder Hay Bags Lead the Pack
Not all hay bags are created equal—and that’s where Kensington’s Textilene® Slow Feeder Hay Bags stand out. Here’s why leading barns are making the switch:
Feeding That Lasts
Our bags feature small openings that encourage slower, more natural eating patterns—keeping horses occupied longer and reducing idle boredom behaviors like cribbing or pawing.
Unmatched Durability
Built with our signature Textilene® mesh, these bags are tear-, mildew-, and UV-resistant. Unlike standard nylon or rope nets, our Textilene® and web or mesh designs stand up to even the most aggressive chewers and playful pasture mates.
Less Waste, Cleaner Stalls
No more hay stomped into bedding or blown away in the wind. Kensington’s hay bags minimize waste by keeping hay contained and off the ground, saving you time and money.
Perfect for Summer Use
The breathable design allows airflow and prevents heat buildup inside the bag—crucial during the hottest days of the year when moisture and mold can become a concern.
Feeding Smarter, Not Faster
Incorporating slow feeder hay bags into your stable’s routine isn’t just a trend—it’s a forward-thinking choice that supports better equine health, cleaner barns, and more efficient feeding. And with Kensington’s ultra-tough construction and thoughtful design, you can make the switch confidently, knowing you’re investing in gear that works hard and lasts long.
Explore our full line of slow feeder hay bags today, and discover why more barns are saying goodbye to hay nets—for good.
Healthy habits start at the hay bag.