Benefits and Caveats Associated with Slow Feeders in Ponies

Extending feeding time is one of the primary advantages of using slow feeders, such as small-hole haynets and hay balls. According to a study, there are other considerations when using slow feeders, not all of which are beneficial.^*

In terms of benefits, slow feeders significantly decrease forage wastage.

“Previous studies suggest that up to 57% of loose hay is wasted due to trampling and contamination, substantially more than the 6% wastage from haynets. The economic loss associated with the high amount of hay waste can be significant,” explained Kathleen Crandell, Ph.D., a nutritionist for Kentucky Equine Research.

Further, slow feeders help horses by extending feeding time. This is particularly important for horses fed restricted diets, such as those with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). Despite being fed calorie-restricted diets, EMS horses and ponies still require forage throughout the day.

Even when EMS is not a consideration, many stabled animals rapidly consume meals offered twice daily, leaving them without forage for most of their day. Prolonged periods of fasting in stabled horses and ponies mean they are at risk of developing unwanted or stereotypic behaviors as well as gastric ulcers. Stereotypic behaviors and gastric ulcers contribute to compromised welfare.

The data regarding slow feeding devices and extended feed intake were primarily collected from horses. To determine if this beneficial effect of slow feeders is mirrored in ponies, researchers recruited Shetland and cob-type ponies. Those ponies were fed using four different management strategies throughout the study period: off the ground mimicking a natural feeding position; a fully filled standard hay net; a partially filled standard hay net; and a slow feeding box.

“The slow feeding box is a novel tool designed by the researchers. It is made from a haynet stretched across a box by a spring mechanism,” Crandell described.

In addition to the time it took for horses to consume the provided hay, behavioral data and head morphology (shape) were also measured.

Key findings were:

• Some ponies showed frustration when using the slow feeders.
• Feeding from different devices results in variations in mouth shape. The least amount of variation was seen in ponies feeding off the ground.
• Feeding behavior also varied among the different types of feeders in terms of bites per hour and ripping movements.

“Change is in mouth shape and feeding behavior when using the haynets and the feeding box requires additional study, as this may have implications on postural and dental problems,” Crandell said.

According to the research team, the hay box may be the optimal tool for ponies that require restricting feed intake rate as it allows for a more natural position compared to haynets and still reduces forage wastage.

“We recommend using slow feeder technology for ponies and horses that trend towards being overweight, especially those with EMS. The slower rate of feed intake moderates the glucose and insulin dynamics of meal feeding. They have to work harder and longer to eat the same amount as they would of free-choice hay because they are limited to smaller bites,” explained Crandell. “This not only helps decrease boredom but also stabilizes blood sugar levels.”

Crandell recommends balancing out the nutrient shortcomings of a hay-only diet, topping off the forage with a vitamin/mineral supplement.

^*Bordin, C., F. Raspa, M. Greppi, P. Harris, A.D. Ellis, A. Roggero, C. Palestrini, D. Cavallini, D. Bergero, and E. Valle. 2024. Pony feeding management: the role of morphology and hay feeding methods on intake rate, ingestive behaviors and mouth shaping. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 11:1332207.