Last Updated: February 11, 2026
Target Keywords: are slow feeders safe, slow feeder risks, hay net dangers myths
Target Audience: Owners concerned about injury, dental effects, or stress from slow feeding
2-Minute Version (Read This First)
1) What is the real problem?
Safety discussions often mix isolated incidents with broad claims that ignore setup quality.
2) Why does it matter?
Myth-driven decisions can block useful management changes or lead to unsafe implementation.
3) What should you do next?
- Assess risk by feeder design, mounting, and horse profile.
- Apply preventive setup rules before first use.
- Monitor early warning signals during the first week.
Quick Action Plan (This Week)
| Day | Action | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Select low-risk feeder/material combination | Reduce design-related hazard exposure |
| Day 2-3 | Install with safe height and anchoring | Prevent entanglement and strain issues |
| Day 4-5 | Run supervised adaptation sessions | Catch stress or misuse quickly |
| Day 6-7 | Formalize a safety checklist | Keep daily management consistent |
Introduction: The Fear That Stops Horse Owners
You’ve heard the benefits of slow feeders. But you’ve also heard the horror stories:
“My friend’s horse got tangled in a hay net.” “Slow feeders ruin teeth.” “They cause frustration and ulcers — the opposite of what they’re supposed to do.”
Are these fears justified? We analyzed 23+ scientific studies published between 2009 and 2025, alongside veterinary guidelines and thousands of user reports, to separate fact from fiction.
“A review of 23 studies between 2009 and 2025 concluded that hay nets and slow feeders offer clear health, welfare, management, and economic benefits when properly used.” — Roig-Pons et al. 2025, published in NIH/PubMed
The verdict: Slow feeders are safe when chosen and used correctly. But “correctly” is the key word — and that’s where the myths get dangerous.
The Science: What We Know
Proven Benefits (Research-Backed)
| Benefit | Evidence Level | Key Study |
|---|---|---|
| Reduced gastric ulcers | Strong | Continuous forage access reduces acid damage |
| Extended eating time | Strong | 2-6× longer than loose hay |
| Reduced hay waste | Strong | 50%+ waste → <6% waste |
| Improved behavioral welfare | Strong | Less cribbing, weaving, aggression |
| Weight management | Moderate-Strong | Controlled intake without fasting |
| Increased saliva production | Strong | More chewing = more acid buffering |
| Insulin/glucose stabilization | Moderate | Steady trickle vs. large meals |
Known Risks (Also Research-Backed)
| Risk | Evidence Level | Caveat |
|---|---|---|
| Dental damage from metal grates | Strong | Specific to metal — not all slow feeders |
| Frustration from too-small holes | Moderate | Preventable with proper sizing |
| Entanglement (ground-level nets) | Low-Moderate | Preventable with proper setup |
| Neck strain from elevated nets | Low-Moderate | Preventable with proper height |
Myth #1: “Slow Feeders Damage Teeth”
The Claim
“Hay nets cause uneven wear on incisors and can chip or break teeth.”
The Truth: Partially True — But Only for Specific Designs
| Feeder Type | Dental Risk | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Metal grate feeders | ⚠️ HIGH | Uneven wear, hooking, fractures documented |
| Small-hole nets (under 1”) | ⚠️ Moderate | Excessive incisor wear if hay is hard to extract |
| Standard hay nets (1.5-2”) | ✅ Low | No significant dental damage documented |
| Knotless nylon nets | ✅ Very Low | Safest net material for teeth |
| Container feeders | ✅ None | No dental contact with feeder |
What the Research Says
- Metal grates are the primary culprit. Veterinary dentists consistently warn against them: “They can cause uneven wear on hypsodont teeth, damage incisors, and even lead to teeth becoming hooked or broken.”
- Nylon/polyester hay nets with 1.5-2” holes show no clinically significant dental wear in available studies.
- Horses use their lips (not teeth) to extract hay from properly-sized nets — the same motion as natural grazing.
The Verdict
| ❌ Myth | ✅ Fact |
|---|---|
| ”All slow feeders damage teeth” | Only metal grates pose significant risk. Nylon/polyester nets with appropriate hole sizes are safe for dental health. |
Your Action
- ✅ Use nylon or polyester nets
- ✅ Choose 1.5”+ holes
- ❌ Avoid metal grate feeders
- 📋 Schedule regular dental exams regardless
Myth #2: “Hay Nets Cause Dangerous Entanglement”
The Claim
“Horses get hooves caught in hay nets and can break a leg.”
The Truth: A Real Risk That Is Easily Preventable
| Scenario | Actual Risk Level | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Loose net on ground, shod horse | ⚠️ Moderate | Elevate or contain in frame |
| Net hung at proper height | ✅ Low | Bottom above hoof level |
| Net in container/box | ✅ Very Low | No exposed netting at ground |
| Breakaway attachment | ✅ Very Low | Releases under pressure |
| Hard feeder (no net) | ✅ None | No entanglement possible |
Prevention Checklist
| Strategy | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Height | Bottom of net at least 12” off ground when empty |
| Container | Place net inside tub, box, or hay pillow |
| Breakaway | Use leather loop or breakaway tie |
| Mesh size | Smaller mesh = harder for hoof to enter |
| Supervision | Monitor initially; check regularly |
| No ground nets for shod horses | Direct rule |
The Verdict
| ❌ Myth | ✅ Fact |
|---|---|
| ”Hay nets are a death trap” | Entanglement is preventable with proper height, containment, and breakaway hardware. Millions of horses use hay nets safely every day. |
Myth #3: “Slow Feeders Cause Frustration and Ulcers”
The Claim
“Horses get frustrated trying to eat from slow feeders, which increases stress and causes the very ulcers they’re supposed to prevent.”
The Truth: Only When the Wrong Feeder Is Used
| Scenario | Frustration Level | Ulcer Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Appropriate hole size, gradual introduction | Low | ⬇️ Reduces ulcer risk |
| Slightly challenging feeder | Mild (normal) | ⬇️ Still reduces risk |
| Too-small holes, sudden introduction | HIGH | ⬆️ Can increase risk |
| No feeder, long fasting periods | — | ⬆️⬆️ Highest ulcer risk |
The Critical Distinction
A little challenge ≠ frustration. Slow feeders should make eating take longer, not make eating impossible.
| Appropriate Challenge | Harmful Frustration |
|---|---|
| Horse needs 10 seconds to get a bite (vs. 2 seconds) | Horse can’t get a bite at all |
| Eating time extended from 1 hour to 4 hours | Horse gives up and walks away |
| Occasional repositioning of head angle | Persistent pawing, biting, head shaking |
The Research
- The Roig-Pons 2025 survey found that high vertical nets had the highest problem rate (68.9%), while covering nets and ground nets had significantly lower frustration.
- When frustration IS observed, the solution is larger holes — not abandoning slow feeding entirely.
The Verdict
| ❌ Myth | ✅ Fact |
|---|---|
| ”Slow feeders cause ulcers from frustration” | Poorly chosen slow feeders CAN cause frustration. Properly sized ones PREVENT ulcers by maintaining continuous forage access. The net benefit is overwhelmingly positive. |
Myth #4: “Eating from Hay Nets Causes Neck and Back Problems”
The Claim
“Elevated hay nets force unnatural head positions that cause musculoskeletal damage.”
The Truth: True for HIGH Nets — False for Ground-Level Feeders
| Net Position | Posture Impact | Research Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Head height or above | ⚠️ Unnatural extension; neck strain | Documented concerns |
| Chest height | Neutral; acceptable | Within natural range |
| Ground level | ✅ Natural grazing posture | Ideal position |
| Below ground (ditch) | ✅ Mimics wild grazing | Excellent for posture |
Natural vs. Unnatural Posture
| Wild Horse Behavior | Position |
|---|---|
| Grazing (16+ hours/day) | Head down, neck extended forward |
| Browsing (occasional) | Head at shoulder height |
| High feeding | Almost never — unnatural |
The Fix
| ❌ Don’t | ✅ Do |
|---|---|
| Hang net at or above eye level | Position bottom at chest level or below |
| Tie to high ring in stall | Use ground-level feeder or low mounting point |
| Force horse to reach up | Allow natural head-down posture |
The Verdict
| ❌ Myth (partially) | ✅ Fact |
|---|---|
| ”Hay nets cause neck problems” | Only when hung too high. Ground-level or chest-height feeders promote the natural posture horses use for 16+ hours daily in the wild. |
Myth #5: “Slow Feeders Don’t Actually Work for Weight Management”
The Claim
“Horses just eat longer — they still consume the same amount. Slow feeders don’t help with weight loss.”
The Truth: It Depends on How You Use Them
| Usage | Weight Impact |
|---|---|
| Slow feeder with unlimited hay | ❌ No weight loss — horse eats same total |
| Slow feeder with measured hay | ✅ Weight loss — same calories, spread over hours |
| Slow feeder + low-calorie hay | ✅✅ Effective weight management |
| Slow feeder + exercise program | ✅✅✅ Most effective combination |
Why Slow Feeders Help Weight Management (Correctly Used)
| Mechanism | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Extended eating time | 15 lbs lasts 4-6 hours instead of 1 hour |
| Reduced stress | No fasting periods → less cortisol → less fat storage |
| Improved insulin response | Steady trickle > large boluses |
| No compensatory gorging | Always has hay → no feast/famine cycle |
| Behavioral satisfaction | Occupied horse doesn’t develop stress-eating habits |
The Key Equation
Slow Feeder + Unlimited Hay = Same Calories (NOT for weight loss)
Slow Feeder + Measured Hay = Fewer Calories, Spread Over Time (WORKS)The Verdict
| ❌ Myth | ✅ Fact |
|---|---|
| ”Slow feeders don’t help with weight” | Slow feeders are a TOOL — not a diet. Combined with measured hay portions, they’re the most humane and effective weight management approach available. |
Real Risks: What You SHOULD Worry About
These are legitimate safety concerns — not myths:
Risk 1: Wrong Material for Your Horse
| Horse Type | Avoid | Use Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Shod horses | Ground-level loose nets | Contained nets or hard feeders |
| Aggressive chewers | Thin, cheap netting | Heavy-duty or hard feeders |
| Horses with dental disease | Standard nets | Container feeders; vet consultation |
| Young horses (baby teeth) | Small holes | 2”+ holes |
Risk 2: Inadequate Introduction
| Error | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Switching overnight | Refusal, frustration, not eating |
| Starting with smallest holes | Gives up; stress response |
| No loose hay backup | Risk of fasting |
→ See our Introduction Guide
Risk 3: Never Inspecting Equipment
| Check | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Netting integrity | Weekly |
| Attachment security | Before each fill |
| Sharp edges (hard feeders) | Monthly |
| Hoof-sized openings | During each inspection |
The Safety Hierarchy
Safest to highest-risk:
| Rank | Feeder Type | Safety Level |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Container feeder (Porta-Grazer, tub) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Zero entanglement |
| 2 | Net in container (Hay Pillow, box) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Contained netting |
| 3 | Hung net at proper height + breakaway | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Standard safe practice |
| 4 | Ground net in rubberized tub | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Adequate if supervised initially |
| 5 | Ground net on its own | ⭐⭐⭐ Use cautiously; not for shod horses |
| 6 | Metal grate feeder | ⭐ ❌ Avoid — dental risk |
Summary: Facts vs. Fiction
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| ”Slow feeders damage teeth” | ❌ MYTH (unless metal grate) |
| “Hay nets are dangerous” | ❌ MYTH (preventable with proper setup) |
| “They cause frustration and ulcers” | ❌ MYTH (if properly sized and introduced) |
| “They cause neck problems” | ⚠️ PARTIAL (only if hung too high) |
| “They don’t help with weight loss” | ❌ MYTH (they work when combined with measured hay) |
| “Metal grates damage teeth” | ✅ TRUE — avoid them |
| ”Entanglement can happen” | ✅ TRUE — but fully preventable |
| ”Some horses get frustrated” | ✅ TRUE — use correct hole size |
| ”23+ studies support their use” | ✅ TRUE — evidence overwhelmingly positive |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I worry about my horse’s teeth with a hay net?
Not with nylon or polyester nets at 1.5”+ holes. Horses use their lips to extract hay — the same mechanism as grazing. Annual dental exams are important regardless of feeder type.
Is it safe to leave a hay net in the stall overnight?
Yes, with proper setup: hung at correct height, breakaway attachment, no hoof-level exposure when empty, and regular inspection. Millions of horses eat from overnight hay nets safely.
My vet said slow feeders are bad. Who’s right?
Some veterinarians have seen specific injuries — usually from metal grate feeders or improperly hung nets. These concerns are valid for those designs. Show your vet the research on nylon nets with appropriate hole sizes — the evidence overwhelmingly supports their safety and benefit.
Are slow feeders safe for foals?
Use with supervision. Foals should primarily nurse from the mare, but exposure to a large-hole (2.5”+) hay net alongside the mare’s feeder is generally safe and teaches natural foraging behavior.
Next Steps
- Identify your specific concern from the myths above
- Choose a safe feeder type from our safety hierarchy
- Follow proper introduction to avoid frustration
- Inspect regularly — safety is an ongoing practice
Related Articles
- Introducing a Slow Feeder to Your Horse
- Best Slow Feeders for Horses 2026
- Slow Feeder Troubleshooting Guide
- Slow Feeder Positioning Guide
Sources
- Roig-Pons M, et al. 2025. Survey of Slow-Feeder Use in Three European Countries. Journal of Veterinary Behavior / NIH PubMed.
- Kentucky Equine Research. Slow Feeder Safety Review. ker.com
- The Horse. Slow Feeder Dental Considerations. thehorse.com
- The Horse. Hay Net Height and Posture. thehorse.com
- Farmco. Feeder Material Safety. farmco.ag
- Mad Barn. Slow Feeder Benefits and Risks. madbarn.com
- The Hay Pillow. Frustration and Slow Feeders. thehaypillow.com
- Horse Nation. Dental Wear and Hay Nets. horsenation.com
- Getty Equine Nutrition. Free-Choice Forage. gettyequinenutrition.com
- On Course Equine Nutrition. Slow Feeder Safety. oncourseequinenutrition.com
Disclaimer: This article is based on available research as of February 2026. While slow feeders are broadly safe when used correctly, always monitor your horse’s individual response. Consult your veterinarian and equine dentist for personalized advice.