Bale Slip BagSquare Bale Slow Feeder

I have never used a slow feeder before. Is the Bale Slip Bag a good starting point?

It is one of the most practical ways to start. The Bale Slip Bag holds two full square bales, so you are not constantly refilling it, and it works in almost any setup — on the ground, in a feeder, or set inside a tub. Start with the 1.5" mesh if you are unsure, offer loose hay alongside it for the first week, and let your horse adjust at their own pace. Most new slow-feeding converts wonder why they waited so long. \

My horse currently eats 1.5" nets at my barn. Would the 2" Bale Slip Bag work for him?

If your horse has been successfully using a 1.5" net, a 2" will give him easier access — which works well for harder keepers, working horses, or horses that are maintaining a healthy weight without needing restriction. If weight management is a concern, stick with the 1.5". If he needs the calories or you just want a more relaxed feeding pace, the 2" is a solid choice. \

Can slow feeding actually help with my horse's ulcers?

Consistent forage access is one of the best things you can do for a horse prone to ulcers. A horse's stomach produces acid continuously — slow feeding keeps hay in the stomach to buffer that acid throughout the day, rather than leaving an empty gut between feedings. The Bale Slip Bag is veterinarian recommended specifically for horses dealing with ulcers, colic, and related digestive issues. \

How does the Bale Slip Bag compare to just throwing hay loose on the ground?

Loose feeding is fast, easy, and expensive. Horses will eat what they want quickly and trample the rest — waste is significant, and the speed of consumption does nothing for digestive health. The Bale Slip Bag slows the whole process down, virtually eliminates trampling waste, and keeps horses occupied and eating the way their gut is designed to handle. The upfront cost pays for itself in saved hay within a single season for most customers. \

Can I order multiple Bale Slip Bags at once for a larger operation?

Absolutely — just select the quantity you need at checkout. If you are outfitting a boarding facility or need a larger volume, reach out via phone or chat and we can make sure the order is set up correctly and confirm stock availability for your quantities. \

Does the mesh size matter more in winter than in summer?

It can. In cold weather, horses need more calories to maintain body temperature, so many owners size up by half an increment in winter to make sure their horses are getting enough. The 2" and 2.75" mesh sizes are particularly well suited for colder climates. In summer, if weight management is a priority, you may want to size back down. It is worth having two nets in different sizes if your horse's needs shift seasonally. \

Is the Bale Slip Bag safe to use with goats and sheep?

Yes. The 1.5" mesh works well for most goats, sheep, llamas, and alpacas. Place it in a location that is easy for smaller animals to access and watch them the first few times to make sure everyone is getting to the hay comfortably. Small livestock adapt quickly and the slow feeding benefits — reduced waste, calmer animals, better digestion — apply just as much to small ruminants as they do to horses. \

What happens if my horse paws at the net?

A horse that paws at the net is usually still adjusting to the concept, or the net is too restrictive for them. Make sure you are offering loose hay alongside the net during the introduction period. If pawing continues, check that you have the right mesh size — sometimes sizing up slightly resolves it quickly. For shod horses, always use the net inside a feeder or tub to prevent hoof entanglement. \

How does the Bale Slip Bag work with a paddock paradise setup?

It is a natural fit. Place multiple nets at stations around the track to encourage horses to move between feeding spots throughout the day. This mimics natural grazing movement, supports hoof health, and keeps horses mentally engaged. The Bale Slip Bag's flexibility — it works on the ground or inside a feeder — makes it easy to position wherever it suits your layout. \

Does the Bale Slip Bag work with compressed or high-density bales?

The 2" and 2.75" mesh sizes handle compressed bales well. The 1" mesh is not recommended for compressed or very fine, short hay because the hay does not pull through consistently. If you primarily feed compressed or high-density bales, the 2" is the most popular choice and works reliably across all hay types. \