Slow Feeding by Hay Pillow - Transition Tips & Techniques
- Details
- December 31, 2025
- By Staff Writers
The key to a successful transition to slow feeding or introducing a smaller mesh size is to make it a positive experience for your equine and avoid causing frustration, which defeats the purpose of happier, healthier horses.
Frustration should be avoided at all costs; it elevates stress levels and increases gastric acid production.
Two important factors within your control that influence your horse's frustration level include; how you introduce slow feeding and your choice of mesh size.
Tips for Introducing a New Slow Feeder or Smaller Mesh Size
• Don't overfill. If it's filled too tightly, it will force your equine to scrape their teeth across the surface to extract hay and cause frustration.
• Do pull hay through the openings. This gives your horse an easy start.
• Do place loose hay on top if using a Bale Net, Standard, Mini or Manger Hay Pillow.
• Do choose a slow feed solution appropriate for your horse's unique environment and weather conditions.
• Do monitor your horse and adjust accordingly.
If slow feeding is introduced thoughtfully, the vast majority adapt quickly, typically the first day!
Go shopping for slow feed hay bags & nets: https://www.thehaypillow.com/collections
Find more slow feed resources on our blog: https://www.thehaypillow.com/pages/helpful-resources .

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