
Linda Bennis, Founder, TOTAL Nutrition
The Slow Forage Feeder recommended by Veterinarians, Chiropractors, Physiotherapists & Equine Dentists A Trickle Feeder which is the THE next best thing to Natural Grazing


Key Medical, Physical, and Behavioural Benefits
Colic
– keeping hay contained off the ground so that sand/dirt does not get ingested accidentally
– enabling you to introduce your horse to spring grass gradually. By using the feeder in between turnout times your horse is not suddenly having too much fresh rich grass which overwhelms the digestive system
– feeding your horse little and often, avoiding a build up of gas, and preventing the ingestion of large amounts of forage in a short period of time which can lead to fatal blockages in the digestive tract
Choke
occurs when greedy eaters bolt their food, or horses with poor teeth do not chew and moisten their food sufficiently, which can cause an obstruction/blockage in their oesophagus. This feeder can help prevent this, not only by slowing down each mouthful encouraging more chewing and saliva production but with its hay soaking feature.
Gastric Ulcers
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Laminitis
Insulin Resistance
Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)
Alignment
TMJ, Teeth & Natural Jaw Action
Its two primary functions are structural balance and the grinding of food. When regularly eating from an unnatural high position, as from a haynet, the natural jaw action is impaired potentially creating dental problems leading to issues in the TMJ and surrounding area due to tightened muscles. This can result in a negative impact on digestion, balance, biomechanics through to back pain and an imbalance in the organs.
The feeder is designed for the horse to eat in a naturally low head position, enabling the lower jaw to come slightly forward, perfectly aligning the teeth of the upper and lower jaw. This allows for the proper chewing and grinding of forage, ensuring an even wear pattern on the teeth and relaxation of the muscles surrounding the TMJ. Click here to see video this should link to the Haylo vs Haynet video.
Negative Stereotypic Behaviours
Stress is the number one cause behind all Negative Stereotypic Behaviours, which are abnormal, compulsive behavioural patterns displayed by the horse. These do not exist in wild horses, and have generally evolved as coping mechanisms as a result of domestication, where the horse’s natural needs are not being met, affecting their well-being. In the horses’ natural state, he will use his mouth and feet to meet his needs for eating- being designed to both eat on the move, and to search for food through movement. Restriction of adequate forage, and being confined to small environments which restrict movement, can see a development of the following:
Box walking – Repetitive walking around the stable, resulting from an increase in the need to move and search for food.
Weaving –Repetitive rocking from side to side, shifting weight from one foreleg to the other, putting unnecessary stress on tendons, ligaments and joints.
Crib biting – The horse hooks its teeth onto an object such as a fence rail or stable door. Whilst grasping the object he then drops his lower jaw and opens his throat. The horse will then arch its neck, pull backwards and take in air, making an audible grunting sound.
Stall kicking – The horse kicks the door or walls, either to hear the sound, expend energy or attract attention. Particularly noticeable around feed times.
Certain unnatural behaviours such as destructive chewing and wood biting can be caused by the horse attempting to artificially create the saliva needed to soothe the pain of the build-up of stomach