Can Hay Nets Affect a Horse’s Weight or Teeth? Here’s What Researchers Found
Hey, it’s Toby here again—your favourite Chief Tester for the ezehay blog, “Toby Talk”! Today, I’m going to share some interesting findings about hay nets: Can they affect a horse’s weight or body condition? Do they damage our teeth? Some smart researchers dug into these questions, and I’m here to share what they discovered and explain why ezehay is the best choice for both horses and humans.
Why Hay Nets Matter
Horses like me are “trickle feeders”—we’re meant to eat little bits of food all day, keeping our digestive systems happy and our days interesting. But some horses have a hard time stopping (no judgment!), and that’s where hay nets come in. They help us slow down, which can be great for managing weight and reducing the risk of obesity.
But there’s a catch: not all hay nets are created equal. Some have downsides that affect both us horses and our humans. Let’s take a closer look!
Traditional Knotted Hay Nets vs. ezehay: Impact on Teeth
One of the biggest concerns horse owners have with traditional hay nets is their effect on our teeth. Many hay nets are made with knotted mesh, which can be pretty rough on our mouths. As we pull hay through the knots, those little bumps can create friction and, over time, wear down our teeth.
Traditional Knotted Nets: Potential Risks
Tooth Wear: Constant pulling on rough knots can cause extra wear on our teeth, especially on the incisors, which is something to consider if we’re using them daily.
Mouth Irritation: Knotted nets can sometimes irritate the inside of our mouths, making eating less comfortable.
Now, let’s talk about ezehay’s smooth, knotless netting. The ezehay net is made from soft, knotless mesh, which is much gentler on our teeth and gums. No bumps or hard knots, just a smooth surface that’s easy on our mouths. With ezehay, you can feel good knowing your horse can eat comfortably, with less risk of tooth wear or irritation.
Do Hay Nets Impact Weight and Body Condition?
In a recent study, researchers like Dr. Michelle DeBoer at the University of Wisconsin spent two years studying horses to see if hay nets impacted weight or body condition. They split horses into two groups—one using hay nets, the other not—and monitored their health over time.
Here’s What They Found:
No Drastic Weight Changes: Horses using hay nets stayed at healthy weights and body condition scores, thanks to the slowed-down eating pace. This means that hay nets can help control intake without causing weight loss or malnutrition.
Less Hay Waste, More Savings: Hay nets reduced hay waste by about 20%, meaning less mess and more hay eaten, not trampled. For horse owners, this means saving money!
Options for Hungry Horses: For horses that tend to eat a lot or are on the hungrier side, the ezehay offers a slow feed net option. The smaller 25mm holes make it even harder for us to grab big bites, helping us slow down even more and keeping us occupied for longer. It’s perfect for horses who need to watch their weight but still like to munch throughout the day.
How ezehay Makes Life Easier for Humans, Too
The best part about ezehay? It’s not just great for us horses—it makes feeding easier for you humans, too! Here’s how:
No Fiddling with Hay Net Fillers: Instead of using a separate frame to fill the net (which can slip and be awkward), ezehay is an all-in-one solution. Just open, fill, and close! Sam doesn’t have to wrestle with slipping nets or hay spilling everywhere, which means less frustration and time saved.
No Heavy Lifting or High Tying: With traditional hay nets, once you’ve finally stuffed it full, you have to hoist it up, tie it to a ring, and make sure it doesn’t drag on the ground. That’s tough work, especially with a full 13.5kg of hay! With ezehay, it’s all set at a convenient height, so Sam doesn’t have to lift or tie anything up high, making feeding time way easier on her back.
Bigger Capacity, Fewer Refills: ezehay holds 13.5kg of hay—that’s twice the amount of a standard hay net. This means Sam doesn’t have to keep coming back to refill it, saving her time and energy, and I get plenty to munch on.
Final Thoughts: Toby’s Choice for Healthier, Easier Feeding
Hay nets are a great tool for managing weight, reducing hay waste, and promoting natural trickle-feeding. But, as we’ve seen, traditional knotted nets can come with challenges: they’re harder on our teeth and often inconvenient for humans to fill and hang.
ezehay changes all that. It’s gentle on our teeth, holds plenty of hay, and eliminates the need for heavy lifting and high tying. Sam doesn’t struggle with hay net fillers anymore, and I get a steady, healthy supply of hay. It’s a win-win for both horses and humans!
If you’re looking to make feeding time easier and healthier, ezehay is the way to go. Trust me—I’m Toby, and I wouldn’t steer you wrong!
Ready to make feeding easier for you and your horse? Check out ezehay today!
That’s all from me, Toby! Until next time—happy munching! 🐴
