HayPlay Slow Feed Bag

Regular price
$ 119.95 USD
Regular price
Sale price
$ 119.95 USD
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    Non-toxic, ultra-durable, easy-fill, slow-feed hay bags that can be hung in stalls / trailers, used as a ground-feeding enrichment toy (see: how to tie your bag safely for ground feeding), or as part of a track system. Useful for horses, donkeys, sheep, and goats.

    Made of heavy-duty, weatherproof, PVC-coated material, this bag can stand up to the toughest conditions. It will not crack or weaken in extremely cold or hot temperatures. Triple-reinforced, 3-inch holes were specifically designed to slow intake while allowing the horse to eat naturally, reducing neck and back strain caused by pecking at small-hole nets. 

    These slow-feed hay bags keep hay entirely contained and clean, resulting in virtually NO hay loss. Haynets on average result in 10-15% of hay being lost because it ends up in the bedding or dirt. Because these bags are solid, very little hay falls out when the horse is eating. They also greatly reduce dust and allergies that cause respiratory and breathing issues. 

    Sizes:

    • Half dimensions: 37 inches (95cm) tall x 19.5 inches (50cm) diameter ~ half bale 
    • Snack dimensions: 30 inches (75cm) tall x 15 inches (40cm) diameter ~ 3 flakes

    SHIPPING: FREE standard shipping on all US orders. For shipping costs and details, see our shipping page

    HayPlay Slow Feed Bag
    HayPlay Slow Feed Bag
    HayPlay Slow Feed Bag
    HayPlay Slow Feed Bag
    HayPlay Slow Feed Bag
    HayPlay Slow Feed Bag

    Video

    FAQs

    How to use

    Hanging it up: Use rope to cinch the bag closed and tie to hang. For safety, we recommend using baling twine at the point of attachment so it will breakaway in case of emergency.

    Ground feeding: You can place the HayPlay Bags on the ground so your horse can roll and toss them as an enrichment and slow-feeding activity. Make sure to tie the bag so that there are no loose parts of rope for the horse to get tangled in. Instead of the rope, you can also use baling twine to tie the bag and then trim the ends off so it would also break away in case of emergency.
    For more information see our video on how to tie your bag safely

    How Much Hay is in a Bale?

    Where the half-bale size HayPlay Bag is concerned, you might wonder what manner of bale we mean!

    For our purposes, we are talking about the East coast / 2-string bale of hay, around 50lbs. So our "half-bale" can hold around 25-30 pounds of hay and the snack size holds around 15-20 lbs.

    Our bags vs hay nets

    Slow-feed hay nets can cause a lot of neck and back strain because the horse has to peck at the hay and typically ends up pulling the whole weight of the net with each bite. Our bags offer larger holes, which reduce strain and tension as they are only pulling on the hay they get in their mouth with each bite.

    In fact, the hole size in our bags was rigorously tested and designed specifically to be large enough to allow stress-free eating but small enough to slow them down.

    What is the bag made of? Is it durable?

    The HayPlay Bag is constructed from a food-grade, non-toxic, heavy-duty, marine-grade, PVC material that remains flexible in extreme conditions. The material does not hold moisture so it will not freeze, crack, or become rigid. Temperature range: -22F to +158F (-30C to +70C)

    It is very tough and durable. Here's a video about the materials and construction of the HayPlay Bags!

    We offer a 1-year, one-time replacement warranty that covers the following: all hardware parts, the stitching around the holes, and tears in the material larger than 1 inch. Normal wear and tear on the bags, like the outer coating wearing down and minor cracking, is not covered.

    We are confident that the bags will maintain their usability for a long time, so please reach out if any minor damage becomes a larger issue that qualifies for a replacement.

    Can a 3" hole really slow intake?

    There is a big difference in how horses eat from a hay net vs these bags. Even the smallest 1" slow-feed hay nets have more open surface area than our bags. So even though the HayPlay bags have larger openings, there are fewer of them and hay is less exposed because it is enclosed.

    Our experience is that the "snack-size" bag will last a typical horse about 4 hours, the half-bale size about a day or night, and the bale size about 20 hours.

    Is it safe for horses with shoes?

    According to the manufacturer, HayPlay Bags are designed to be safe for horses with shoes. The 3-inch hole size makes it challenging for a horse to fit an entire foot into the hole. Animals with smaller feet tend to fit in and out easily.

    Shod horses that paw at the bag on the ground do run the risk of catching part of the opening between the heel of their shoe and hoof. Should this happen, the HayPlay Bag is designed to tear. This safety feature means your horse is unlikely to get caught or tangled in the same way they might in a traditional hay net.

    We do recommend using baling twine (made from fiber, not plastic) when hanging the bags. If a horse were to get caught somehow (they are horses, after all, meaning anything is possible), the twine would break rather than the bag.

    For the drawstring bags, we recommend hanging them high enough that the horse is unable to get a hoof near the drawstring opening, any loops of string, or any of the feeding holes. If ground feeding, secure the HayPlay Bag opening with bailing twine, trim the ends off, being careful to leave no loops or openings.

    Watch our tutorial video on how to tie your bag safely

    Can I use it for my mini?

    Yes, they are safe for miniature horses and donkeys of all sizes! Even if a mini happens to put a hoof in one of the holes, they will usually just pull their hoof out with ease.

    There is nothing for them to get tangled in like with hay nets. Click here for footage of minis interacting with the HayPlay Bag XL.

    Care Instructions

    Rinse with water or wash with a mild soap. Avoid using abrasive cleaners as this can damage the outer coating.

    If you hang the HayPlay Bag in a stall, occasionally rotate the direction the bag is hung so that your horse's favorite hole locations are not overused.

    Keeping bags relatively full can help decrease stress on the bag from pawing, biting, etc., especially if they are ground fed.

    Customer Reviews

    Based on 28 reviews
    82%
    (23)
    7%
    (2)
    11%
    (3)
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    N
    Nora G.
    Heavy duty and slows feeding rate! Love this bag!

    I got the large size for my gelding that recently had ulcers to slow his feeding rate while stalled at night. I was skeptical about the large size holes but it really does make his hay last several hours longer! I also like that the holes are small enough to slow him down but not so small that it's frustrating for him. I've had it over a month and so far no signs of wear or tear or any issues. I have used it on the floor or hanging in the stall and both ways work well. My only issue is that loading it with hay and tying up the top is just complicated enough that our barn staff (I'm at a boarding barn) won't do it. So I only use it when I am there to fill it. I wish it had some type of zipper or velcro top that would make it easier to fill and hang.

    Nora! Thank you so much for your thoughtful, thorough, and considered review. We are so appreciative of you taking the time to really live with the HayPlay Bag and get so familiar with its ins and outs. Thanks especially for your thoughts on the closure style; we are in close contact with the manufacturer and we directly pass along this kind of practical feedback to them! Also, this is the kind of review that really and truly helps other customers know what to expect, and we are thankful for that, too. There is nothing like first-hand experience when people are looking to invest in something new like this!

    T
    Tayah J.
    Excellent Quality!

    i have been using this for a number of weeks now, and my horse LOVES it!
    i have previously bought something similar but the quality does not compare (the other brand was torn to shreds very quickly). take my advice, spend the money and buy this one for your wrecker/rough type horses.

    Tayah, we are thrilled that you and your horse are feeling so good about your HayPlay Bag purchase! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with it!

    S
    Sarah O.
    perfect hay bag

    this hay bag is durable, brightly colored, easy to use, and pony proof. perceft.

    Sarah, we're so glad to hear the HayPlay bag is meeting your expectations! We had a customer recently say that the HayPlay Bag was 'goat proof,' and we're really pleased it is holding up against the toughest beasts that farmyards have to offer!

    K
    Kathleen J.
    Will Buy 2 more

    I have been searching for a slower feeding system that feeds off of the ground.
    I stumbled across this Product from a targeted ad.
    On a wim I thought I'd try it.
    I bought 2 half bale bags.
    We have been using them regularly for about 2 months and I really am happy with the product.
    I will be buying 2 more for camping and my Sport horse.
    I can feed off the ground with this even with shoes on.
    Our mule has been the beta tester for this, and he actually prefers to eat from the bag vs the loose hay. I think he finds the puzzle intriguing.

    The material is super durable and holds up to a fair amount of abuse, and I suspect he and my horse play tug with it when the bag is empty, as I often find the empty bag in my horses stall.
    The material is super easy to clean, and you can soak your hay in these as well.
    I tie the top with bailing twine. They aren't a bear to load.

    I give it 9.5 out of 10.
    The bale size is based off small bales, and I could see the need down the road to replace the grommets at the top. I'd like the hole another 1/2 inch smaller, but as it stands I have zero worries my mule will get a foot through this. This isn't so much as slow feeder, but it does slow them them. I see it as an enrichment tool.
    I will buy one for my Sport horse and replace his Porta grazer.

    Kathleen, thank you for your incredibly thorough review and assessment. We are so appreciative of you taking the time to observe the HayPlay Bags and how your herd is using it. Means a lot to us - and to other customers - to have these detailed reflections on the product! We're also glad to hear that the horse and the mule have been enjoying the half-bale bags. Their satisfaction and enrichment is important, too!

    C
    Colette

    It wasn't what I thought it would be.