How to Choose a Grate Size
Unlike hay nets, with a slow hay feeder, choose a grate size based on your hay type, not on how much you want to slow down consumption. Soaked hay typically requires a larger grate size.
Tip: When in doubt, go with the larger grate size. Your horse will adjust more easily than if they’re frustrated by a grate that’s too small.
Narrow
For Fine & Chopped Hay
2.25" x 5" size openings for super fine grass hay such as Coastal Bermuda, Teff, early brome, extremely fine alfalfa and fine hay that is conditioned.
Original
For Most Cool-Season Hay
Our original grate size with 2.75" x 6" size openings for most cool-season grass hays such as Timothy and Orchard and some finer grass alfalfa mix hay. Suitable for some chopped and bagged forage. Works well with most soaked hay. Not for thick, stemmy or coarse hay.
Wide
For Coarse & Long-Strand Hay
3.25" x 6" size openings for alfalfa and alfalfa mixes. (Due to the leaves on the alfalfa, these types of hay can compact very easily and a large grate is recommended; especially when starting a horse on the Savvy Feeder™). Suitable for all chopped and bagged forage. Works well with all soaked hay. Also use a large grate for other stemmy hay such as peanut, and long-stranded hay from a large round bale. The large grate is beneficial for older horses who have difficulty grasping hay.
