Frequently Asked Questions

For the best results and safest feeding, we recommend one feeder per horse. This ensures each horse gets its fair share of hay without competition.

That said, some horses are happy to share, while others prefer eating by themselves. If multiple horses have access to the same feeder, their individual personalities will determine how well they co-feed.

If you have multiple feeders in a shared paddock, horses will typically interact with them much like they do with manual flake feeding. Dominant horses may push other horses away. However, most horses adjust quickly to the routine.

If you're unsure about the best setup for your herd, feel free to contact us for guidance.

Yes, the Nordic AutoFeed functions as a slow feeder, but unlike traditional methods such as hay nets that physically restrict hay intake, our feeder manages consumption by controlling portion sizes and feeding frequency. Each unit includes adjustable feeder bars to help regulate eating speed. The feed door opens at scheduled intervals, allowing horses to eat freely, then closes to limit access until the next feeding. This cycle encourages natural grazing behaviour and increased movement while preventing overconsumption. This feeding style also reduces frustration some horses exhibit when feeding from traditional slow feeders.

The Nordic AutoFeed is designed to accommodate most standard 2-string hay bales (50-70lb) with extra room to refill before it's completely empty. You can also load the feeder with:

• Loose hay from a round bale

• Loose flakes from 3-string or large square bales

For best performance, we recommend lightly filling the feeder rather than tightly packing it, as overpacking can affect the accuracy of the built-in weight scale.

How often you need to refill depends on your feeding schedule and hay portion sizes, but many users find they only need to refill every 2–3 days, significantly reducing daily feeding.

Yes! While the Nordic AutoFeed was originally designed for horses, it has successfully been used to feed other hay-eating livestock, including sheep, goats, and donkeys.

Any animal that thrives on a hay-based diet can benefit from the feeder’s automated, portion-controlled feeding system. However, always ensure you’re following the appropriate feeding guidelines for your specific animal. If you’re unsure, consult your veterinarian to determine the best feeding regimen.

The ideal hay intake for your horse depends on several factors, so it's always best to consult your veterinarian to determine the right amount for your horse’s specific needs.

As a general guideline, horses should consume approximately 1.5% to 2.5% of their body weight in forage per day, with 2% being a common recommendation for maintenance. This means a 1,000 lb horse would typically require around 20 lb of hay daily.

However, individual needs can vary based on:

Age & Size – Young, growing horses and larger breeds may require more.

Activity Level – Performance and working horses often need additional calories.

Metabolic & Health Conditions – Horses with insulin resistance, PPID (Cushing’s), history of colic, or ulcers may require dietary adjustments.

Weather & Season – Colder months increase calorie demands, while hot weather may reduce appetite.

Stress & Lifestyle – Travel, changes in environment, or herd dynamics can impact consumption.

Weight Management Goals – Underweight horses may need more hay or calorie-dense forage, while overweight horses may need restricted intake.

Monitoring your horse’s body condition, weight, and overall health will help you fine-tune their diet over time.

The Nordic AutoFeed uses an audible cue to notify your horse when a feeding cycle begins:

Single beep – Signals that the feeder is opening.

Three beeps – Alerts the horse that the feeder door is about to close.

This feature helps horses quickly associate the sound with feeding time. However, if preferred, the beeping can be turned off in the settings.

Most horses learn the routine quickly and will often be waiting at the feeder before the cycle even starts!