When it comes to your horse’s safety, the wrong hay net can be more than just a poor investment, it can be a serious risk. Recently we did a little experiment and purchased several competitor nets online and compared them directly with GutzBusta Slow Feed Hay Nets.
The main 3 issues we discovered were:
- The Drawstring Difference
- Diamond Vs Square Mesh Shape
- Not All "Slow Feed" Sizes Are Equal
The safety of your horse should never come down to saving a few dollars. In the coming weeks, we’ll show you exactly why cheap nets can be dangerous, and why investing in quality is important.
Part 1 – The Drawstring Difference!
In our first comparison, we focused on a part of the hay net that’s often overlooked, yet plays a vital role in its safety, the drawstring.
Every GutzBusta Slow Feed Hay Net is fitted with a strong, premium-grade drawstring that is purpose-built for daily use in all conditions. It’s thick, durable, easy to grip, and designed to hold securely without slipping, fraying, or snapping, because a hay net is only as safe and functional as the rope that holds it together.
When we tested a competitor’s net, things quickly became concerning. Their product listing claimed the drawstring was 6mm thick. In reality, it was noticeably thinner, and when we folded the rope back on itself, it became semi-transparent. Revealing the weak, loosely woven fibres inside. This is a clear indication of poor material quality, reduced tensile strength, and a shorter lifespan.
We put our own drawstring through the same test and the result was clear, our rope remained solid, dense, and completely opaque, showing the strength and quality that you can see and feel.
While a drawstring might seem like a small detail, it is critical to the safety, durability, and usability of the net. A weak rope can lead to:
- Fraying and breaking during normal use
- Failure under the strain of a full bale
- Unsafe feeding situations if the net comes loose or collapses
It’s a simple but important truth: the quality of the rope reflects the quality of the net, and in this case, the difference between a premium product and a cheap imitation was undeniable.
Probably the most annoying factor in a drawstring is that if they are too thin, it makes it incredibly frustrating to tie and untie knots. These competitor drawstrings pull really tight and are nearly impossible to untie, and you can only imagine how difficult it would be to untie once a 500kg horse has tugged on them a few times. As ours are a genuine 6mm, they are easier to untie, and the knots don't get so tight in most circumstances.
Over years of use, we recognise that your drawstrings may become a bit weathered looking, so we have added drawstrings to our website to purchase and replace your tied drawstring that has endured a lifetime of being tied, untied, pulled open, pulled closed, hung up and tied again.
We also like to offer our customers a choice, and we have recently added a premium drawstring to our range. The premium drawstrings are 8mm thick and offer a lovely soft drawstring with many colour choices. They are made from Polyester and are easy to undo and redo knots plus they are soft on your hands.
Part 2 – Diamond Holes Vs Square Holes
Many cheaper hay nets use diamond-shaped holes. The problem? Under tension, these holes stretch and distort. This not only makes it easier for your horse to pull out large mouthfuls, defeating the purpose of slow feeding but also increases the risk of hoof or halter entanglement, especially as the net wears and the fibres loosen.
All our GutzBusta Slow Feed Hay Nets are made with a square mesh design that maintains its shape, even with daily use. Which means:
- Consistent slow feeding for better digestion and reduced boredom
- Even wear across the net, avoiding weak points that cause premature breakage
- Improved safety with reduced risk of stretching and entanglement
Hole shape might seem like a small manufacturing choice, but it has a big impact on how your horse eats, how long your net lasts, and how safe it is to use. Square mesh costs more to produce but when it comes to your horse’s health and safety, we believe it’s worth every cent.
Just one quick Observation this competitor’s net featured small silver metal rings at the top, used to loop the net together with the drawstring rope. While this might look like a neat finishing touch, it’s a serious safety concern. If a horse bites down on one of these metal rings, the force can easily chip or break a tooth. Dental injuries are not only painful for your horse, but also expensive and time-consuming to treat, making this an unnecessary and avoidable risk.
GutzBusta nets are designed without any metal rings or hard fittings that could cause injury, because horse safety is our top priority. In the picture below is the image we have taken of the competitors 'slow feed hay net' with the metal rings.
The second key difference in this comparison is something most people wouldn’t necessarily notice unless they’ve spent years working with slow feed hay nets is the shape of the holes in the mesh.
Many cheap hay nets use diamond-shaped holes. While they might look fine when the net is new and full of hay, the problems start as the hay is eaten:
- Loss of shape: Diamond mesh stretches unevenly as weight shifts.
- Top becomes too tight: As the hay level drops, the upper section of the net pulls taut, closing the holes so much that horses struggle to get hay out.
- Bottom becomes too loose: The lower section stretches wide, opening the holes and making it easier for horses to grab large mouthfuls.
- Uneven feeding: Horses end up working harder as the net empties, creating frustration and, in some cases, causing them to paw or bite aggressively at the net, leading to faster wear and potential injury.
- Whole net becomes difficult to eat from: As the net nears emptying, all of the diamond-shaped holes collapse down on each other over the entire length of the net, making it very frustrating and difficult for horses to get those last few handfuls of hay out of the net.
This uneven stretching is not just inconvenient, it works directly against the purpose of slow feeding by creating inconsistent access to hay.
All GutzBusta Slow Feed Hay Nets use a square mesh pattern. This design has many great aspect including:
- Holds its shape no matter how full or empty the net is
- Maintains consistent hole size from top to bottom
- Allows horses to comfortably manipulate the hay out with their tongues, lips and teeth
- Keeps feeding speed steady for better digestion and reduced boredom
- Distributes tension evenly, meaning less strain and longer net life
Why This Matters
From a safety standpoint, the metal rings are an immediate hazard. From a usability standpoint, diamond-shaped holes are a constant frustration for both horse and handler. Neither is acceptable in a product designed to improve your horse’s health and well-being.
We made the decision long ago to avoid both of these pitfalls. No small metal fittings that the horse might not realise are there until they chomp down on that section. No diamond mesh. Just safe, strong, reliable nets designed for consistent slow feeding from the first bite to the last strand.
Part 3 – Misleading Hole Sizes
Many cheaper nets are sold as “slow feed,” but when we measured them, the reality didn’t match up. A net we purchased was advertised as 4cm but actually when we measured the holes it was closer to 5cm or even 6cm. That may not sound like much, but as we know, it makes a huge difference to how quickly your horse can pull hay through.
Here’s why this matters:
- Faster feeding = more hay waste as large mouthfuls get dropped on the ground and trampled.
- Faster feeding = less digestive benefit, as your horse finishes their hay too quickly and goes for long periods without chewing, something that can increase the risk of ulcers and colic.
- Faster feeding = more boredom and restlessness, as your horse isn’t occupied for as long between feedings.
At GutzBusta, over the years we have developed and tested specific hole sizes for specific purposes to ensure true slow feeding. Not only to deliver what we promise but we really do care about the health of safety of your horses. Our nets are designed to keep your horse eating at a natural, steady pace, just as they would if they were grazing in the paddock.
When it comes to hay nets, size really does matter and cutting corners on hole size is just another way some manufacturers reduce costs at your horse’s expense. With GutzBusta, you can be confident that “slow feed” means exactly what it says.
In the above picture is a comparison of our net and a competitors, one of the competitor nets we ordered was advertised as a slow feeder. But when we measured the holes, they were bigger than a hand!
To anyone experienced in slow feeding, that’s an immediate red flag. A hole that size allows a horse to grab large mouthfuls in seconds, no meaningful restriction, no prolonged feeding, and certainly no digestive benefits that true slow feeding is meant to provide.
This isn’t just misleading, it’s marketing a net as something it simply isn’t. Customers expecting slower feeding, longer hay availability, and less waste would be disappointed (and out of pocket).
Another net we purchased was a green “slow feed” hay net listed at 5cm (2 inches). Which may seem okay to people who are not familiar with slow feeding but the reality is, that hole size is too big.
Our entry-level slow feed size, designed for horses brand new to slow feeding is 4cm (1¾ inches). That small reduction makes a huge difference in how quickly hay can be removed. At 5cm, horses can still pull significantly larger mouthfuls, which shortens feeding time and reduces the digestive and behavioural benefits of slow feeding.
Yes, we do we offer 6cm hole nets, but they are clearly labelled for specific purposes, such as for older horses that cannot eat from smaller openings or for people who are just looking to contain their hay rather then restrict feeding. The 6cm nets are also recommended for broodmares or youngstock that don't require restricted feeding. We never present them as slow feeders, because accuracy and honesty in product descriptions matter.
Finally, the most frustrating part of buying these competitor nets wasn’t just the misleading hole size, it was the complete lack of essential product information on their websites.
Here’s what was missing:
- Accurate hole size measurements (in metric and imperial)
- Exact net dimensions so customers know what size hay or bale it will fit
- Hay capacity guidance to match the net to feeding requirements
- Usage recommendations for different horse types, feeding goals, or environments
Without this information, buyers are left guessing and often end up with a product that doesn’t meet their needs. That’s not just bad customer service! It’s a waste of money and can lead to feeding problems or increased hay waste.
How GutzBusta Does It Differently!
We want customers to make an informed choice so they get exactly what they expect and a product that performs exactly as promised. Hole size isn’t just a technical spec, it’s the defining factor in how effective a slow feed hay net will be.
Every hay net listing on our website includes: Clearly stated hole size, dimensions, hay capacity details for different bale types and sizes. Usage advice tailored to first-time slow feeders, seasoned horses, or specific conditions. Plus regular updates based on customer feedback and ongoing product testing.
With GutzBusta, “slow feed” means exactly that. Our hole sizes are tested, measured, and accurately described so you know you’re getting a product designed for safety, longevity, and true slow feeding performance.
Over this 3-part breakdown, we’ve shown you exactly what we found when we purchased competitor hay nets and compared them to GutzBusta. From unsafe fittings, to poor mesh design, to misleading “slow feed” claims, the differences were clear.
When it comes to your horse’s safety, health, and feeding experience, the cheapest option is rarely the best value. With GutzBusta, you get accurate information, proven designs, and a product that performs exactly as promised as we have been in business for almost 15 years.
Check out our 3 part video series:
