FAQ Gear Horse Care

Best Portable Horse Feeder? It’s in the (Nose) Bag.

best horse nose bag
mm
Written by Natalie Gasper

Make Feed Time Simpler

Horse nose bag feeders may seem a bit old-fashioned, but they can be a convenient method to feed your horse grain or supplements.

Horse feed bags, also called nose bags, were once commonplace on farms and in the military. They are designed to fit over a horse’s muzzle. Nose bags make sure each horse gets his (and only his) grain at feed time.

Regardless of their value, however, horse bags should be removed immediately after eating as they’re not designed for prolonged wear (like grazing muzzles).

Best Nose Bag Feeders for Horses

Horse feed bags, also called nose bags, fit over a horse’s muzzle so they can eat grain from within the bag. Here are our top options.

Nose Bag Feeder Key Features Price Point
Cashel Company Feed Rite Bag Retractable elastic strap $$$
Majestic Ally Horse Feed Bag Padded neck strap $
Derby Originals Ripstop Feed Bag Leather ventilation patch $$

Cashel Company Feed Rite Bag

This feed bag, which comes in four colors, can help reduce fighting at feed time.

Cashel Feed Rite Bag
$38.35

Pros

  • Breathable mesh
  • Name tag
  • The elastic strap retracts as grain is eaten to eliminate waste

Cons

  • More difficult to clean
03/26/2024 07:55 am GMT

Majestic Ally Horse Feed Bag

This feed bag comes in four sizes (pony, cob, full, and draft) to fit every horse in your pasture.

Majestic Ally Horse Feed Bag
$23.99 ($23.99 / Count)

Pros

  • Nose and neck padding for maximum comfort
  • Easy-to-adjust straps
  • Slow-feed design

Cons

  • Fit can be a challenge
  • Stitching can come loose
03/26/2024 08:45 am GMT

Derby Originals Ripstop Feed Bag

This bag offers a host of great features, making it a top choice.

Derby Originals Ripstop Feed Bag
$29.95

Pros

  • No-spill design (interior flap)
  • Nose and neck padding
  • Easy to use roller buckle
  • Reinforced nylon base

Cons

  • The elastic on the strap may come loose
03/27/2024 01:59 pm GMT

Bonus: Best Feed Pan

Little Giant Farm 3 Gallon Rubber Feed Pan

If a nose bag isn’t your thing, here’s a great feed pan.

Little Giant Farm Rubber Feed Pan
$21.00

Pros

  • Easy to clean
  • Safe to use with horses that paw
  • Multi-use (can use as a cat litter box, to feed dogs, or as a water bowl for farm animals, etc.)

Cons

  • Easy for horses to turn over
03/26/2024 08:10 am GMT

Nose Bag Feeder History

Long before stalls were common, most horses lived in fields. Horse owners would feed grain using a nose bag to save the trouble of having to separate all the horses at feed time.

They were also convenient for traveling, camping, and cavalry horses.

Nose Bag Feeder Function

A nose bag feeder means you can feed all the horses in a field without having to separate them. Everybody gets the amount of grain they should. For messy eaters, a nose bag also can minimize cleanup.

Feed Bag Materials & Construction

The most common materials are canvas, mesh, and nylon. A leather strap with a buckle is attached to the bag. This strap sits behind your horse’s ears, not unlike a bridle.

Nose Bag Feeder vs. Feed Pan

If you already separate your horses at feed time, then a feed pan works just as well. A feed pan is placed on the ground and not attached to the horse, so you don’t have to supervise them while eating.

Some horses, however, will overturn the pan and make a mess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is a nose bag feeder the same thing as a grazing muzzle?

No. A nose bag feeder is designed to feed grain or supplements. A grazing muzzle limits how much grass a horse can eat.

Q: What is the difference between a feed bag and a nose bag?

Feed bag and nose bag are synonyms—they are used interchangeably to describe the same thing.

Q: Can a horse suffocate with a nose bag?

Most nosebags have holes in them so your horse can breathe.

There is a risk of drowning, however, if your horse tries to drink with the nose bag on, so be sure to remove it promptly after he’s done eating.

Q: What is the difference between a nose bag and a hay bag?

A nose bag fits on a horse’s muzzle with a strap behind the ears and is used to feed grain. A hay bag, which can either be a bag with holes or a net, is used to feed hay.

horse sticking its tongue out

Source: Canva

Parting Thoughts

If you’re looking to save time when it comes to feeding, a nose bag feeder may be the solution you didn’t know you were looking for.

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About the author

mm

With a bachelor's degree in creative writing from the University of Central Florida and an editing certificate from the University of Washington, my decade-long writing journey has been a kaleidoscope of diverse experiences. I've had the privilege of contributing to a spectrum of platforms, including newspapers, print and online magazines, literary journals, and individual clients on subjects spanning from horse care, gardening, motorcycles, to exploring East Asia.