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Automatic vs traditional horse feeding

Most stables still feed by hand, on a schedule set by when people can be there. Here is how an automatic feeder like AK Feeder compares, and what equine nutrition research says about feeding times and meal size.

Side by side

Traditional feeding AK Feeder Meal times Depend on when someone is at the stable Set in the app and served on time, every day Meals per day Usually two, limited by staff time As many smaller meals as you program Portion size Scooped by eye, varies from person to person Calibrated portions, motor speed set for each feed type Different diets Easy to mix up between horses Each feeder has its own control unit and plan When you are away Someone must cover every feed Change the plan from your phone, from anywhere Early and late feeds Extra trips to the stable Served automatically, with no one on site Reminders Notes and memory App reminders for the medical schedule and tank refills Daily work Every meal measured and served by hand Refill the 25 kg reservoir and check in

What the research says

Why timing and meal size matter

Small, frequent meals

Horses have small stomachs and evolved to graze almost all day. Extension specialists advise splitting grain into two or three meals once it goes above 0.5% of body weight per day, because large grain meals can overload the hindgut and raise colic risk.

Source: eXtension HorseQuest, Feeding Frequency for Horses

The same time, every day

Auburn University's Extension recommends feeding on a regular schedule, ideally every 12 hours. When concentrate is above 1.5% of body weight, it advises three or four meals about 8 hours apart, which is hard to keep up by hand.

Source: Alabama Cooperative Extension System, 10 Rules for Feeding Horses

Routine lowers colic risk

Veterinary and extension guidance lists a regular feeding schedule and a consistent routine among the main steps to prevent colic. Diet changes should be made gradually, over two to three weeks.

Sources: UConn Extension; University of Liverpool Equine

What a feeder does not replace

An automatic feeder delivers the concentrate meals you plan. Horses still need free access to forage and clean water, a daily check by a person, and a diet set with your vet or nutritionist.

Other automatic feeders

How AK Feeder compares with other automatic feeders

A side-by-side look at three automatic horse feeders sold internationally, using the facts each maker publishes on its own website.

Feature AK Feeder iFEED SimpleFeeder Equipona PowerFeeder Made in Turkey (Istanbul) USA, Danish design Ireland Belgium Control WiFi phone app, or on-device panel Central digital timer box Digital timer on each feeder Bluetooth app (small setups) or central touchscreen Feeds per day As many as you program 1 to 28 Up to 8 (16 with central control) Several, maximum not stated Capacity 25 kg reservoir 12 lb (about 5.4 kg) per unit 22 kg or 48 kg 34, 45 or 60 litres Material 304 stainless steel Not stated ABS plastic, aluminium chute V2A stainless steel Power 12V, plugs into 220V mains; solar-suitable 110V mains (US model) 12V via mains transformer; battery or solar optional Low voltage; solar with battery possible Warranty 1 year 2 years 12 months to 2 years (both stated) Not stated Price From USD 600 USD 578 (one-stall pack) USD 420 to 545 On quote

Competitor details are taken from each maker’s official website (ifeednaturally.com, simplefeeder.com, equipona.com) on 16 October 2026 and may change; please check with the maker before buying. Product names belong to their owners. AK Feeder is not affiliated with these companies.

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Sources

eXtension HorseQuest: Feeding Frequency for Horses

Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Auburn University): 10 Rules for Feeding Horses, ANR-1355

UConn Extension: Colic, Its Risk Factors and Prevention (EXT100)

University of Liverpool, Equine: Preventing colic in horses