Best Feed Bins for Horses: Five Options for Feeding and Storage
The best feed bin for horses depends on whether you need a serving pan, a pasture feeder, or a container for storing feed. The Rubbermaid 6-gallon pan is best for a sturdy general-purpose feeding bowl, while the RYFT two-in-one feeder is better for combining hay and grain outdoors. For storage, the Rubbermaid 20-gallon container has a listed lid and contents window; the 94-gallon feeder suits buyers prioritizing capacity. A two-pack of 1-gallon pans is best for small portions or separate feeding needs.
| Product | Best suited for | Listed capacity or setup |
|---|---|---|
| Rubbermaid Brute Animal Pan | Durable feed serving | 6 gallons |
| RYFT Pasture Feeder | Hay and grain feeding | 45-gallon trough; 24-gallon pan |
| Rubber Feed Pan, 2-Pack | Small portions | 1 gallon per pan |
| Large-Capacity Hay Feeder | Outdoor hay feeding or storage | 94 gallons |
| Rubbermaid Brute Container | Feed or seed storage | 20 gallons; lid included |
Rubbermaid Brute 6-Gallon Animal Pan
This 6-gallon pan is best for horse owners who want a durable, stackable bowl for serving feed. Its listed RigidCell construction is described as twice as strong as standard plastic feed bowls, and the product is made in the USA. The manufacturer also compares its construction quality with Rubbermaid Commercial Products stock tanks.
Why it was selected: The pan offers a practical middle ground between small portion bowls and large trough-style options. Its stackable design is useful when storing multiple pans. Limitation: It is a feed pan, not a lidded container for storing a large supply of feed.
RYFT Two-In-One Pasture Feeder
This combination feeder is best for horse owners who want a pasture setup for both hay and grain. The product listing describes a 45-gallon livestock trough paired with a 24-gallon feed pan. Its dual-purpose design makes it a better fit for outdoor feeding than a compact pan intended for a single portion.
Why it was selected: It combines hay and grain feeding in one product and is specifically listed for horses as well as other livestock. Limitation: Its large trough-and-pan format may be unnecessary for a single small feed serving. Confirm the dimensions and placement requirements before choosing it.
Two-Pack Of One-Gallon Rubber Feed Pans
This two-piece set is best for small portions, separate feeding stations, or keeping a spare pan available. Each pan is listed at one gallon, which is substantially smaller than the 6-gallon Rubbermaid option. Choose it when portion size matters more than bulk capacity.
Why it was selected: The listing identifies the pans as rubber feed pans for horses and supplies two units in the set. Limitation: One-gallon capacity is not suited to buyers who need a large trough or a feed-storage bin.
94-Gallon Livestock Hay Feeder
This large-capacity option is best for buyers looking for an outdoor livestock hay feeder or a spacious feed setup. Its product name specifies a 94-gallon capacity. That capacity makes it a different choice from small serving pans and the 20-gallon Rubbermaid storage container.
Why it was selected: Its stated size addresses buyers who prioritize capacity, and the listing describes it for outdoor feed use. Limitation: The provided product details do not specify construction material, dimensions, or a lid, so verify those details if they matter for your setup.
Rubbermaid Brute 20-Gallon Container With Lid
This container is best for storing bagged or loose feed when a separate lidded bin is preferred over an open feeding pan. It has a listed 20-gallon capacity and includes a lid. The semi-transparent plastic helps identify how much remains, while checkbox icons are intended to help identify contents.
Why it was selected: The product is specifically described for bird, animal, pet, and livestock food, as well as seed. Limitation: It is a storage container rather than a hay-feeding trough or serving pan.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Horse Feed Bin
Do you need a feeder or a storage container?
Choose a pan or trough for feeding directly to a horse. Select a lidded storage container when your main goal is keeping feed together between servings. A hay feeder serves a different purpose from a grain pan, so match the product type to the feed and routine.
What capacity is appropriate?
Compare the listed capacity with the amount you serve or store. The one-gallon pans suit smaller portions, while the 6-gallon pan offers more serving capacity. For combined pasture feeding, the RYFT listing gives separate trough and pan capacities. A 20-gallon lidded container is oriented toward storage; the 94-gallon product is the largest listed option.
What details should you verify?
Check product dimensions, material, lid arrangement, and intended placement before ordering. These details are not supplied for every item here. Also consider whether you need one feeding location or multiple pans, and whether hay, grain, or stored feed is the primary use. Do not assume a container is weatherproof or horse-proof unless its product information says so.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a horse feed bin and a feed pan?
A feed pan is generally used to serve a portion directly. A feed bin may refer to a larger feeder or a container for storing feed, so check the product’s stated purpose.
Which listed option is best for small feed portions?
The two-pack of one-gallon rubber feed pans is the smallest listed serving option. Its limited capacity makes it less suitable for bulk feeding or storage.
Which product includes a lid?
The Rubbermaid Brute 20-gallon container is explicitly listed as including a lid. The other provided listings do not specify one.
Which option combines hay and grain feeding?
The RYFT pasture feeder is described as a two-in-one setup with a 45-gallon trough and a 24-gallon feed pan.
Can a storage container replace a horse feeder?
Not necessarily. The Rubbermaid 20-gallon container is described for storage, while pans and troughs are designed as feeding options. Choose based on whether feed will be stored or served from the product.