A guide to the different types of slow feeder bowls and how to choose the best one for your pet
Rushing rarely helps things go smoothly — and your dog’s dinner is no exception. Whether your dog gobbles down their kibbles out of hunger, boredom, or a fear of starvation, they end up with the same result: gas build-up, regurgitation, tummy aches, and putting them at risk of dangerous conditions like bloat.
A slow feeder dog bowl solves the problem by preventing your pup from scarfing down their food and providing mental stimulation to keep them out of trouble while you’re away. Read on to see what type of slow feeder bowl works best for your pet.
A slow feeder dog bowl turns your canine into a maze-licker as they edge their way around the grooves to retrieve their desired food.
Slow feeder dog bowls may be crafted from silicone, stainless steel, or plastic. They can be stand-alone or inserts that convert your dog’s regular dinner dish into a slow feeder. While most slow feeders are bowl-shaped, some lie flat like a dinner mat, which is an ideal choice for flat-snouted breeds such as pugs and French bulldogs.
There are many reasons pet parents choose slow feeder dog bowls to quell mealtime hysteria. Using a slow feeder dog bowl usually doesn’t pose any risks and may bring many benefits.
When your dog eats slower, they’re less likely to experience nausea, diarrhea, and painful gas. Plus, it cuts down on the smells from the back end since eating slower reduces gas.
Dogs who inhale their kibble risk sucking dry food down their windpipe, potentially leading to choking. Or, the food can come right back up before it gets digested, called regurgitation.
If you have a speedy eater, learning how to do the Heimlich maneuver on your pup can come in handy.
For dogs, bloating isn’t always as innocent as eating too much ice cream. When a dog’s stomach fills with gas or too much food, it puts them at risk of gastric dilatation volvulus — a life-threatening medical emergency where the stomach twists and cuts off blood supply to their vital organs.
Large-chested dog breeds such as Weimaraners and Great Danes are more susceptible to bloat, but it can happen to any dog.
Wolfing down an excessive amount of food may not immediately curb extreme hunger, but eating slowly will likely satisfy your dog over time, even in smaller portions. Slow feeder bowls prevent your dog from cramming kibbles into their mouth and quickly forgetting that they’ve already eaten.
Whether you work from home or your office, long days on the job bore your pup and can wear down their resolve to refrain from shredding the couch cushions. Giving them a slow feeder bowl acts like a treat puzzle by creating something constructive for them to do. Finishing a task also improves their anxiety and trains them to act independently like their wolf ancestors (Trusted Source) .
Unless you have a dog who craves plastic or already detests their dinner, a slow feeder usually won’t hurt. However, this type of bowl might not be beneficial if your dog:
Whether you want a slow feeder insert or a standalone slow feeder dog bowl, there are different types to suit your pup. You can also shop by material if you have a preference.
“I’ve seen a variety of bowls and can’t think of any I dislike,” Dr. Irish says. While puzzle/maze bowls work great for her Labrador, she recommends looking for ones that are dishwasher safe to prevent laborious cleaning.
Consider why you think your dog would benefit from a slow feeder bowl. Are they bored? If so, finding a slow feeder that functions as a puzzle sounds like a better fit than one that simply slows them down.
You should also think about practical factors, such as the shape of your dog’s muzzle and how you plan on cleaning the feeder. For instance, breeds with compact faces, like the bulldog, might require a flat lick mat or slow feeder bowl with shorter grooves, while a pointy-muzzled standard poodle can reach deeper notches.
You may also want to opt for a dishwasher-safe option to curb the risk of harmful bacteria. If you find one that is hand wash only, just be sure to give it a good scrub after every meal and let it dry.
Whether they need mental stimulation or better digestion, most dogs benefit from a slow feeder. Deciding which type of slow feeder bowl works best for you depends on your dog’s needs and your cleaning preferences. At the end of the day, the best slow feeder for your dog is the one that keeps them safe and satisfied.
Slow feeder dog bowls improve your dog’s digestion and give them something constructive to do. The only times a slow feeder bowl might not be a good idea would be if your dog is already a picky eater or if they might have trouble eating due to vision or motor impairments, such as blindness or arthritis. If your dog is a vigorous chewer, they should only use a slow feeder bowl under supervision.
The good thing about slow feeders is that the food is the motivation to keep going. Cheer on your pup the first couple of times they use the slow feeder so they get the hang of it faster. Once they know that the feeder is coupled with food and your praise, they’ll be more likely to dig in.
Slow feeder bowls feature ridges made out of plastic, silicone, or metal to prevent your dog from wolfing down their food all at once. Any type of slow feeder bowl will likely help your dog enjoy their meal at a more luxurious pace, but the puzzle type of slow feeders really do the trick since it makes your dog work a little harder for their food.
Most slow feeder bowls accommodate wet food, but always check with the manufacturer’s instructions first. Dishwasher-safe options are best for wet food since moisture can get stuck in the grooves and grow bacteria unless they’re thoroughly cleaned after every meal.
Introduce a slow feeder bowl to your dog by encouraging them with lots of praise. The food alone should motivate them, but it always helps to have their favorite human cheering them on.
