The Best Slow Feeders For Dogs
Slow feeders are designed to teach your dog to slow down and appreciate their meals. When dogs eat too quickly, it can lead to other issues such as bloating, vomiting, and intestinal conditions. The maze designs in slow feeders make it trickier to chow down because your dog has to get past these obstacles. Using their nose, paws, and tongue, they'll be able to quickly figure out what works best for them to reach their daily meals. Putting your pet's health first is one of the best ways to prolong their life and show them you care.
What To Look For
In our research, we found that the best slow feeders for dogs are made from sturdy materials, have a non-slip base, and promote healthy digestion. Based on these requirements, our top pick is the slow feeder bowl from Outward Hound. The complex design in this bowl encourages dogs to pace themselves at mealtimes. It is made from durable plastic that is PVC, BPA, and phthalate-free and has a non-slip base to prevent it from tipping over. We also love the slow feeder insert from Our Pets because it can be used in any regular dog bowl to teach your dog to slow down their eating habits. Keep reading to discover a slow feeder that you and your dog will love.
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl
Licking through the labyrinth
Teaching your dog to eat more slowly can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. This slow feeder bowl from Outward Hound will help improve your dog’s digestion while also making mealtimes enjoyable. The durable bowl is made from food-safe plastic and can hold up to four cups of wet or dry food. The intricate pattern will encourage your dog to lick and nudge the food with their nose and paws to make it more accessible instead of gobbling it up in seconds. Try out this bowl and experience the transformation in your dog’s eating habits.
Pros:
- After meals, you can toss this slow feeder bowl in the dishwasher for easy clean-up.
- This design works well for dogs with short, medium, and long snouts.
Cons:
- The plastic bowl may be tempting to puppies still in their chewing phase.
Jasgood Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
Keep it contained
Dogs of all ages aren’t the tidiest when it comes to mealtimes, but you can change that with this slow feeder bowl from Jasgood. It is made from high-quality plastic and has thick sides to keep wet and dry food from escaping. The interior surface is smooth to protect your dog’s tongue from getting scratched. And the detailed design will provide mental stimulation for your pup as they figure out how to get every last bite out of the bowl. What’s not to love?
Pros:
- If your dog suffers from food-related anxiety, this bowl can help if you use it regularly. As they work hard to figure out the best way to access their food, they’ll forget all about being anxious.
- This slow feeder bowl can hold up to 1.5 cups of wet or dry food.
Cons:
- The shape of this slow feeder bowl is not designed for dogs with short snouts, such as pugs, bulldogs, and boxers.
Leashboss Slow Feed Dog Bowl
Sturdy and secure
Keeping your dog’s food bowl in place while they eat can be a challenge if they are overly curious or active. But you won’t have to worry about that with this slow feeder bowl from Leashboss. The bowl has tall sides and can hold up to 1.5 cups of wet or dry food. Plus, it has a non-slip base that works well on the floor and mats. Making this small update to your dog’s daily routine will help to prevent discomfort and serious health issues.
Pros:
- This slow feeder bowl can also slot into a raised feeder to bring the food closer to your dog’s mouth.
- In general, this bowl will make mealtimes last two to three times longer than normal.
Cons:
- The design isn’t as intricate when compared to other slow feeder bowls, so clever dogs may figure out how to cheat the system and return to their speedy eating.
Our Pets Spiral Slow Feeder Insert
A mealtime accessory
If you don’t want to commit to a slow feeder bowl, or you want to keep your matching food and water bowls, you’re going to love this option. The slow feeder insert from Our Pets is made from food-grade silicone and suctions to the inside of your dog’s food bowl. The flexible insert measures 3.5 inches across and can be used in bowls of all sizes. It works by separating your pup’s food into sections to slow them down. They’ll love getting every last bite out of their bowl and licking the insert clean.
Pros:
- This slow feeder insert can be used in bowls made from glass, plastic, ceramic, and stainless steel.
- When properly installed, this insert shouldn’t budge while your dog is eating.
Cons:
- You may have to wash your dog’s bowl after each meal since this insert suctions best when applied to a clean bowl.
Ito Rocky Food Dispensing Slow Feeder
Paws-on learning
Living in a small home or apartment can be difficult for dogs with a lot of energy. Slow them down and teach them good behavior with this slow feeder from Ito Rocky. This slow feeder has a rotating dispenser filled with your dog’s food or treats. Your dog has to turn this piece with their nose or paw to dispense food into the tray below. The holes are different sizes to ensure the food comes out periodically instead of all at once. Keeping your pup entertained has never been easier.
Pros:
- You can easily adjust the height of the dispenser to allow larger dogs to reach every inch of the food tray.
- The shallow bowls at the base of this feeder are easy for small dogs to access.
Cons:
- This slow feeder can’t be used with wet food since it would be too messy.
What are the benefits of a slow feeder?
Slow feeder bowls, dispensers, and inserts are tools used to help improve digestion in dogs. Using a slow feeder can encourage your dog to take their time and eat slowly. Many dogs eat too quickly, which can lead to choking, bloating, and vomiting. In some cases, fast eaters can develop conditions such as gastric torsions or twisted stomachs as a result of their eating habits. Slow feeders are also a perfect way to provide mental stimulation for your dog as they’ll have to work their way through the maze at mealtimes.
What should I consider when purchasing a slow feeder?
The primary elements you should consider are the size, design, and puzzle difficulty of your dog’s slow feeder. If your dog has experience with puzzle toys and games involving searching for specific items, they are likely going to need a slow feeder with a more complex pattern. Make sure you pick out a slow feeder that is designed for your dog’s size and snout length since this does make a difference. Keep these things in mind when shopping for a slow feeder for your furry friend and you’ll both be happy with the outcome.
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