Does your dog tend to eat too fast? Do they get overly excited for mealtimes and gobble down their food in seconds, only to end up with an upset stomach?
Slow feeders differ from regular dog bowls. They’re designed to create a challenge for your dog while they enjoy their breakfast or dinner, helping to slow down the eating process and avoid issues like choking, vomiting, bloating, and weight gain. They can also offer mental stimulation and make a fun puzzle game out of mealtime.
Keep reading to find the best slow feeder dog bowls for every pup.
Does Your Dog Need a Slow Feeder?
If your dog already eats at a normal pace, you may not need a slow feeder at all. Picky eaters and senior dogs often do just fine with a regular bowl. But many dogs can benefit from a slow feeder, including:
- Dogs that sometimes gag, choke, or vomit while eating
- Dogs that are prone to bloating, such as german shepherds, great danes, boxers, and poodles
- Dogs that experience an upset stomach, excess gas, or burping after meals
- Dogs that need mental stimulation
- Dogs that get competitive when eating with other dogs
What To Look For in a Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
Durable Materials
Make sure you choose a bowl made from a non-toxic, food-grade material like BPA-free and phthalate-free plastic, rust-resistant stainless steel, or lead-free ceramic.
Safety Features
Look for bowls that don’t have any sharp edges or extra parts that could break off and cause harm to your dog’s nose or mouth. If you opt for a ceramic bowl, check it frequently to make sure it isn’t chipping or cracking.
Ridge Pattern
Slow feeders have designs (mazes, ridges, or spirals) that create a puzzle to slow down your dog’s eating. It’s important to choose a slow feeder bowl with a ridge pattern that’s appropriate for your dog’s eating habits. Super-fast eaters usually need more complex patterns.
Size
Choose a bowl that’s the right size and capacity for your dog. If you have a pomeranian, chihuahua, or other small breed, a large bowl can defeat the purpose of a slow feeder. Large breeds need large-capacity bowls to avoid frustration.
Portion Control
Some slow feeders have lines or marks to measure food quantity. If your goal is to help your pup lose weight or ensure they eat smaller meals, you may want to look for a slow feeder designed for portion control.
Non-Slip Base
Because they’re more difficult to eat from, slow feeder bowls may slide around while your dog tries to lap up every scrap. Look for a bowl with a non-slip base or rubber grips to prevent sliding. You can also use a silicone matt under their bowl as an alternative.
Ease of Cleaning
Because of all the ridges and crevices, slow feeder dog bowls can be tough to clean by hand. Most slow feeders are dishwasher safe, but it’s always worth checking to make sure. You should wash your dog’s bowl on a regular basis to maintain hygiene.
Breed-Specific Features
Dogs with flat faces (brachycephalic dogs) or long snouts have different needs when it comes to slow feeders. Flat-faced dogs like pugs and bulldogs generally need feeders with shallower ridges and larger spaces. Long-snouted dogs like retrievers and whippets may need deeper ridges and more intricate designs since their faces can reach deeper into the bowl.
Portability
If you love to take your dog on outdoor adventures or family vacations, it might be worth looking for a slow feeder that’s lightweight and easy to pack.
Our Top Picks in Every Category
1. Best for Small Breeds
For puppies and toy breeds, the AWOO Lick Dish and Slow Feeder is an adorable and functional product to help your dog slow down during meal times. With a compact size and soft, shallow grooves, it’s also a great choice for toothless dogs.
2. Best for Large Breeds
The Soda Pup Honeycomb Design eBowl Enrichment Slow Feeder Bowl can hold up to four cups of dog food, which is perfect for furry giants. The honeycomb grooves offer multiple depths and sizes for extra enrichment, and can even be used to separate wet and dry food if you choose.
3. Best Soft Feeder
The Cuddlove Silicone Slow Feeder Dog Bowl is a good option for smaller breeds, older dogs, and pups with fewer teeth. It’s made from food-grade silicone, has a non-skid suction bottom to stop it from slipping around, and is ultra-soft on canine teeth. It’s also safe to use in the dishwasher, microwave, and freezer.
4. Best Metal Feeder
Looking for an ultra-durable option? The Top Dog Chews Large 2QT Break-Fast Stainless Steel Bowl is tough enough to go the distance. It’s made from strong, sturdy stainless steel and is veterinarian-tested. It has a non-slip bottom to prevent sliding and it’s completely dishwasher safe.
5. Best Slow Feeder for Wet Food
The Medium Sunset Bowl by Should We Go? is great for dogs that eat wet food or a combination of wet and dry food. It comes in three adorable colors and offers the perfect mix between a slow feeder and a lick mat. It’s dishwasher safe so it’s perfect for daily washing.
6. Best Slow Feeder for Dry Food
The Outward Hound Dog Spin N’ Eat Puzzle is perfect for dogs that exclusively eat dry food. Great for dogs of all sizes, this puzzle feeder encourages mental stimulation. Fill up the barrel, and watch your dog nudge it to release food into their bowl.
7. Best Slow Feeder for Flat Faces
If you have a pug or a bulldog, look no further. The Leash Boss Slow Feed Bowl for Short Snout Dogs & Cats is ideal for dog breeds with flat faces. The shallow ridges provide just enough of a challenge without frustrating our flat-faced friends.