8 Best Slow Feeders For Dogs Who Gobble Their Grub
Rocky Kanaka
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If your dog eats too fast, they could be putting their health at risk. Eating too quickly can cause choking, gagging, and digestive issues that are not only uncomfortable but could potentially put their life in danger. A dog eating their food with too much vigor is at a much higher risk of swallowing wrong or getting something lodged in their throats. Beyond a simple tummy ache, a dog that eats too fast could be in danger of developing bloat, a serious stomach condition that is fatal without immediate intervention.
Unfortunately, you can explain the dangers of eating too quickly to your dog. Enter the slow feeder!
To help your dog develop more healthy eating habits and to slow down a little between bites, slow feeders inhibit how much food your dog can get in their mouth at once. Rather than being able to grab big mouthfuls of food, slow feeders make your dog pick up a few pieces at a time and put in some work for their dinner.
Slow feeder bowls, mats, and inserts come in lots of different sizes and types, and some even include puzzle elements for the extra-smart dog who needs an extra challenge. Here, we’ve rounded up eight of the best-selling and most highly-rated slow feeders for dogs on Amazon and there are so many amazing options there’s something for everyone!
1. Most Popular: Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl
Buy On Amazon | $6.35
Basic Info:
- Capacity: Up to 2 cups
- Materials: Plastic (BPA, PVC, and phthalate free)
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
- Slow Feeder Type: Dog bowl slow feeder
With more than 110,000 reviews on Amazon and a 4.5/5 star rating, the Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl is by far the most purchased and most popular dog slow feeder on the market. Made from BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free plastic that’s super easy to clean by just popping in the dishwasher, this bowl is great for dogs of all sizes and holds up to 2 cups of food. The Fun Feeder comes in different designs so you can switch things up for your pup, and the $6.35 price tag makes this a great option if you want to test out a dog slow feeder bowl.
2. Best Puzzle Slow Feeder: Aluckmao Dog Puzzle Feeder
Buy On Amazon | $29.90
Basic Info:
- Materials: Plastic
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes, with caution
- Slow Feeder Type: Puzzle slow feeder
If you’ve got a smart dog who could stand to do a little extra work for their food or enjoys playing with puzzle toys, this slow feeder bowl will give them that mental stimulation they crave! This slow-feeder puzzle bowl dispenses dog food for your pup as they work their way through flaps, sliding lids, and the large center push button that releases the food. Super smart dogs might make it through this puzzle in as little as five minutes, but others might take up to 15–20.
3. Best for Flat-Faced Dogs: Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Tray
Buy On Amazon | $11.99
Basic Info:
- Capacity: 1.5 cups
- Materials: Plastic (BPA, PVC, and phthalate free)
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
- Slow Feeder Type: Dog bowl slow feeder
Dog breeds with flat faces like Pugs and French Bulldogs can have a difficult time eating from standard dog bowls, but they are also known for eating too quickly. The solution is a slow-eating dog bowl designed without curves or varying levels so these flat-faced pooches can get to their food. This slow feeder features tons of small compartments that require your dog to lick to get their food—almost like a lick mat, but this can be used for wet or dry food!
4. Best Combo Slow Feeder Bowl: URPOWER 2-in-1 Elevated Slow Feeder with No Spill Water Bowl
Buy On Amazon | $35.99
Basic Info:
- Capacity: Up to 6 cups
- Materials: Plastic
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
- Slow Feeder Type: Slow feeder food bowl + no spill water bowl
If your dog not only races to eat their food but also slurps their water as fast as they can, you might need a combination slow feeder and no-spill water bowl. This option comes on an adjustable base that can be raised to accommodate large dogs, but the main feature we want to emphasize is the water dish. By regulating how much water your dog can lap at a time, this dish prevents your pup from drinking too fast and keeps them from splashing it everywhere but their mouths.
5. Best Ceramic Slow Feeder: Le Tauci Slow Feeder
Buy On Amazon | $22.99
Basic Info:
- Capacity: 1.5 cups
- Materials: Ceramic
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
- Slow Feeder Type: Slow-eating dog bowl
If you’re looking for a slow feeder that will fit into your kitchen decor and make your dog feel a little fancier at mealtime, these lovely ceramic slow-feeder bowls are perfect for you. Like your everyday dishware, these ceramic pieces are fully dishwasher safe and come in a range of beautifully glazed colors and patterns. A nice option for small dogs, this feeder holds up to 1.5 cups.
6. Best Stainless Steel Slow Feeder: Neater Pet Brands Stainless Steel Slow Feeder Bowl
Buy On Amazon | $15.99
Basic Info:
- Capacity: Up to 2 cups
- Materials: Stainless steel
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
- Slow Feeder Type: Slow feed bowl
Stainless steel is one of the most sanitary and easy-to-clean materials, which is why you’ll see it in so many commercial kitchens! To make sure your dog’s slow feed bowl is always 100% free from bacteria at meal times, feed them in a stainless steel bowl. The smooth metal of this bowl won’t hold on to caked food or germs, and can simply be rinsed and tossed in the dishwasher.
7. Best Slow Eating Insert: Keegud Slow Feeder Dog Bowl Insert
Buy On Amazon | $7.99
Basic Info:
- Materials: Silicone
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
- Slow Feeder Type: Bown insert
No matter where you are or what bowl they are eating from, slow down your dog with this slow-feeder insert! Made from food-grade silicone, this insert can easily be added to any bowl to turn it into a slow-feed dog bowl. The bottom of this insert is covered in tiny suction cups to keep it firmly in place while your dog is eating, then you can pop it out and clean things separately. This is also a nice option if you travel with your dog and they might eat out of different bowls from time to time.
8. Best Lick Mat Feeder: Mighty Paw Store Lick Bowl
Buy On Amazon | $19.99
Lick mats are a great way to keep your dog entertained and to help them soothe some anxiety, but they don’t always hold enough dog food for a full meal. This lick bowl has textured crevices like a standard lick mat but is shaped like a bowl so you can fill it with plenty of goodies for your pooch. Of course, this can also be used for treats—try filling it with delicious items and then freezing it to give your dog an even longer and more mentally stimulating experience.
Related Articles:
- 9 Dog Puzzle Toys That Improve Cognitive Development
- The Best No-Spill Dog Water Bowls
- Which Indoor Potty Solution Is Best: Bark Potty or Doggie Lawn?
- Top 10 Best Treat-Dispensing Dog Toys
- 4 Vet-Approved Homemade Dog Food Recipes
