Ever feel like you’ve only just put the bowl of food down and it’s already licked clean? Every pup has their own unique eating style, with some liking to graze little by little throughout the day, while others can’t resist polishing off the whole bowl in seconds.

Dogs that eat their food as fast as possible are more likely to experience digestive issues and are at a greater risk of choking. This frenzied style of eating can also lead to life-threatening bloating issues. 

The good news is that fast-eating is a habit that can be broken with the help of a slow feeder dog bowl. 

What is a slow feeder dog bowl?

A slow feeder dog bowl is a specialised food dish designed with obstacles, raised nooks and ridges that slow down a dog’s eating pace. Unlike a flat food dish that allows dogs to scoop up food in one big gulp, slow feeder dog bowls encourage dogs to take smaller bites at a slower pace. Some are designed in a deep bowl shape for long nose dogs like greyhounds, while others are designed as mats with grooves to support dogs with small or flat noses like French Bulldogs and pugs.

By having to work through a labyrinth-like bowl design to eat their food, dogs are not only naturally encouraged to slow down their eating style but are also more mentally stimulated. With a slow feeder dog bowl, mealtime becomes a slower, more engaging activity for dogs that benefits their digestive system and their brain activity.

Top 5 Health benefits of Using A Slow Feeder Dog Bowl

By protecting dogs from their own worst instincts, a slow feeder dog bowl can improve a dog’s digestion, lower their likelihood of overeating and gaining weight, reduce the risk of choking, minimise bloating, and provide more mental stimulation during meal time. 

Here are a few health benefits of a slow feeder dog bowl:

1. Improved digestion: By taking small bites of food, your dog’s digestive system has more time to absorb nutrients and pass food through the stomach and intestines, helping the digestive tract breakdown the food.

2. Lower likelihood of overeating: When a dog takes more time chewing and swallowing their food, their stomach has more time to send signals to their brain to say it’s full. This prevents them from eating excessive amounts of food and gaining weight. We all know that a small plate is known to help weight loss!

3. Reduced risk of choking: Eating big gulps of food increases a dog’s risk of choking and vomiting the food back up. By eating smaller bites of food, dogs are less likely to get food stuck in their throat or come up again. This will save you a lot of carpet cleaning!

4. Less risk of bloating: Bloating in dogs it can actually cause serious harm to your dog. Excess pressure on the stomach and intestines due to fast eating can cause a dog’s body to go into shock which is life-threatening.

5. Increased mental stimulation: Slow feeder dog bowls help to break the bad habit of rapid eating and increase mental stimulation during meal time. For high-energy dogs, this is a good way to teach them to focus and concentrate on one activity at a time. 

Does my dog need a slow feeder dog bowl? 

Every dog can benefit from a slow feeder dog bowl. The benefits they offer extend to dogs of all breeds, shapes, and sizes. Certain dogs, however, may have a more immediate need for a slow feeder dog bowl (yes, we’re talking about labradors).

If you’re wondering “Does my dog need a slow feeder dog bowl?” here are 4 signs their normal dog bowl just isn’t working out any more:

1. They eat their bowl of food within seconds.

2. They gag or cough while eating.

3. They seem restless and uncomfortable after a meal.

4. They never seem full, even after eating an entire meal.

Did you answer yes to all of the above? Read on!

Different types of slow feeder dog bowls

Maze or Grooved Bowls

Best for:

• Medium to large dogs that eat very quickly (“inhalers”).

• Dogs who enjoy problem-solving and need more mental stimulation at mealtimes.

• Active or working breeds (like Border Collies, Kelpies, Labradors) who thrive on a challenge.

Why:
The complex maze shapes make them think and work harder, which slows their eating pace and provides mental enrichment at the same time.

We recommend this ZippyPaws Happy Paws Slow Feeder Donut!

Obstacle and ridge bowls for dogs

Best for: 

• Medium to large dogs that eat quickly

• Dogs who get frustrated easily with complex maze designs 

• Dogs who are new to slow feeder bowls 

Why: 

Obstacle and ridge bowls are simpler than maze bowls but still help dogs to slow down their eating habits. 

We recommend this ZippyPaws SmartyPaws Puzzler Sunflower Interactive Dog Toy!

Raised or elevated feeders for dogs

Best for:

• Large/tall dogs that eat quickly

• Long neck dogs (e.g. greyhounds)

• Dogs who are moderately fast eaters

Why:

When large dogs have to bend down a lot to eat out of their bowl, they put themselves at a greater risk of choking or digesting their food poorly. A raised dog feeder, partnered with a slow feeder inserts or built-in ridges, can help position your dog to better digest their meal. 

Portion control or compartment bowls for dogs

Best for:

• Overweight dogs

• Any dogs who eat quickly

• Dogs who are moderately fast to slightly fast eaters

Why: 

By separating food into various sections that must be eaten one at a time, these bowls not only encourage slower eating but also help dogs to become full quicker and thus eat less. 

We recommend this Lick & Feast Slow Feeder Enrichment Mat for Dogs!

Lick mats or snuffle mats for dogs

Best for:

• Dogs with a short nose

• Small dogs who struggle with other slow feeder bowl designs

• Dogs who need mental stimulation during snack or meal time

• Dogs who are slightly fast eaters

Why:

These types of slow feeder dog bowls aren’t actually bowls, but rather flat mats with grooves, ridges, or lots of little “nooks” the dog licks or forages food from. The owner spread small amounts of food or paste over the textured surface that a dog must lick to consume. You can find out lots more about Snuffle Mats here: Every Day I'm Snufflin'

We recommend this FourZone Slow Feeder Enrichment Mat for Dogs!

Supporting happier, healthier lives for dogs

Slow feeder dog bowls aren’t just trendy accessories (they do certainly look great though!) but rather simple tools that can improve your dog’s health. Whether your dog eats too quickly, is having trouble digesting their food properly, or needs some more mental stimulation during meal time, a slow feeder dog bowl can make a big difference. 

At The Treatery, we’re passionate about the wellbeing of your beloved dogs. Pairing a high-quality slow feeder bowl with our nutritious treats is a great way to show your pup just how much you care. Take a look at our full range of slow feeder dog bowls to find the perfect one for your dog.