Best Slow Feeders for Dogs

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Most dogs love food but sometimes it can be too much and too fast. If your pup eats meals like they’re his last, a slow dog feeder may be the best solution. There are many types of slow dog feeders available that are made specifically for dogs that eat too quickly.

The best slow dog feeders have puzzle-like barrier built into them. These come in many shapes, sizes and materials and can be placed anywhere traditional dog bowls are.

Keep reading to learn more about the best slow dog feeders on the market today as well as what causes your dog to eat so fast.

How Slow Dog Feeders Work

Slow dog feeders are usually bowls with raised puzzle-like obstacles, similar to a maze inside the actual bowl. At mealtime, the food is placed in between the barriers of the puzzle or around the raised sections inside the bowl. Your pup will have to scoop out the food in between these obstacles, which should slow him down when eating.

Compare the Best Slow Dog Feeders

Best Slow Dog Feeders

1. NOYAL Slow Feeder Dog Bowls Puzzle Anti-Gulping Interactive Bloat Durable Preventing Choking Healthy Dogs Bowl View on Amazon Read Review	Best Non Slip 2. UPSKY Slow Feeder Dog Bowl Anti-Choking Slower Feeding Dog Puzzle Bowl View on Amazon Read Review	Best No Spill 3. Pecute Dog Bowls Slow Feeder Bloat Stop Pet Bowl Eco-Friendly Non-Toxic No Choking Healthy Design Bowl View on Amazon Read Review	Best for Large Dogs 4. JASGOOD Slow Feeder Dogs Bowl for Large Dogs,Anti-Gulping Pet Slower Food Feeding Bowls View on Amazon Read Review	Best for Flat Faced Breeds 5. Fluff Trough Elevated Slow Feeder Dog Bowl View on Amazon Read Review
Material Polypropylene	Material Polypropylene	Material Silicone	Material Polypropylene	Material Silicone
Target Species Dog	Target Species Dog	Target Species Dog	Target Species Dog	Target Species Cat, Dog
Brand NOYAL	Brand UPSKY	Brand Pecute	Brand JASGOOD	Brand The Fluff Trough
Color 5 Choices	Color 12 Choices	Color Grey Bowl	Color A-Black	Color Teal
Capacity 2 Cups	Capacity 5.4 Ounces	Capacity 750 Milliliters	Capacity 9 Ounces	Capacity 2 Cups

What To Look For In A Slow Dog Feeder

When looking for the right slow dog feeder, there are a few things to consider.

• Design: The more complex the design, the slower your dog will have to eat. Always consider your dog’s face and snout size when choosing a design. Some may have a harder time getting food out of tight puzzle areas.
• Food-Safe Materials: Most slow feed bowls are made from materials like silicone, stainless steel, or food-safe plastic. It is best to confirm it is made with non-toxic and BPA-free materials.
• The Right Size: Because these slow feeders come in many sizes, you want to get one that is right for your dog. The bigger the dog, the bigger the bowl, which also means wider spacing for bigger snouts.
• Dishwasher Safe: This may be important if you feed your dog wet food in the slow feeder. It is so much easier to toss it in the dishwasher for cleaning after mealtime.
• Non-Slip Base: If you have a fast eater, he is probably guilty of pushing bowls around. With a non-slip base, your dog will spill less or be unable to flip the bowl over.

Why Dogs Should Eat Slowly

When your dog eats too fast, he is most likely taking in air with his food. The air can not only cause discomfort, such as bloating and tummy sensitivity but can lead to health issues like a twisted stomach, which could mean a visit to the vet. If your dog’s stomach becomes swollen, and he struggles to breathe, the stomach could burst.

In addition, if your pup runs around before or after a meal with air in his stomach, he risks the chance of his stomach flipping or turning over. When this occurs, the pipes to and from the stomach are closed, halting the blood supply and natural movement to the digestive system. A flipped or turned stomach is a medical emergency because dogs do die from this condition.

In most cases, the swallowed air travels through the gut and just causes flatulence or burping.

If your dog tends to vomit, burp or gag after meals, it is most likely from swallowing air. This usually means stomach acids and food are present in the throat and esophagus, which can cause damage to these organs over time.

Product Reviews: The 5 Best Slow Dog Feeders

Best Overall

1.

NOYAL Slow Feeder Dog Bowls Puzzle Anti-Gulping Interactive Bloat Durable Preventing Choking Healthy Dogs Bowl

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Material : Polypropylene
• Target Species : Dog
• Brand : NOYAL
• Color : 5 Choices
• Capacity : 2 Cups

Pros

• Suitable for dry or wet food
• 4 non-slip pads to prevent sliding
• Food scraps won't stick to the smooth inner wall
• Available in many colors

Cons

• Some dogs may chew bowl
• Non slip pads too small
• Too deep for some dogs

This feeder's scientific pattern design can effectively slow down the dog's eating speed and delay the eating time. The non-slip pad on the bottom keeps the Slow Food Bowl from slipping. It is made of food-safe, smooth surface, high-strength ABS material your dog can use safely.

Best No Slip

2.

UPSKY Slow Feeder Dog Bowl Anti-Choking Slower Feeding Dog Puzzle Bowl

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Material : Polypropylene
• Target Species : Dog
• Brand : UPSKY
• Color : 12 Choices
• Capacity : 5.4 Ounces

Pros

• Holds 1 to 2 cups of dog food
• 6 non-slide grips on bottom of the bowl
• Dishwasher safe
• Available in many colors

Cons

• Not ideal for dogs who chew
• Still may slide around
• Too deep for puppies and small dogs

This bowl is designed for slow eating and it can hold 1-2 cups of dog food, depending on the size of the dog food. This slow feeder bowl can effectively slow down your dog's eating speed to prevent choking, obesity, and indigestion. It has a bone pattern design with a deep base and is made of high-quality PP material that is durable.

Best No Spill

3.

Pecute Dog Bowls Slow Feeder Bloat Stop Pet Bowl Eco-Friendly Non-Toxic No Choking Healthy Design Bowl

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Material : Silicone
• Target Species : Dog
• Brand : Pecute
• Color : Grey Bowl
• Capacity : 750 Milliliters

Pros

• Prevents bloat and reduces the burden of the stomach
• Improves digestion, while stimulating intellectual development
• Dishwasher safe materials
• Anti-slip mat for stainless steel bowls

Cons

• Bowls are small
• Doesn't slow all dogs down
• Mat may slide around

The Pecute silicone slow feeder double dog bowls will help you solve the problem of fast eating. It comes with a non-slip silicone mat and water bowl, slow feeder. The simple and pleasing slow down design is easily folded down for travelling. Both bowls can be removed and washed in the dishwasher.

Best for Large Dogs

4.

JASGOOD Slow Feeder Dogs Bowl for Large Dogs,Anti-Gulping Pet Slower Food Feeding Bowls

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Material : Polypropylene
• Target Species : Dog
• Brand: JASGOOD
• Color: A-Black
• Capacity : 9 Ounces

Pros

• Available in many colors
• Made with food safe, high-strength PP materials
• Bowls are BPA, PVC, and phthalate free

Cons

• May barely slow some dogs down
• Some dogs flip over
• Thin plastic design

This bowl is made with food safe, high-Strength PP materials. The bottom has a silicone slip resistant bottom to help keep the bowl stay in place. The slow feeder bowl base has a widened bottom to prevent being knocked over. This can be easily washed by hand or in the dishwasher top rack.

Best for Flat Face Dogs

5.

Fluff Trough Elevated Slow Feeder Dog Bowl

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Material: Silicone
• Target Species: Cat, Dog
• Brand : The Fluff Trough
• Color: Teal
• Capacity : 2 Cups

Pros

• Help stimulate slower eating & prevent choking
• Reduces belly aches & vomiting
• Designed for flat-faced pets

Cons

• Some dogs may make mess with height
• Maybe too tall for some dogs

The Fluff Trough Binge Blocker is a vet-approved, non-toxic elevated slow feeder designed to promote slower eating, help, prevent choking, and reduce belly aches as well as vomiting. It is made from medically approved silicone, BPA free and is food and dishwasher safe. It is specifically designed for flat-faced pets, but can also help slow down other pets that benefit from elevated feeders.

Why Does My Dog Eat So Fast?

There are quite a few reasons your dog may be eating fast, besides his passion for food. Here are a few other reasons why your dog maybe racing to finish his meal.

• Competition – If you have more than one dog, your fast eater may be in a competition to finish his food first. This way the other dog has no chance of taking it from him. This could be instinctual or a result of having to compete with litter mates. Remember, even cats can be seen as competition for your dogs bowl.
• Low Quality Food – Not all dog food is the same and the quality of your pups meals maybe a problem. If your dog feels hungry between meals, he maybe quick to devour his food. Consult your veterinarian to learn about the proper nutrients for a high quality food for your dog.
• Inconsistent Feedings – If your dog lived on the streets or was adopted from a shelter, he may have had inconsistent feeding times. This means he is not sure when he will get another meal. It is important to maintain a schedule and be patient with your pup if this is the case. In time it will get better, once he settles in.
• Underlying Health Condition – Diabetes and Cushing’s syndrome can impact your dog’s metabolism and increase their appetite and maybe the cause of your dogs fast eating. Worms or other parasites could also make your dog hungrier than usual, meaning he is desperate to get the food down fast.

Final Thoughts

There are several complications that can arise if your pup eats too fast and in the long wrong can be very dangerous. When gulping down food, your dog also gulps down air which can lead to bloat or  gastric dilatation and volvulus. Consider using a slow feeder to help prevent gagging, vomiting, gastric dilatation, volvulus, or choking after your dog has finished his meal.