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8 Best Dog Food Bowls for Fast Eaters and Other Slow-Feed Options to Try
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Do you have a dog that practically inhales their food at mealtimes? If so, a slow-feeder dog bowl may be just what you need! Check out our top picks for the best dog food bowls for fast eaters below.
Why eating fast is bad for your dog
As if the immediate risk of choking wasn’t bad enough, dogs that gorge or inhale their food are also at a significantly greater risk of developing bloat and/or gastric torsion (twisted stomach).
Whilst some dogs are more pre-disposed to this condition than others, left untreated bloat/gastric torsion can be fatal in a matter of hours.
Other nasty side effects of eating too fast include regurgitation (vomiting after eating), gas, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
How to slow your dog down at mealtime
Slow-feed dog bowls, puzzle feeders and food dispensing dog toys are all great options for encouraging your dog to slow down at mealtime. Not only do they promote chewing and improved digestion, they’re also more mentally stimulating for your dog too. Win-win!
BEST DOG FOOD BOWLS FOR FAST EATERS
Without further ado, check out our top picks for the best dog food bowls for fast eaters below;
Small to large sizes are available. Vet recommended. Improves digestion. Non-slip base. Made from food-safe materials.
Simple design that is dishwasher safe. Promotes safer mealtime regimes whilst being interactive and challenging for your dog.
Holds up to 4 cups of dry kibble.
Helps dog eat up to 10x slower. Vet recommended. Non-slip base, made from food-safe materials.
Stainless steel, non-toxic and shatterproof. Available in 2 sizes. Dishwasher safe. Silicone base. Challenging and fun.
Ideal slow feeder for small to medium breeds. Made from food-safe materials and is easy to clean. Holds up to 2 cups of dry food.
Extra-large capacity (up to 6 cups) makes it ideal for large and giant breeds. Non-slip base. Made from food-safe materials.
Suitable for wet or dry dog food. Holds up to 20.2 fl oz (600ml). Can be used as a food or water bowl. Dishwasher safe.
Ideal slow feeder for small to medium breeds. Made from food safe materials and is easy to clean. Holds up to 2 cups of dry food.
OTHER SLOW FEED OPTIONS TO TRY...
1) Food Dispensing Dog Toys
Holds up to 3 cups of dry dog food. Weighted anti-slip bottom makes the toy wobble erratically enticing your dog to play.
Fun, safe, mentally stimulating. Also great for chewers, teething and weight management. Dishwasher safe. Multiple sizes.
Top tip – Kongs can be stuffed with just about anything, including wet food. Make meal time more interesting by mixing up your ingredients or try freezing your Kong in Summer time to extend meal time fun even more.
2) Puzzle Feeders and Snuffle Mats
Interactive puzzle feeders like the Outward Hound Puzzle Brick dog toy featured below are great for challenging super smart dogs at mealtime, whilst foraging feeders like the Snuffle Mat engage your dog’s mind and body whilst encouraging their natural foraging instincts.
Engaging and challenging. Includes 3 different treat feeding features.
Encourages natural foraging skills. Machine washable. Fun and easy to use.
3) DIY Slow Feeders and Scatter Feeding
Slow feeders needn’t be expensive, you can easily make your own with objects you already have lying around the house. Take the trusty tennis ball for example, simply put it in your dog’s bowl along with their kibble and watch them navigate around it to get the food out.
Image via AKC Pet Insurance
Image via Dogington Post
You could even use an old muffin pan or egg carton as a dog bowl – they work the same as the specialised slow feeder bowls featured above!
Finally, why not try scatter feeding? Simply toss your dog’s kibble on the ground outside and watch them forage for their food! They’ll be forced to chew each piece individually, in turn slowing down feed-time and improving their digestion in the process. Just be sure to check that they aren’t leaving any food behind that might attract pests!