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The 5 Best Slow Feed Dog Bowls (Updated 2022)

neater pets grey slow feeder and brown dog

Try these current top picks to help your dog slow down and eat well

When you put food into your dog’s bowl, does he bury his face in his dish and greedily gobble and gulp every last bit within what seems to be mere seconds? If your dog doesn’t even come up for air when you put food into his bowl, then it’s safe to say he’s eating too fast. Also, though your pup may appear to be perfectly fine after inhaling his meal, he needs to slow down when he's eating to avoid potential complications.

Since simply telling your canine companion to eat slowly won't work, you need to find some different ways to slow his pace. A great way to help your pooch take more time while he eats is to use a slow feed dog bowl. 

brown dog eating out of grey neater slow feeder

What Is a Slow Feed Dog Bowl?

Yes, some of them might look like something straight out of a futuristic pet shop, but the unique design of slow feed bowls serves an essential purpose, to help your dog eat slowly and safely. Most regular dog bowls just come with one open space for your pup's food, and this classic style doesn't do much to slow down your dog's speedy eating habits.

However, slow feed bowls introduce your pooch to a whole new way to eat. Most slow feed dishes include raised areas in a variety of shapes that provide obstacles for your dog to eat around during chow time; other bowls may spread the food out to encourage Fido to take smaller bites. 

Why Use a Slow Feed Dog Bowl?

Okay, so you're probably wondering, what's the big deal if your dog eats fast? You figure, basic dog bowls have been around forever and seem to work just fine, right? The problem is, whether it's immediately noticeable in your pup or not, speed eating comes with its fair share of issues. Some of the problems may just appear to cause discomfort or inconvenience (gas, occasional vomiting), but other potential situations can become downright dangerous (aspirating, choking, and serious medical issues). By using a slow feed bowl, you can help avoid many unpleasant situations for both you and your dog. Plus, even if your pup doesn’t eat like there’s no tomorrow, these uniquely designed dishes can help make mealtimes safer and more enjoyable for all dogs.

small white puppy high fiving a woman

What Can Happen When a Dog Eats Too Fast?

Think about what happens when you eat too fast. You might feel uncomfortable, perhaps you get indigestion or heartburn, or you may feel bloated or gassy. When you eat too quickly, you also increase your likelihood of choking or aspirating your food, not to mention the psychological effect of still feeling hungry. Well, for your fast-eating, furry friend, the same things can occur when he wolfs down his meals. Using a dog bowl that encourages slow feeding can help reduce your dog’s chances of experiencing the following issues:

    • Bloating and gas (your dog swallows a lot of air when he gulps down his food)
    • Overall intestinal discomfort
    • Vomiting (your pup’s stomach simply can’t keep up with the rate at which he is eating)
    • Not feeling full or satisfied after meals (which leads to more eating)
    • Weight issues (when your dog doesn’t take his time, the tendency to overeat increases)
    • Diarrhea
    • Bad breath (This is because your dog isn’t bothering to chew his food; the act of chewing dry food is what helps clean your pup’s teeth)
    • GDV (a severe medical condition that can result from swallowing excessive amounts of air, food, and fluid, resulting in shock and potentially death. Recent studies have shown an 80% survival rate in dogs with GDV when they undergo surgery)

None of these problems sound pleasant, and the odds are good that your dog would rather not deal with them either. So it’s time for solutions. 

Check Out These Five Top Picks for Slow Feed Dog Bowls

#1 Neater Slow Feeder

neater slow feeder grey

Features: Multi-cup style divides food into smaller portions

Ergonomic design is gentle on your dog’s teeth and gums

Available in a variety of colors: Aquamarine, gunmetal gray, vanilla bean, and silver metallic

Optional base and legs for elevation

Optional base doubles as a water bowl

Great for all breeds (small, medium, large, and flat faced)

 

Size: 15.5" x 10.25" x 2.75"

Holds up to 6 cups of food

Each area is 3 inches wide

The optional base raises height to 5”

The combination of the optional base and legs raises height to 7.5”

 

Material: ABS plastic  - BPA, PVC, and Phthalate free

Non-skid feet to prevent slippage

 

#2 The Niner Slow Feed Bowl

The Niner Slow Feed Bowl

Features: The Niner's raised 9 peaks create small food pockets that stop your pet from eating too fast

Non-skid bottom

Top-rack dishwasher safe

Provides mental stimulation

Comfortable for all breeds


Size: Measures 8.38" across the top, 7.43" at the base, and is 2.44" tall 

Holds up to 2 cups of food


Material: Non-toxic and food safe BPA-free ABS plastic

 

#3 Dogit Go Slow Anti-Gulping Dog Dish

Dogit Go Slow Anti-Gulping Dog Dish

Features: Molded bumpers inside the bowl to encourage slower eating

Can be used for food or water

Suitable for dry and wet food

Dishwasher Safe

Available in various colors and sizes

 

Size: Extra Small - 1.8 x 5.6 x 5.6 inches ; holds ½ cup

Small - 2.5 x 7.1 x 7.1 inches;  holds 1 ¼ cups

Medium - 3 x 8.7 x 8.7 inches; holds 2 ½ cups

Large - 3.8 x 10.8 x 10.8 inches ; holds 5 cups


Material: Plastic - BPA, PVC, and Phthalate free

Non-slip base

 

#4 Neater Pet Brands Non-tip Slow Feed Bowl

neater pets Non Tip Slow Feed Bowl

Features: Raised center provides an obstacle, encouraging slower eating

Easy to clean

Dishwasher Safe

Comes in multiple sizes

 

Size: Medium - 10” at the base, 2” height, holds 2 cups of food

Large - 11.5” at the base, 2” height, holds 3 cups of food

 

Material: High-quality stainless steel

Non-skid rubber ring to prevent tipping and slipping

  

#5 Petduro Slow Feed Dog Bowl

PETDURO Slow Feeder Dog Bowl Large 9.75 inch with Food Capacity of 14 oz

Features: Raised interior design in a spiral shape to slow down eating

Grooves in the base for easy pick-up

Dishwasher Safe

Rubber feet to prevent slipping

 

Size: 9.75” round, 2.25” height

Holds 14 ounces of food


Material: Plastic - BPA, PVC, and Phthalate free

Rubber feet

 

Are There Other Ways To Get A Dog To Eat Slowly?

Of course, you can always attempt some other solutions to encourage your dog to eat slowly. When you feed your pup, serve smaller portions to minimize the amount of food your dog consumes at one time. Another option is to spread your dog’s food out over a large area, such as a tray, to prevent him from gobbling up too much food in each bite. 

You can also try placing a large object into his regular bowl to create a homemade obstacle. However, keep in mind that if the barrier moves around, it might not be as useful as a bowl with built-in roadblocks. Plus, if you are going to add an object to your pet’s dish, you have to be very careful that it is not something that poses a choking hazard for your dog.

What If My Dog Won’t Eat Out of the Bowl?

Some dogs don’t seem to like the idea of eating out of a bowl, whether it’s fun-shaped, plastic, stainless steel, elevated, or any other type of dog bowl. Some dogs have a habit of taking small mouthfuls of food out of their dish, bringing them to another spot, and dropping them onto the floor. Then, these pups proceed to eat those few pieces of food off of the floor before returning to their dish to repeat the interesting cycle. This habit can become a little frustrating since you probably don’t want little bits of kibble all-around your house. 

If this quirky behavior sounds familiar, don’t fret, you don’t need to start dumping dog food onto the floor. Place your pup’s food into a slow feed bowl and make it available for a couple of minutes. After a few minutes, pick up the dish, and repeat this process each time you feed your dog. Eventually, your pup will learn what you expect him to do and eat out of his bowl for the duration of his meal. 

You may be surprised at how much of a difference it makes when you adjust the way you feed your furry companion. Once you switch your dog’s bowl to one that helps him slow down a bit while he eats, mealtimes will become much more enjoyable for both of you. At Neater Pets, we know dogs, and that means we know what products work to help your best friend live the healthiest and happiest life possible. You want to give your dog the life he deserves; we want to make that happen, one small bite of food at a time.

 

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