Do you have a chow hound in your household? If you have a pet that inhales their food like I do, allow me to introduce you to the wonderful world of slow feeders!
My dog Sammie is one of those dogs who can’t eat fast enough. She would suck down her food, then ten minutes later, she’d be belching – I thought that couldn’t possibly be good for her! Thankfully, her slow feeders have corrected that behavior. Meals that were gobbled in mere seconds now take ten minutes.
Is Fast Eating Bad for Pets?
When pets eat their food too fast, it can be a risk for vomiting, choking, indigestion, or bloating, which can be seriously dangerous. Slow feeders answer the problem by impeding your dog or cat’s ability to gobble up all their food as fast as possible!
Larger breeds are the most susceptible to bloat, so they may benefit most from slowing down their meals. Canine bloat or twisted stomach occurs when a dog eats too quickly and gulps down a lot of air. The air turns into gas in the stomach and causes the abdomen to swell, putting pressure on the heart, lungs, and other organs. In serious cases, the stomach rotates, and blood vessels and nerves get pinched. The condition can be fatal.
- Eating too quickly puts pets at risk of vomiting, choking, indigestion, and dangerous bloating
- Slow feeder bowls prevent rapid eating by creating obstacles that force pets to eat more slowly
- Large dog breeds are most at risk for bloat (twisted stomach), which occurs when they swallow too much air while eating quickly and can be fatal if the stomach rotates
Finding The Right Slow Feeder
Finding the right slow feeder for your dog can be tricky, but I’ve tried many different options so you don’t have to! Here’s a quick guide to some of our favorite choices for slow feeders.
Best Interactive Puzzle for Energetic Pets
Do you have an energetic pet who needs something to keep them occupied? While one pet might need a slow feeder to change their eating habits, others may enjoy the intellectual challenge they provide. Some feeders are even designed to create a game for your pet!
Interactive puzzle slow feeders usually hide the food in multiple compartments with covers that your pet (these are designed for dogs, cats, and even ferrets) must remove to reach the food.
Nina Ottosson is the leader in this arena, with multiple toys under wide distribution, the most popular being the Dog Smart, Dog Brick, and Dog Tornado. All three are available in plastic and wood, and the Ottosson line offers several degrees of difficulty within each product.
Interactive puzzle slow feeders are best for pets that:
- regularly seems bored or needs mental stimulation
- are naturally curious and enjoy problem-solving
- benefit from “working” for their meals
Choose a Slow Feeder that Offers the Best Challenge
The market offers many slow feeders, all of which work differently. Some are harder for a dog to learn than others. One of these trickier options is the Busy Buddy, which took Sammie the longest to figure out. It’s a container that releases food as the dog plays with it. I almost gave up on this feeder. When Sammie didn’t figure it out initially, I replaced it with something easier. But when we tried the Busy Buddy again later, she caught on. Maybe she just needed more time to think this one through!
This one (available in small, medium, and large sizes) is designed as a treat dispenser, but I use it as a slow feeder. When using this dispenser, you must be mindful of the size of the kibble. If your kibble is very small, it will fall out too easily.
- Some pets may need to start with simpler options before advancing to more complex ones
- Some feeders require a learning curve and may need multiple attempts before your pet masters them
- Consider your pet’s kibble size when choosing a dispenser-style feeder – small kibble may dispense too quickly
- If your pet struggles with a complex feeder, it’s okay to temporarily switch to an easier option and try again later
Best Slow Feeders for Outdoors-Loving Dogs
The second feeder is the Northmate “Green,” which earned the 2013 Global Pet Expo Best-in-Show award for best new dog product. This one-piece molded feeder is made of hard, phthalate-free plastic and consists of 43 “blades of grass” in several sizes, all rounded at the top. These blades replicate the sensation of sniffing through the grass for discoveries – how cute is that?
I liked that this product is a one-size-fits-all model designed for dry and wet food, making it extremely easy for both owner and pup to use. Another great feature of this feeder is the wide base of this, as it doesn’t tip or move while in use.
- Perfect for pets who enjoy digging and sniffing in the yard
- Durable plastic construction withstands rough play and can be easily cleaned after muddy paws make contact
- Ideal for energetic dogs who might tip lighter bowls
- Create an engaging challenge that satisfies natural foraging instincts of dogs who love exploring outdoors
Best Slow Feeders for Simplistic Design
The Kyjen Coral Slo-Bowl Slow Feeder is designed as a natural, healthy, playful experience for dogs. This sleek but simple design presents a maze through which dogs can chase their food, making mealtime a fun and engaging hunting game.
I like this one for my German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP), but some reviewers find it difficult for small dogs. Kyjen does offer other models that may be more suitable!
Conclusion
Check out our expo vendor list for trusted resources on slow feeders. And of course, we always advise that you check in with your vet regarding all changes in your feeding regimen!
– Muzzlebump