Best Slow Feed Dog Bowl
Food motivates dogs and they like to eat fast, but sometimes, it's too fast and that increases the risk of regurgitating, chocking, and even developing conditions, like bloating that can lead to life-threatening consequences. It makes great sense to try ways to slow the speed at which your canine friend eats, and that's when you can put your money on a slow-feeder bowl.
Outward Hound Fun Feeders
BEST overall
Rated by: Amber
IAMUQ Slow Feeder
BEST durable
Rated by: Amber
OurPets Durapet Slow Feed Bowl
Best Stainless steel
Rated by: Amber
The Best Slow Feed Dog Bowl: Our Top Picks
1. Outward Hound Fun Feeders
Quick Summary
Rated by: Amber
If you want to slow your dog while eating, you may want to try this fun feeder from Outward Hound. This professionally designed bowl is made from food-safe plastic, so you don't have to worry about hurting your pet in any way.
The bowl works great for your smaller dogs and is capable of holding two cups of food at a time. You can choose a size as per the size of your dog because larger bowls are also available that can hold up to four cups.
It feels quite stable too, thanks to its non-slip base. Therefore, you don't have to worry about your dog moving it around while eating. You can use it easily to serve dry and wet food. The only concern is that it might not be suitable for dogs with short snouts.
PROS
CONS
2. IAMUQ Slow Feeder
Quick Summary
Rated by: Amber
If you're looking for a slow feeding bowl that your canine companion is going to love, you should opt for this model. Available in many different engaging patterns, it makes eating a challenge and slows feeding time considerably.
It can hold two cups of food and is therefore quite suitable for medium-sized dogs. The use of heavy-duty plastic means it will last for a long time. Moreover, it doesn't use any toxic materials, which is a relief.
It works great whether you want to serve dry or wet foods. The only concern is that it doesn't come with a non-slip base, so you may have to take some steps to ensure he doesn't tip it while eating.
PROS
CONS
3. OurPets Durapet Slow Feed Bowl
Quick Summary
Rated by: Amber
If you're looking for a slow-feed bowl that is super simple to clean, you may put your money on this stainless steel masterpiece from Durapet. As it is made using stainless steel, you don't have to worry about its durability. It's crack-proof and resists scratching as well.
Another good thing is that it comes equipped with rubber rings on the bottom, so that means your dog won't be able to tip it over while eating. The design may look simple but it makes it convenient to clean.
Overall, it's a great choice for someone interested in a stainless steel bowl, but keep in mind that though it is available in different sizes, it may be a bit too small for larger dog breeds.PROS
CONS
FAQ - A Buyer's Guide
Are Slow Feeder Bowls Good for Dogs?
In general, yes they are.
Using a dog slow feeding bowl an benefit your dog in a number of ways, especially when you don't want your dog to have weight problems. While a slow-feeder bowl won't directly help your dog lose weight, it will surely facilitate the process. The benefit will be more evident if your dog eats quickly, as the bowl will slow down his pace, and may even make him eat less. Over time, it will help manage weight problems better.
It may be a good idea to try a dog slow feeder bowl to prevent bloat because dogs eat too quickly. Bloating is usually the outcome of your dog's stomach swelling and twisting. You need to take every step to prevent bloating because not only can it be discomforting to your dog but it can also lead to tearing in his stomach and limit the flow of blood to the heart. Using a slow-feed bowl is one of many ways you can try to protect your dog from experiencing such dangers. By picking the right bowl, you will be able to keep your dog from wolfing down his meal, which in turn will minimize the risk associated with bloating.
Using slow feeder bowls for dogs may also be a good idea when you have a dog that frequently pukes right after meals. It is a common problem for many dog owners and it could be because your dog eats too fast. Yes, you don't want him to throw up because of the mess it creates around the house, but you should also take measures to prevent it because it can damage your dog's throat and stomach. Limiting the amount of food your dog eats at a time can help correct the problem and you can achieve this goal by using slow feeding bowls for dogs.
Another good reason to use a slow feeding bowl is that it adds a bit of excitement to your dog's life. You can find bowls with intricate designs that would make your dog do some effort to get his meal. Making it a challenge will surely help, but ensure that the feeder is not so difficult that it causes frustration and makes your dog to turn the plate over.
You may want to buy the best slow feed dog bowl if you have many dogs and they like to steal from one another. Your dog may be eating food too quickly because that would be an excuse to steal his brother's food. You can discourage that behavior by making it a challenge for him to finish his food, and a slow feeder dog bowl is the way to go.
Along with correcting those behavioral issues, slow feeding bowls will also help add an element of physical and mental exercise to the feeding time. It makes feeding a lot more stimulating experience for your furry friends. Just be sure to invest your money on a high quality bowl because cheap quality bowls may break any time and your dog may end up ingesting a piece of it.
How Do You Slow Feed a Dog Bowl?
Using a slow feed dog bowl is probably the easiest way to slow feed your dog. However, you can try many other ways a well to keep your dog from eating too fast.
- Serve him food on a cookie sheet. It helps because your dog will have to spend more time licking the sheet, which will slow him down considerably.
- Opt for a muffin tin. You can add food to separate muffin cups so that he will have to move from one cup to another, which will prevent gulping.
- Change the position of the bowl and keep it upside down to look like a slow feeder bowl. Just remember, no all bowls will work that way.
You can also consider creating your own slow feeder bowl, which is as simple as putting a large rock, a ball or another round object in the middle of a standard dog bowl. The idea is to make your dog move in a circle to eat all of his food, and that can help slow down his pace a little. While the idea may work, you need to remember that the object you use should be large enough to keep your dog from swallowing it. Moreover, it is not going to be as effective as using a professionally designed dog bowl, which makes feeding a bit challenging and really helps slow down your dog's eating speed.
Should You Raise Your Dog's Food Bowl?
Elevated dog bowls are popular and many people think they help prevent bloating, but there's mixed evidence to support that claim.
You may be thinking that elevated bowls are making it less straining for your dog to eat, and that will help with bloating. A study conducted by Purdue University in 2004 found that the elevated bowls are going to aggravate the issue of bloat. However, some experts are of the view that these bowls are actually beneficial for large dog breeds at least. Because of this contradictory information, there is no way to tell if your dog is going to benefit if you raise the food bowl.
If you're too concerned about your dog feeling bloated, you may want to turn to slow feeding bowls instead of elevated bowls because your furry friend is likely to bloat when he eats too much in a short time, and slow feeding bowls discourage that.
Are Ceramic or Stainless Steel Dog Bowls Better?
There are benefits of using slow feeding dog bowls, but you notice them when you use the best bowl only. The most important thing to consider is the material of the bowl. You can choose from many options, including stainless steel and ceramic dog bowls. They all have their pros and cons.
Stainless steel bowls are usually simple in terms of design – you may notice a few pillars or just a dome in the middle to create obstacles while eating. These bowls usually come equipped with a rubber ring at the base, which adds to the stability. Though these bowls are relatively safer to use, they're often a little too simple to serve the purpose. Moreover, they may damage your dog's teeth when he accidentally chews against the dome. The upside is that it will be a lot easier to clean these bowls.
You can also find non-metallic bowls for slow feeding. They can be made from silicone, plastic, or bamboo fiber resin. They are popular and usually made using food grade BPA, phthalate, PVC free plastic. The good thing is that they are available in different designs, including puzzles, mazes, grass tufts, etc., which helps a lot to slow down the feeding time.
Ceramic slow-feeding bowls are still new but you may like them for their elegant look. They're heavy, so they're going to be more stable as compared to plastic bowls. They're microwave and dishwasher safe, but do keep in mind that they can be quite expensive. So, it depends on your unique needs and budget to decide which slow feed dog bowl is better for your furry friend.
Conclusion
It all boils down to the fact that slowing the feeding time can help prevent serious health issues and keep your dog healthy. It turns feeding time into playtime by making things a bit challenging. Just take your time and consider the quality of the slow feeding dog bowls to get the best product for your beloved pet.
About the Author Steven
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