Why use a slow feeder for your dog?
Many dog owners will be familiar with a common problem – your dog gobbles down his dinner at a world-record pace, barely taking a breath between mouthfuls. Although this may seem harmless, and even normal, there are some very good reasons we should encourage our dogs to slow down their eating.
One of the leading causes of premature death in dogs is the result of Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, also known as bloat.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) is a rapidly progressive life-threatening condition of dogs. The condition is commonly associated with large meals and causes the stomach to dilate, because of food and gas, and may get to a point where neither may be expelled.
As the stomach begins to dilate and expand, the pressure in the stomach begins to increase. The increased pressure and size of the stomach may have several severe consequences, including:
- prevention of adequate blood return to the heart from the abdomen
- loss of blood flow to the lining of the stomach
- rupture of the stomach wall
- pressure on the diaphragm preventing the lungs from adequately expanding leading to decreased ability to maintain normal breathing
The entire body suffers from the poor ventilation leading to the death of cells in many tissues. Additionally, the stomach can become dilated enough to rotate in the abdomen, a condition called volvulus. The rotation can lead to blockage in the blood supply to the spleen and the stomach. Most pets are in shock due to the effects on their entire body.
The treatment of this condition involves stabilization of your pet, decompression of the stomach, and surgery to return the stomach to the normal position permanently (gastropexy). Abdominal organs will need to be evaluated for damage and treated appropriately as determined at the time of surgery.
One of the leading causes of bloat is feeding only one meal a day, and the rapid ingestion of food. By encouraging our dogs to eat at a slower pace, we can reduce the risk of bloat.
Additional risk factors include an unhealthy microbiome, so consider starting your dog on a probiotic, or having his microbiome tested, to keep him in optimal health.
In addtion to the health benefits, a slow feeder can also encourage your dog’s natural foraging skills with every meal. This help can reduce anxiety and keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated if he is left alone for periods of time.
There are a few different kinds of slow feeder bowls for dogs, and the type you choose will depend on the size of your dog, their eating habits and the kind of food you feed him.
Check out our favourite slow feeders for every kind of dog!
Best Basic Dog Slow Feeder Bowl
When to use: you want a quality, durable slow feeder bowl that will help your dog eat more slowly and prevent gorging on food.
Jasgood Dog Slow Feeder Bowl
This slow feeder dog bowl has a unique interactive jungle design, which promotes healthy slow eating, helping prevent obesity, bloat, regurgitation, and overeating.
This slow feeder bowl is made with food safe, high-strength ABS materials. It is dishwasher safe, comes in many colours and the four small rubber feet on the bottom of the bowl are attached with anti-skid pads to prevent slipping on the floor.
Best Dog Slow Feeding Mat
When to use: if you want a handy 2-1 feeding solution that keeps the mess contained!
Pecute Silicone Slow Feeder Mat
This slow feeding mat is made of 100% food grade silica gel, FDA certified, non-toxic, high temperature resistant with no odor. The stainless steel bowl is also made of food grade material.
The raised edge on this slow feeding mat is equivalent to the anti-overflow pad, effectively preventing food from scattering to the ground. One side is a silicone slow feeder bowl that can use to hold food, the other side is a stainless steel bowl for holding water, making it a convenient solution especially for small spaces or crates.
Both the silicone and stainless steel bowls can be hand-washed or machine-washed. The stainless steel bowl can also be removed from the silicone tray for easy cleaning.
Best Slow Feeder Snuffle Mat
When to use: if you want to provide your dog with mental stimulation as they forage around the snuffle mat to find their food.
Tamu Snuffle Mat
Great for dry, chewy, or crunchy treats or dog food – throw a cup of kibble into the long, durable fibers to let your dog root it out and stimulate natural behaviors.
The thick, wooly fabric is like long grass and inspires dogs to dig and use their sense of smell to search for food while stimulating curiosity.
This snuffle mat for dogs also features a non-slip bottom to help keep it in place when it’s on hardwood flooring, linoleum, or kitchen tiles.
Best Slow Feeder for Smart Dogs
When to use: if your dog has worked out how to tip over their slow feeder, or you are looking for something to ease separation anxiety and keep your dog entertained throughout the day.
IQ Zoo Intelligent Dog Slow Feeder
IQ Zoo revolutionizes your pet’s mealtime, providing a healthier alternative to their normal food bowl.
Developed by a pet behaviorist, building upon decades of experience working with dogs. Created in order to help calm hyperactive dogs by providing focused stimulation and rewarding them for their effort. An invaluable tool, redirecting separation anxiety and stress by keeping the dog engaged and rewarded before, during, and after you leave the house.
It’s the only solution which extends mealtime up to 90 minutes. This slow feeder activates the dog’s natural instincts and offers a healthy activity without frustration.
Your smart dog will be continuously motivated by the sight, sound, and smell of the food inside the device.
Best Slow Feeder Dog Bowl for Puppies
When to use: if you are looking for a slow feeder for your puppy.
DotPet Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
This slow feeder dog bowl is made with food-safe, high-strength ABS materials, and is PBA, PVC, and phthalate free. The product is 100% recyclable, will completely degrade over time as well as being non-toxic, and designed in a bright modern color.
It is dishwasher safe can hold up to 2 cups of either wet or dry food.
Best Stainless Steel Slow Feeder
When to use: if your dog has a history of chewing up plastic bowls, or you want something a little more sturdy. This is a great option for wet food, as it is very easy to clean.
Mr Peanuts Stainless Steel Interactive Slow Feeder Bowl
This slow feeder dog bowl is tough! Made from Stainless Steel, it is non-toxic, shatterproof, dishwasher safe and made from BPA Free material.
This slow feeder dog bowl comes in a medium and large size. The medium holds 1-2 Cups (16oz) of dry food, while the large will hold 2.5-3.5 Cups (28oz). This is also a great option for wet food, as it is so easy to clean.
Perfect for dogs who are a little rougher on their things!
Best Automated Slow Feeder
When to use: if you want your dog to eat small, regular meals but you aren’t home during the day.
WoPet Automatic Dog Slow Feeder
With this automated slow feeder you can schedule up to 4 automated feedings per day for your dog, using the built-in programmable timer. Program each meal time with a few button clicks on an easy to use LCD screen.
This automatic dog feeder holds up to 17 cups of dry food and has a stainless steel bowl which is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
You can also record a custom message to alert your dog their dinner is ready!
Read next: Why your Dog needs a Snuffle Mat…