Eating more slowly is supposed to help slow dogs during feeding, so they digest their food more effectively. Dogs that gulp their food should slow down with slow feeder dog bowls. Designed with intricate mouldings to make it hard to reach the food, the slow feeder bowls are designed to keep your dog busy. There are different types of slow feeder dog bowls available in various shapes, sizes, and levels of difficulty, so you need to find the right one for your dog.
That's why you need to know these nine things about slow feeder bowls for dogs before you invest any money or time in buying a slow feeder dog bowl.
What is a Slow Feeder dog bowl?
Unlike a standard dog bowl, slow feeder puzzle bowls have many obstructive and curved obstacle features built into them to slow your dog down at meal times and prevent canine bloat and indigestion. These slow puzzle feeders are made of various materials, including brightly coloured plastic, ceramic & stainless steel. They offer several obstacles that your dog must figure out to reach the food.
Slow feeders use ridges and other lumps and bumps that your dog needs to negotiate around so he can eat. Some bowl features mini labyrinths, and others even look like games or puzzles, but these bowls can help prevent severe medical conditions and encourage your dog to move away from a bad habit at mealtime.
1. Suitability for different dog breeds.
The slow feeder dog bowl size matters, as you want to make sure that it is big enough for your dog to eat comfortably. Whether you feed your dog wet food, raw food or cups of kibble, if the bowl is too small for medium size and large-sized dogs, your dog may not be able to eat enough food at one time, which could cause them to become hungry and irritable. Conversely, if the bowl is too large, your dog may be able to gulp their food, defeating the purpose of using a slow feeder bowl! If in doubt, choose a larger size bowl suitable for your dog at dinner time.
2. Please don't make it too hard.
Finding the right difficulty level for your dog is essential when looking for a slow feeder dog bowl. There are many types of slow feeder dog bowls to choose from. Ideally, you'll want one that slows them down with a simple obstacle design that isn't so difficult that it spoils mealtime.
Based on their personality, think about how challenging you would like dinner time for your dog. As the puzzles on the bowl get more varied and the gaps between the pieces of food become tighter, your dog will have a more challenging time eating.
Dogs that are food-driven, persistent, and smart are more likely to benefit from more complex, slow feed bowls, as they won't be intimidated or frustrated by the challenge. If a dog is less patient, he may not eat enough or take advantage of sneaky techniques, such as flipping the bowl over or chewing it to make the process easier. If your dog belongs to the notorious chewers club, you will need to supervise your dog at mealtimes.
3. Non-slip bases don't work.
Slow feeder dog bowls come with rubberised non-slip bases, like those on small kitchen appliances like food processors and toasters, to keep them from sliding around.
The ease of cleaning your slow feeder dog bowl is essential, and the more complicated the slow feed dog bowl food puzzle design, the harder it may be to clean after mealtime. Most bowls are top-rack dishwasher safe. However, they are rarely effective. While some do a good job of staying in place, the majority slid around so much that some dogs pawed them to hold them in place. Elevated dog bowls or a slow feed dog bowl with suction cups on the bottom may be worth the investment to ensure your bowl stays in place. These bowls keep your dog's bowl stationary and relieve frustration for both of you.
4. The material of the slow feeders matters.
When it comes to slow feeder dog bowls, you want to make sure you choose one made from a safe material. Plastic bowls are popular, and many slow feeders are made with food-safe, high-strength ABS materials, BPA and Phthalates free, which is a good choice for your dog. Not all slow feeder bowls are made from food-safe materials, and some have harmful chemicals like phthalates, so it is essential to do your research before purchasing one. Other stainless steel bowls can be prone to rust in the long term. Make sure you consider your dog's needs and the type of material you choose when shopping! The slow feeding bowl should also be top-rack dishwasher safe and easy to clean.
5. Slow Feeder Bowls need to be versatile for raw food meals and dry food at mealtime.
Slow feeding bowls should be versatile for wet food and dry food. Because of their internal pattern design, some slow feeder bowls do not cater to wet, raw or dry food. This is important because you can use the same slow feeder bowl for all types of food, including wet, dry and raw food, to give your pup a healthy nutritional diet.
6. Einstein puzzle feeders can frustrate your dog, making it difficult to access food at mealtime.
A slow feed dog bowl will also provide mental stimulation as your dog forages for food. The slow puzzle feeder dog bowl should not frustrate your pup! Some puzzle feeders have a complicated Einstein design with curved obstacles that can be challenging and require more work than others, so you must find one that will not cause stress, anxiety, or health issues for your furry friend. You want your dog to enjoy their mealtime and make feeding time fun.
7. Flat-faced dogs may need a specifically slow feeder bowl.
Flat-faced dogs may need a specific slow feeder puzzle dog bowl at mealtime. The shape and size of the slow feeders for short-nosed dogs should be considered, as they may find it difficult to eat dry kibble from traditional slow feeders on the market. Do some research and get a slow feeding dog bowl made from food-safe, high strength ABS materials with a simple internal pattern for your dog.
8. Cost of a slow feeder bowl.
Cheap and cheerful slow feeder bowls are not durable in the long run. It's better to spend a little more on something that will last longer than getting an inexpensive slow feeder dog bowl that won't stand up to repeated use.
Quality slow feeder dog bowls can be expensive, but it is essential to remember that you get what you pay for. The more affordable option of slow-feeding dog bowls may not be constructed from durable materials, do not have a good non-slip base, and may not last as long as more expensive ones, so it is essential to consider this when buying your slow feed dog bowl.
9. Travel-friendly slow feeder bowl.
You will need a travel-friendly slow feeder dog bowl that is versatile for when you're on the go with your fur-baby. A regular bowl will not meet the needs of your speed eating dog. If your dog eats quickly, traditional travel bowls will not help your dog slow down while eating or prevent the risk of bloat.
Conclusion
Thanks for sticking with us to the end! We hope you found our guide helpful in choosing the right slow feeder dog bowl for your pup. With so many options on the market, we know it can be hard to decide what slow feed dog bowl is best for your furry friend, but we are here to help.
Be sure to check out Super Feedy's new innovative 4-in-1 slow feeder bowldesign that is changing how pet parents feed their dogs at mealtime. Super Feedy slow feed bowls are designed for indoor and outdoor use so that you can take them anywhere! If you're going camping in the woods this summer, throw some dry kibble or raw dog food into one of these portable slow feeders and let your canine friend enjoy a leisurely mealtime in the great outdoors without the risk of bloat.
We are excited to launch our new 4-in-1 slow feeder and reversible lick mat for a broader range of dogs! This innovative puzzle feeder with a simple maze pattern and a non-skid base suction cup bowl design is perfect for slowing your dog naturally at mealtimes, providing a better, healthier mealtime experience. This boredom buster combo featuring an interactive slow feeding dog food bowl and lick mat is the perfect option for dogs - to keep them engaged and entertained. A typical regular dog bowl won't help your dog slow down if your dog eats too fast. Unlike a regular dog bowl, our innovative slow-feeder dog bowl is the perfect slow feeding bowl for your travel adventures.
