Best slow feed dog bowls to buy in 2021

Dogs are one breed of pets which can never have enough to eat. Such is the love of feeding in dogs that most trainers and veterinarians use their appetite as a measure of health and comfort in surroundings. However, with this greed of food comes the challenge of excessively fast feeding. Some dog breeds such as Labradors, Terriers, Maltese, Beagles, Pugs, and Dachshunds are more prone to this problem of competitive fast feeding. Enter slow feeding bowls to the scene.

Slow feeding bowls are specially designed bowls that help in preventing your canine from gulping the kibble in big swipes. In this article, we will look at some of the best slow feed dog bowls available in the market.

We will look at two broad categories of such bowls – metallic and non-metallic feeding bowls. Metal slow feed dog bowls are primarily made of stainless-steel, while non-metallic slow feed bowls bowls are made of plastic, silicone or bamboo fiber. We will also list some ceramic slow feed dog bowls, which are new entrants to the collection.

We will also look at some of the major factors to consider while picking the best slow feed dog bowl for your pooch and share our top picks. Read on!!

Best stainless steel slow feed dog bowls list

Some of the best stainless steel slow feeder dog bowls available in the market are listed below:
PictureProductCapacity
(in cups)
Features
OurPets DuraPet Slow Feed Stainless Steel Dog BowlSmall: 3 cups
Medium: 5 cups
Large: 8 cups
- Popular slow feeding bowl made with heavy-duty steel with an edge-free ring in the middle.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Has a rubber bonded bottom to prevent skidding.


ProSelect EZ Eater Stainless Steel BowlSmall: 1 cup
Medium: 3 cups
Large: 4 cups
- Smart slow feeder with one piece stainless steel construction.
- Low rise, wide bowl with a removable rubber edge base to prevent skidding and spilling.
- Dishwasher safe with rubber base removed.
Iconic Pet Slow Feed Stainless Steel Pet BowlSmall: 1.5 cups
Medium: 3 cups
Large: 6 cups
- Low-rise, stainless steel slow feed dog bowl with a molded dome in the center.
- Anti-skid rubber base for stability.
- Dishwasher safe with rubber base removed.
Neater Pet Slow Feed BowlStandard: 4 cups- Smartly-designed stainless steel slow feed dog bowl suitable for medium to large breed dogs.
- Can fit in large Neater feeders (Express and Deluxe) and Elevated Feeders.
- Dishwasher safe.
Mr. Peanut's Stainless Steel Slow Feed Dog BowlMedium: 2 cups
Large: 3.5 cups
- Newly introduced, premium stainless steel slow feeder dog bowl. Made in India.
- Silicone ring at the base to keep the bowl stable while feeding.
- Available in two sizes suitable for medium to large dog breeds.
- Dishwasher safe with the silicone ring removed.


QT Dog Brake-Fast Dog BowlSmall: 2 cups
Medium: 5 cups
Large: 8 cups
Vet-recommended, premium stainless-steel slow feeder with a patented design. Made in the US.
Features three rounded prongs at the center help slow down the feeding time considerably.
Anti-slip, rubberized bottom ring keeps the bowl stable while feeding.
Available in three sizes suitable for all dog breeds.


Best non-metallic slow feeding dog bowls list

Some of the best non-metallic (plastic, resin or silicone) slow feeders for dogs are listed below:
PictureProductCapacityFeatures

Outward Hound Fun FeederSmall: 2 cups
Large: 4 cups
- The most popular slow feeding bowl, made with food-safe ABS plastic.
- BPA, BPS, PVC and Phthalate free material makes it safe for your dog.
- Available in multiple colors and designs.
- Feature an anti-skid, slip-resistant base for maximum stability without spillage.


Siensync Slow Feeding BowlStandard: 2 cups- Uniquely designed maze dog bowl made with durable, eco-friendly bamboo fiber.
- Single size suitable for most dog breeds.
- Top Rack dishwasher safe.
- Backed by 100% money back guarantee.
Dogit Go Slow Dog BowlX-Small: 0.6 cups
Small: 1.25 cups
Medium: 2.5 cups
Large: 5 cups
- Elevated, slow feeder made with food grade, BPA-free plastic.
- Has anti-skid rubber coating on the legs.
- Comes in four sizes and five different colors.
- Top Shelf dishwasher safe.


Northmate Green Slow FeederMini: 2 cups
Large: 4-5 cups
- Popular mat-shaped slow feeder made with BPA, Phthalate-free plastic.
- Extra-large surface designed as a patch of grass, making feeding fun and challenge for the dog.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Has a side rim to prevent food from spilling.


Outward Hound Fun Mat Silicone Dog Feeder BowlMini: 2 cups
Large: 4 cups
- Foldable, dog feeding mat made with food-safe, BPA and Phthalate- free rubber material.
- Filled with ridges and valleys that slow down feeding considerably.
- Anti-skid, low profile design for maximum stability.
- Portable and top-shelf dishwasher safe.

Outward Hound Elevated Slow Feed Dog BowlStandard: 4 cups- Best-selling elevated slow feeder bowl with an adjustable height – floor, 6 and 10 inch.
- Removable slow feed bowl made of food-grade plastic. Bowl is dishwasher safe.
- Available in two colors – pink and white.
Neater Pets Elevated Slow FeederStandard: 6 cups- Uniquely-designed, Made in the US, multi-purpose elevated slow feeder.
- Made of food-grade ABS plastic polymer. Dishwasher safe.
- Can be configured to be used as standard food bowl, elevated slow feeder or an elevated water bowl.
- Features 3" crevices between peaks to carry 1-6 cups of dry food.
- Sturdy, non-slip base. Available in single gun-metal color.

Best Ceramic Slow Feed Dog Bowl List

Some of the best ceramic slow feed dog bowls are listed below:
PictureProductCapacityFeatures

PetRageous Metro Stripes Ceramic Slow Feeder Dog Bowl4 cups- Elegant, Smartly-designed slow feeder, handcrafted with FDA-compliant stoneware. Paw-shaped slow feeding contours.
- Dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe.
- 2.25-inch high side walls prevent spilling of food. Most suitable for large and extra-large dogs.
- Large, melamine PetRageous 6-Cup Slow feeding bowl is also available.


BestVida Premium Ceramic Slow Feeder Bowl2-4 cups- Premium ceramic slow feeder cat bowl, made of non-toxic and odorless porcelain. FDA-certified.
- Microwavable and freezer and dishwasher-safe.
- Patent-pending design with rounded mazes that slow down feeding considerably.
- Large 9.25" diameter, 2.25" high, suitable for medium to large dog breeds.
- Works well with BestVida Raised Dog Bowl Stand. Backed by 100% money back guarantee commitment.
Magisso Happy Pet Project Naturally Cooling Ceramic Food BowlS: 1-1.5 cups
M: 2-3 cups
L: 3-4 cups
-Finland-designed, ceramic slow feed dog bowl with an LFGB and FDA-tested ceramic interior. Chalkboard-type exterior to decorate the bowl.
- Dishwasher and microwave safe.
- Naturally cooling and works well as cooling water bowl as well.
- Small, 5-inch cat ceramic food bowl is also available.
Lorde Slow Feeder Bowl0.5-0.75 cups- Premium ceramic slow feeder cat bowl, that also works well for dogs. Made in China.
- Made of non-toxic and odorless porcelain. Microwavable and freezer and dishwasher-safe.
- Unique design with ridge and valley mazes that slow down feeding considerably.
- Large 8.7" diameter, 1.6" high, suitable for small to medium dog breeds. Heavy 1.8 lbs. weight makes it difficult for pet to move.
- Backed by 100% money back guarantee commitment.
The Bandit Bowl Handmade Slow Feed Dog BowlSmall: 0.5 cups
Med.: 1 cup
Large: 2 cups
Jumbo: 3 cups
- Beautifully hand-crafted, ceramic slow feeder dog bowl with a high-gloss finish. Made in the US.
- Grooved bottom helps in increasing feeding time. Suitable for all dog and cat breeds.
- Dishwasher and microwave safe.
- Available in multiple colors.

What are slow feed bowls and why do you need one for your dog?

As discussed above, many dogs have a problem of eating their kibble excessively fast by gulping food in big swipes without chewing properly. This problem of fast feeding is more prominent in dog breeds such as Labradors, Terriers, Maltese, Beagles, and Pugs, who have genetic traits of being competitive eaters. And if you have multiple pups, the feeding time can become a challenge for you.

Excessively fast feeding is not a healthy habit. Some of the major concerns associated with fast feeding are:

  • Fast feeding can lead to choking, gagging or vomiting among dogs.
  • Gulping food without chewing can lead to flatulence, gas and stomach discomfort.
  • Gasping for air while gulping food can lead to bloating, which can be potentially dangerous, even fatal for dogs.
  • Excessive competing for food can make a dog aggressive while feeding.

Slow-feeding bowls can address some of these problems of excessively fast feeding. Slow feed pet bowls are specially designed metallic or non-metallic bowls which have obstructions such as domes, pillars, mazes, puzzles etc. to prevent the pets from quickly gulping large servings in one swipe and instead take more time to feed on kibble or canned food.

Slow feed dog bowls can also help the canine lose weight. Eating slowly and then swallowing generally results in the dogs eating less and feeling fuller for a longer time. They also provide some mental stimulation and entertainment, especially if your pooch is food-motivated.

Slow feed pet bowls are available for both dogs and cats, though the problem is more pronounced in dogs and hence slow feed dog bowls are more prominent in the market.

Because of these anti-gulping characteristics and designs, the slow feed dog bowls are sometimes also referred to as “slow eating dog bowls”, “anti-gulp dog bowls”, “go slow feeding bowls”, “dog puzzle feeders” or “maze dog bowls”. If you see this terminology with products, rest assured that they are referring to slow feed dog bowls only.

Slow feed dog bowls come in multiple designs – bowl-shaped or mat-shaped and can be made of stainless steel, ceramic, plastic or silicone. Stainless steel and ceramic slow feed bowls are heavier but considered more durable and stable than plastic bowls. However, plastic and silicone bowls are more portable and smartly designed to considerably slow down the feeding time. Unlike the ceramic and stainless steel slow feed bowl which can increase the feeding time by 3-4 times, plastic anti-gulp dog bowls can increase the feeding time by up to 6-8 times.

It is worthwhile to mention some of the limitations and challenges associated with such dog slow feeders before opting for them, as listed below:

  • Slow feeding dog bowls can be harder to clean. Simply tossing them in the dishwasher may not always work and you may have to put in some extra effort to clean them up to prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria.
  • If your dog is smart enough, some dog slow feeders may not provide the desired outcome as the canine may learn to topple the bowls. However, most of the options that we have listed are best in terms of stability and you should not have a lot of problems with the stability and food spillage, with any of the bowls listed above.
  • In the case of plastic or resin bowls, accidental ingestion of non-edible materials can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort among dogs. To avoid such cases, simply discard a damaged bowl and get a new one.
  • Some dogs, especially the ones with smaller snouts may have challenge eating around the barriers and can lead to chipping of teeth. So getting a slow feeder dog bowl of the right shape and size is important.

Despite all the limitations mentioned above, the slow feeding dog bowls are generally a great option for addressing excessively fast-feeding among canines. In fact, some of the bowls that we have listed above would be suitable for felines and other small animal pets as well.

However, if you are looking for something more playful, you can also check out our article on the best interactive dog toys and puzzle feeders.

To summarize, the major pros and cons of slow feed dog bowls are:

Pros
  • Reduce feeding speed among dogs by 4-8 times, thereby reducing the chances of choking, gagging, bloating or vomiting while eating.
  • Also help in minimizing gulping of food without chewing, resulting in the canine eating less and feeling fuller for a longer time.
  • Stimulate a canine’s mind and can act as a treat toy.
  • Reduced vomiting and barfing means less frequent cleanup for pet parents.
  • Can also be used for cats.
Cons
  • More difficult to clean.
  • Anti-gulping obstacles can wear down quickly.
  • Can be costlier than standard pet feeding bowls.

In the next sections, we will look at some of the major factors to keep in mind before picking the best slow feed dog bowls for your pooch and share our top picks. We will also list some alternatives that can turn a standard food bowl into a slow feeder. Some of our top picks also work well with cats and other small animals as pet puzzle feeders.

How to pick the best slow feed dog bowls for your pet?

With the market flooded with so many options, picking the best slow feed dog bowl for your beloved pooch can be a challenging task. After all, you are looking for something that would specifically fit the needs of your pet and also fits your budget.

Some of the major factors that you should consider while picking the best slow feeder for your dog are listed below:

  • Manufacturing material
  • Design of the bowl
  • Size and capacity of the bowl
  • Additional factors and considerations

Manufacturing material

The first thing you should consider while picking the slow feeding bowl for your puppy or dog is the building material, you should go with – metallic or non-metallic.

Metal slow feed dog bowls are generally made of stainless steel (you would very rarely find some aluminum dog slow feeders). They have relatively simple designs – a bowl with a dome in the middle or a few pillars as obstacles. In order to provide the stability, a rubber ring is fitted to the base. This rubber gasket is removable and should be removed before putting the bowl in the dishwasher.

Stainless steel slow feed dog bowls are relatively safe to use as there are no chances of leaching plastic chemicals. However, because of their simple design, they cannot slow down the feeding time considerably. Moreover, some dogs may run the risk of damaging their teeth by chewing against the central dome.

Non-metallic slow feeders are made either from plastic, silicone or bamboo fiber resin. Plastic slow feeding bowls such as Outward Hound Fun Feeder are extremely popular. Such bowls are made from high-quality food grade BPA, PVC, Phthalate free plastic material and have interesting designs – mazes, puzzles, grass tufts etc. These designs can slow down the feeding time by as much as five to eight times. They are also dishwasher safe (top shelf) and generally more durable than the silicone or resin feeding bowls. While some people may have reservations about plastics, our take is that PTA approved, chemical free plastic is a safe material to use for your pets as long as you are careful about accidental ingestion.

Silicone or Resin slow feeding bowls are pretty safe as silicone is one of the most chemically inert compound out there. Such bowls are pretty portable too. You can simply fold them, put them in your dog’s kit and then take it anywhere.

Finally, some manufacturers have even introduced ceramic slow feed dog bowls. Ceramic slow feed dog bowls are durable, safe and more stable because of their heavier weight. Moreover, they are elegant looking, keep the contents relatively cool, and are dishwasher and microwave safe. They are, however, costlier than stainless steel or plastic slow feed dog bowls.

Keep these considerations in mind before picking the best slow feed dog bowl for your beloved canine.

Design of the bowl

How the slow eating dog bowl is designed is also something that you should keep in mind before picking the best one for your needs. As discussed above, metallic slow feeders generally have a bowl with a dome in middle, or pillars to create compartments of kibble.

Non-metallic bowls have some interesting designs. The most common design is the puzzle or maze shaped bowl with a low profile and anti-skid bottom. This design would make your canine friend work for finishing its kibbles and hence slow down the eating. You should ensure that you opt for a low profile, anti-skid bottom bowl as the lighter weight of such bowls may make it easy for your pet to topple it.

Another popular design (most common in silicone bowls) is the mat-shaped. The bowl is more of a mat filled with grass type obstacles against which the dog has to work using its nose. This design is heavily inspired by how a dog would eat food in the outdoors. The only drawback of this design is that the side rims may not be able to prevent some kibble from spilling onto the floor. So such bowls are most suitable for tiles and wooden floors.
Check out the designs available and read the reviews to determine if a particular slow feeding bowl will be fit for your furry friend.

Size and Capacity of the bowl

Depending on your canine’s breed, age and weight, you can pick the right size for the bowl. Thankfully most of the models that we listed come in sizes ranging from 0.75 cups (6 oz. of dry kibble) to 8 cups (64 oz.). For dogs in the weight range of 15-30 lbs. you would find that 2 cup bowls are more than enough for one round of feeding.

Closely associated with the capacity is the size of the bowl. Because of the in-between obstacles or mazes , the slow feeding bowls are generally larger in size than normal feeding bowls of the same capacity. Mat-designed feeders such as Northmate Green Slow Feeder are the largest, while standard feeders such as the OurPets DuraPet Stainless Steel Dog Bowl are pretty compact for their capacities.

Additional factors and considerations

In addition to the factors above, there are a couple of other considerations that can make a purchase more attractive than others.

One such factor is the colors in which a particular bowl is available in. Outward Hound Fun Feeder and Dogit Go Slow Dog Bowl score big in this category as these bowls are available in a bunch of bright colors and you can pick the most suitable color that fits your pet’s personality. Similarly, My Lucky Pets Slow Feeder silicone mat even provides multi-color combinations bowls to choose from.

Another more important factor is the service and satisfaction support provided by the manufacturer. Most of the dog bowls listed above have standard 30-day return guarantees. Some manufacturers such as OurPets DuraPet, Outward Hound, and Wag Haus even go well beyond the warranty periods and provide replacement options if your bowl gets damaged at any stage.

Keep these other small considerations in mind while picking the best slow feed dog bowls for your pet’s needs.

Which are the best slow feed dog bowls and what our picks are?

OurPets DuraPet Slow Feed Stainless Steel Dog Bowl – Best stainless steel slow feed dog bowl
best stainless steel slow feed dog bowl

Buy It on Chewy

When it comes to stainless steel bowls, the DuraPet series of bowls from OurPets has been one of the most popular bowls and the DuraPet slow feeding bowl is a worthy addition to this series. This great, value-for-money dog bowl is made from high-quality food-grade stainless steel which does not rusts, scratches or cracks when in use.

The DuraPet slow feeder comes in three sizes ranging from 3 cups dry food capacity for small to 5 cup capacity for medium and 8 cups capacity for a large bowl. Each bowl has an edge-free central dome in the middle that acts as an obstacle. Since the dome is molded into the bowl, the whole bowl is essentially a single piece.

Each bowl has a permanently bonded heavy-duty rubber ring which ensures skid-free and noiseless feeding for your dog. The DuraPet bowl is dishwasher safe and you can place the bowl with its rubber ring on the top shelf for cleaning.

Moreover, like all other OurPets feeding bowls, the DuraPet slow feeding bowl is backed by a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.

For its superior construction, durability and excellent performance, the OurPets DuraPet Slow Feed Stainless Steel Dog Bowl is our Top Pick for best stainless steel slow feeding bowl. This edge-free stainless steel slow feed bowl is the best metal anti-gulp dog bowl for labs, terriers and other medium to large dog breeds.
Pros
  • High-quality stainless steel construction with an edge free dome in the center.
  • Comes in three sizes, suitable for all medium to large dog breeds.
  • Permanently bonded rubber bottom makes it noiseless and anti-skid.
  • Backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Cons
  • May not be suitable for some small dog breeds.


Outward Hound Fun Feeder – Best non-metallic slow feed dog bowl
best non-metallic slow feed dog bowl

Buy It on Chewy

Over the years the name Outward Hound (earlier Kyjen) has been synonymous with high-quality affordable pet care products and their hugely popular slow feeding dog bowl is no exception. After all, you do not become a multi-category best-seller by chance.

The Outward Hound Fun Feeder is a circular maze/puzzle shaped slow feeder which really works. Filled with ridges and valleys the Fun Feeder can slow down the feeding time by up to 8 times, even for the most “enthusiastic” fast feeders.

Each Outward Hound Fun Feeder is made of high-grade BPA, PVC and Phthalate-free ABS plastic and comes in two sizes – Small and Large. The Small feeding bowl has a capacity of 2 cups (16 oz.) and the Large feeding bowl can carry up to 4 cups of kibble.

The Fun Feeder is has a slip-resistant base to prevent the bowl from sliding and food from spilling. Its low center of gravity ensures that even the most stubborn of dogs cannot topple it easily.

Each bowl is dishwasher safe. The Fun Feeder comes in three entertaining colors and designs – Orange, Teal, and Purple.

The Outward Hound Fun Feeder Dog Bowl is our top pick for best plastic/non-metallic slow feeding dog bowl. If you have a fast feeding dog, you should definitely consider getting one of these maze dog bowls for your beloved canine companion.
Pros
  • Most popular slow feeding bowl in the market. Highly effective in slowing down feeding time.
  • High-quality feeding bowl made of BPA, PVC and Phthalate free ABS plastic.
  • Comes in two sizes and three designs and colors.
  • Slip resistant base and low profile keep the bowl from skidding or toppling.
Cons
  • May not be suitable for puppies and dogs less than 10 lbs.

Outward Hound Elevated Slow Feed Dog Bowl – Best elevated slow feed dog bowlOutward Hound Elevated Raised Dog Bowl

Some dog owners use an elevated dog bowls because of canine’s old age or a medical condition such as arthritis. Elevated dog bowls reduce the strain on the pet’s neck and back and make it easier for pet to feed from its natural feeding position.

One of the major challenges with elevated feeders is to control the feeding time so as to minimize chances of choking, flatulence and bloating. If you are a dog owner concerned about fast feeding in your special need dog, then the newly designed Outward Hound elevated slow feed dog bowl is exactly the product to check out.

The Outward Hound elevated slow feeder bowl features an intelligently designed, elevated dog feeder with three slip-resistant legs which can be adjusted to three levels – ground, 6-inches, and 10-inches.

The bowl is a standard slow feed dog bowl with ridges and valleys to increase the feeding time without making it too difficult for your pet to feed from. The performance of the elevated feeder bowl varies from dog to dog but you can safely assume the meal-time to increase at least by 3-5 times.

This elevated slow feed dog bowl is made of high-quality BPA, PVC and Phthalate-free plastic and has removable/adjustable legs. The dog bowl is top-rack dishwasher safe, so cleaning would not be too much of a hassle. And it is generously sized too – the bowl can hold up to 4 cups of food.

The Outward Hound elevated slow feed dog bowl is available in two colors – pink and white and backed by the standard Outward Hound satisfaction guaranteed commitment.

The Outward Hound elevated slow feed dog bowl is our Editor’s pick for the best elevated slow feed dog bowl. If you are looking for an elevated slow feeder for your special need pet then you should definitely consider this slow feed dog bowl.
Pros
  • Elevated slow feeder for dogs which can be adjusted to three heights as per the pet’s natural feeding height.
  • Removable bowl made of high-quality food grade plastic. Removable and dishwasher safe.
  • Ridges and valleys can slow down the feeding time by 3-4 times and minimizes choking, flatulence and bloating.
Cons
  • Because of the design, it cannot be used as a water bowl.

PetRageous Metro Stripes Ceramic Slow Feeder Dog Bowl – Best ceramic slow feed dog bowlPet Rageous 4 Cup Metro Stripes Dog Bowl

Buy It on Chewy

Because of their heavier weight, non-toxic and odorless properties, some pet owners prefer getting ceramic food bowls for their dogs. So, wouldn’t it be nice to have an anti-gulp ceramic dog bowl that can help in increasing the feeding time and minimize bloating, vomiting and flatulence?
The PetRageous Metro Stripes Ceramic Slow Feed Dog Bowl is exactly such an anti-gulp slow feed dog bowl to consider. PetRageous is a popular brand for high-quality dog feeding bowls and their ceramic slow feeder is no different in terms of quality and durability.

The PetRageous Ceramic Slow Feed Dog Bowl is made of FDA-compliant true-ceramic stoneware. It is handcrafted to perfection. Even the colored stripes on the outside are made with food-grade coloring paint.

The Metro Stripes bowl has a diameter of 7-inches and a height of 2.25-inches. Higher boundary increases the capacity of the dog bowl and also prevents any spilling of food. With a capacity of 4-cups, this bowl is most suitable for large and extra-large dog breeds such as Labs, Mastiffs, and Pitbulls. Its large size is also the major complaint of dog owners about this bowl.

When it comes to slow feeding contours, the Metro Stripes slow feeder bowl has paw shaped ridges which are well rounded and help in slowing down the feeding by at least 3-5 times.

Because of its ceramic construction, the dog bowl is dishwasher, microwave, and freezer-safe. And it is non-toxic, stays odorless and keeps the contents cool.

For its excellent quality, superior design and durability, the PetRageous Metro Stripes Ceramic Slow Feed Dog Bowl is our Editor’s pick for the best ceramic slow feed dog bowl. If you have a large or extra-large dog, then you should definitely check out this ceramic slow feeder.
Pros
  • High-quality, food-grade ceramic construction. Perfectly hand-crafted.
  • Large size with contoured paw-shaped ridges slow down feeding by at least 3-5 times.
  • Higher walls minimize chances of spilling. Non-slip base.
  • Dishwasher, microwave and freezer-safe.
  • Cheaper when compared to other ceramic slow feeder bowls.
Cons
  • Available in large and extra-large 4-cup size only.

Things to remember while using slow feed dog bowls

Slow feeding or anti-gulp dog bowls are pretty convenient and standard mechanism to use for fast feeding dogs. However, in order to ensure proper usage, keep the following things in mind while using such slow eating dog bowls:

  • Evaluate your options before picking the best manufacturing material for dog slow feeder. As discussed above, traditional stainless steel slow feeders may not slow down the feeding time enough, but they are chemically safer, cleaner and more durable to use than plastic slow feeders.
  • Always pick the design and size as per your dog’s breed and size. Dogs with smaller snouts may find it difficult to eat through some slow feeders. For smaller dogs, mat-shaped feeders are most suitable.
  • Always keep the feeding bowl clean. Use a separate cleaning sponge for each of your dog bowls. For plastic, resin and silicone bowls, use a discarded soft toothbrush or a bottle cleaning brush to clean up through the nooks and crannies.
  • If using a dishwasher for cleaning the bowls, always place the bowl in only the top shelf of the dishwasher. Also, if the bowl has a removable rubber base, remove it before placing the bowl in the dishwasher.
  • Before using the plastic slow feeding bowls, inspect that the dog bowl is not damaged and all the obstacles are intact and not leaching plastic.
  • Consult your vet if your dog shows any signs of discomfort, bloating or indigestion even after using an anti-gulp slow feeding bowl.

Slow feeding with standard feeding bowls

gobble stopper slow feeder - dog bowl insert to slow down eating
If you have a standard pet feeding bowl and would still want to increase the feeding time of your dog, then there are a couple of options that you can try. While these options would not work as well as the slow feeding dog bowls, they can still help in slowing down the feeding time:

  • Use slow feed dog bowl insert to slow down eating: There are a couple of slow feed inserts available in the market that can convert a standard pet feeding bowl into an anti-gulp feeding bowl. These inserts are inexpensive and can increase the feeding time by 2-3 times.The most popular option is the Loving Pets Gobble Stopper slow feeder Insert. This insert is available in three sizes: Small for bowls up to 6-inches in diameter, Medium for bowls with a diameter of 6 to 8 inches and Large for bowls with a diameter of 8+ inches. Another option is the newly released Boots & Barkley Slow feed bowl Insert which is designed specifically for small feeding bowls with a diameter of up to 6.5 inches.
    Finally, you can also check out the Omega Paw Portion Pacer Ball. This ball is available in stainless steel and porcelain construction, dishwasher safe and available in two sizes for use with standard feeding bowls.
  • Use improvisations: There are a couple of improvisations you can try on the standard dog or cat feeding bowl to convert it into a slow eating food bowl. One of the most popular improvisations is to use a tennis ball in the feeding bowl. This improvisation works best for medium to large dogs. As the dogs move their snout through the feeding bowl, the bowl moves and slows down the feeding time by controlling the access to the feed in the bowl. Another improvisation is to take a standard steel bowl and place it upside down in the feeding bowl. This method can also help in increasing the feeding time.

Final thoughts on the best slow feed dog bowls

Slow feeding bowls, sometimes also known as go slow feeding bowls, anti-gulp dog bowls or maze dog bowls, are an excellent mechanism to prevent your canine from excessive fast feeding and gulping its food without chewing.

In this article, we listed some of the best slow feed dog bowls and puzzle feeders available in the market. These bowls would fit most dog breeds and help to increase their time of feeding by at least three to four times. And if you have over-eager cats, these slow feeding bowls can act as interactive puzzle feeding toys for your felines.

We reviewed both metal dog slow feeders and non-metallic (resin, silicone, and plastic) slow feed dog bowls. Metal or stainless-steel slow feed dog bowls are more stable, durable and free from any chemicals but are generally heavier and simpler in designs. Plastic slow feeders have a lot of innovative shapes and designs and are lighter to carry around. Silicone and resin dog puzzle feeders are also a lightweight and chemically safe options but are not as durable as the stainless steel or plastic bowls. We even shared some options for the newly introduced ceramic slow feed dog bowls, which are elegant, safe and one of the most durable slow feeder dog bowls to check out.

We hope that this article would help you in picking the best slow feeding dog bowl for your Fido. Do let us know how you found this article by providing your feedback in the comment section. Until next time, have a great time with your canine friend!!

Image credits:Amazon.com

5 thoughts on “Best slow feed dog bowls to buy in 2021

  • December 1, 2018 at 8:24 pm
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    Excellent Post. I look forward to new updates and will share this website with my Facebook group.!

  • Pingback: Best cat slow feeders and puzzle feeders to buy (Updated 2018)

  • February 24, 2019 at 7:59 pm
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    I am really glad to find this web site on bing, just what I was looking for to pick the best slow feed bowl for my Spot.

  • July 25, 2019 at 7:42 am
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    Thank you so much for recommending my handmade ceramic slow feeder bowl! Each #BanditBowl is handcrafted with love in my home studio, and I donate a bowl for every 20 I sell through my website to a reputable rescue. I designed the first Bandit Bowl for my own SPCA rescue, Bandit, and now I make them in five sizes for dogs and cats, with six glaze finish options. Thanks!

    • July 25, 2019 at 10:12 am
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      Thanks for stopping by and commenting Susan, we also love the Bandit bowls.

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