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What Is A Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
Slow feeder dog bowls are a new way to deal with dogs that eat too quickly. They feature either a puzzle or obstacle that makes it difficult for dogs to reach their food. Many slow feeders claim that they extend mealtime up to 10x. There are countless types of slow feeders, each with their own special advantages that fit some dogs better than others. In order to help you navigate the complicated world of slow feeders, we put together this list of our favorites and what types of dogs they are best for.
Best Overall/Best Plastic: Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl
Rating: 14.7/15
| Pros | Cons |
| Hard to flip | Only top-rack diswasher safe |
| Top-rack dishwasher safe | Changing sizes also changes design of feeder |
| Anti-slip features on bottom | |
| High food capacity |
If we were asked to pick the most popular and best rated slow feeder, we would have to say the Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl. It has 110,000 Amazon reviews at the time of writing this, and holds a 4.6 star rating. Our favorite thing about this bowl is the wide range of dogs it can be used for. Large and small breeds alike can find success with the Slo Bowl making it the most well rounded slow feeder we have reviewed.
It is made from durable plastic which allows it to withstand rough eaters and bowl chewers. It also has anti-slip stickers on its bottom that prevent it from moving during use. On top of that, there are thousands of testimonials about how effective it is at slowing down a fast eating dog. After mealtime, the Slo Bowl can be put in the top rack of the dishwasher for an easy clean. All of these features create a pleasant user and pet experience, which is why the Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl is our pick for the overall best slowfeeder.
Best Ceramic: LE TAUCI Ceramic Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
Rating: 14.6/15
| Pros | Cons |
| Glazed ceramic prevents bacteria from growing | Can shatter if dropped |
| Dishwasher safe | Heavier than other options |
| Resistant to rough eaters and bowl biters | |
| Large food capacity |
- Special Features
- Can be paired with the LE TAUCI wooden stand
A ceramic dog bowl provides a durable and higher quality alternative to plastic bowls and the LE TAUCI Ceramic Slow Feeder Dog Bowl is by far the best ceramic slow feeder we have found. Not only does the glazed ceramic material it is made from prevent bacteria from latching on and causing illnesses like chin disease, it is also dishwasher safe. These two factors make this bowl very hygienic and easy for pet owners to upkeep.
The ceramic also stops dogs from chewing on the bowl. The LE TAUCI holds up to 3 cups of food, and is dishwasher safe for post meal cleanup. Ceramic bowls are heavier than most other bowls, which can make them difficult to use, but also stops them from moving while a dog is eating. Because of this, we think larger dogs would get the most benefit from the LE TAUCI. We love the LE TAUCI Ceramic Slow Feeder Dog bowl, and think you will too.
Best Stainless Steel: AIPERRO Stainless Steel Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
Rating: 14.3/15
| Pros | Cons |
| Dishwasher safe | Moves during use |
| Great for flat faced dogs | Only holds two cups of food |
| Effectively slows down dogs | |
| Durable and chew resistant |
Like ceramic bowls, stainless steel slow feeders are a substitute for plastic bowls, which tend to be flimsier and hold onto bacteria. Out of the many stainless steel slow bowls we looked at, the AIPERRO Stainless Steel Slow Feeder Dog Bowl ranked the highest. It’s dishwasher safe, and the material makes sure food doesn’t stick to the bowl, so it can also be easily hand washed.
The AIPERRO is chew resistant and can be used by rough eaters. Our one complaint is this bowl only holds 2 cups of food. Although that’s enough for most dogs, it’s still less than most competitors. A flat faced dog would get the most utility out of the AIPERRO because its raised portions are not as tall, but any other dog will still be slowed down.
Best Insert: Keegud Slow Feeder Dog Bowl Insert
Rating: 14.6/15
| Pros | Cons |
| Dishwasher safe | Not chew proof |
| Easy to travel with | Fins can break |
| Affordable | |
| Can be cut to size |
- Special Features
- Suction cups on the bottom stick to the bowl it is put in
Slow feeder inserts allow you to instantly convert any bowl into a slow feeder. They are compact, which makes them easy to travel with, and can be cut to size of the bowl you want to put them in. The Keegud Slow Feeder Dog Bowl Insert is the number one insert we found.
The first feature that grabbed our attention was the powerful suction cups on the bottom that let it stick to the bowl. This prevents it from being ripped out of the bowl and making a mess. We also like that it’s affordable and dishwasher safe. Perhaps the best feature is the designated lines that show where to cut based on the size of the bowl it’s put in. The Keegud serves a wide audience, and almost any dog can get use out of it. It’s especially good for owners who may not be ready to commit to a $20+ slow feeder bowl.
Best Lick Mat: Abizoo Silicone Slow Feeder Dog Mat
Rating: 14.4/5
| Pros | Cons |
| Dishwasher safe | Hot water may warp mat slightly |
| Provides mental enrichment | Weak suction power |
| Uses natural foraging instinct | |
| Durable and tear resistant |
- Special Features
- Full refund if not satisfied with the product
Although lick mats are slow feeders, they don’t have any features of a typical bowl. They lay flat on the ground and not only slow dogs down, but also provide mental enrichment and stimulation. Our favorite lick mat is the Abizoo Silicone Slow Feeder Dog Mat. Unlike most lick mats, the Abizoo mat has raised leaves. The reason we love this is if you want to give your dog a treat like peanut butter you can rub it on the back of a leaf or around a stem.
The mat also activates your dog’s natural foraging instinct, while being durable and tear resistant. It’s slightly unclear how much food the Abizoo can hold, but we estimate around 3 cups. One of the most compelling parts of buying this slow feeder is the satisfaction guarantee. If you don’t like it, you can get a full refund. The Abizoo is great for any dog looking for an alternative to a traditional slow feeder.
Best Puzzle Feeder: Starmark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Feeder
Rating: 14.2/15
| Pros | Cons |
| Large food capacity | Non-food motivated dogs may become bored |
| Sturdy and well built | Food window is flimsy |
| Enriches users | |
| Affordable |
Interactive feeders are a subclass of slow feeders that includes more of a play aspect. Among interactive feeders, the Starmark Bob-A-Lot stands apart from the crowd. It is hailed as the pinnacle of play feeders due to its affordability and reusability. This feeder rolls around and spits kibble out as it is played with. This provides enrichment to your pet, and stops them from eating too fast.
We recommend getting the large, as it is only $1 more than the small, but holds twice as much (1.5 vs 3 cups). We have found that the Bob-A-Lot is difficult to clean, although it comes apart completely, since there are certain corners you can’t reach. Overall, we think the Starmark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Feeder is best for dogs who are very food motivated, enjoy playing with toys, and are strong enough to roll the feeder around.
Best Budget Bowl: MateeyLife Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
Rating: 14.2/15
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable | Small food capacity |
| Top-rack dishwasher safe | Not extremely durable |
| Anti-slip stickers on the bottom | |
| Beginner friendly |
- Special Features
- Two pack option for only $10
We understand that slow feeders can be expensive and for that reason we have included the MateeyLife Slow Feeder Dog Bowl as our budget option. The MateeyLife keeps up with its more expensive competitors in terms of functionality, but is half the price. It does have a smaller food capacity than most other bowls, but it still can hold 2 cups, which is enough for most diets.
Though it’s only top-rack dishwasher safe, it’s still easy to clean and use. Its unique design is beginner friendly, and is good for dogs who may be adjusting to a slow feeder. This, on top of its affordability, makes the MateeyLife a perfect for owners who are looking to test out a slow feeder without spending an absurd amount of money.
Conclusion
Slow feeders prevent potentially life threatening conditions and are critical if your dog is eating too quickly. With so many options, it can be hard to decide which slow feeder is best for you and your dog. Hopefully, this list has helped you figure out the right slow feeder for your furry friend. Make sure to leave a comment telling us which slow feeder you bought. We will keep updating our ratings with your feedback. If you enjoyed this list, check out some of our other “best of” lists.
