Contents
- How to Choose the Right Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
- Top 10 Best Slow Feeder Dog Bowl Reviews in 2019
- 1. Best All-Around: Outward Hound Fun Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
- 2. Runner-up: JASGOOD Dog Feeder Slow Eating Pet Bowl
- 3. Third Runner-up: Siensync Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
- 4. Best Stainless Steel Slow-Feeder Dog Bowl by DuraPet
- 5. Best Ceramic Slow-Feeder Dog Bowl by Magisso
- 6. Best for Large Dogs: HDP JW Skid Stop Slow Feeder Bowl
- Best Slow Feeder Bowl for Puppies
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
Are you wondering if your dog needs a slow feeder bowl? Here are a few questions to help you determine if a slow feeder dog bowl is right for your dog.
- Does your dog eat too fast, making you concerned about bloat?
- Does your dog eat too quickly, causing them to vomit?
- Does your dog eat too fast, causing them to be gassy?
- Does your dog need more mental stimulation?
- Does your dog need something to keep them entertained?
- Do you have a multi-dog household and one of your dog finishes first only to irritate the other dogs?
If you answer “Yes” to any of the above questions, then your dog would for sure benefit from a slow feeder bowl.
There’s a large variety of slow feeder dog bowls available and deciding on the correct one can sometimes be a daunting project. Also, there is not a one size fits all slow feeder dog bowl because all dogs are different.
The goal of this article is to…
- Help you navigate the slow feeder dog food bowl market.
- Guide you in picking the right slow feeder dog bowl.
- Provide recommendations and reviews for the best slow feeder dog bowls for different canine needs.
How to Choose the Right Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
First and most importantly, when choosing the perfect slow feeder dog bowl, we need to take into account our dog’s individual needs. Below are some things to think about:
- Age
- If you have a puppy, you will want one that is more durable
- If you have a senior, you may consider one that is raised to make accessing it easier
- Size
- Different size dogs need different size bowls
- Taller dogs may need raised bowls
- Intelligence and attention span
- There is a wide range of difficulty – some bowls simply have a centerpiece whereas others are built like mazes
- Some dogs may require multiple slow feeder dog bowl, to avoid them from becoming bored
- Breed
- Dog’s muzzles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and this can impact the style of slow feeder dog bowl.
Other things to consider when deciding on a slow feeder dog bowl are:
- The material the bowl is made from
- The stability of the bowl – Some of the bowls tip more easily
- Durability
- Cost – Bowls can range from $4.99 – $40+
Top 10 Best Slow Feeder Dog Bowl Reviews in 2019
Below are our top 10 recommendations and reviews for the top rated slow feeder dog bowls that can help stop bloat, are durable and, are a fun brain exercise game for your dog.
1. Best All-Around: Outward Hound Fun Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
The Outward Hound bowls are made from food grade plastic and come in a variety of styles and sizes. The complex raised ridges create the perfect amount of difficulty to slow down even the most determined dog. Also, the bowls are dishwasher safer (upper shelf), making them easy to clean.
Pros:
- Durable
- Works with both dry and wet food
- Safe to go in the freezer or dishwasher
- Mildly complicated
- Lightweight
- Reasonably Priced
- Multiple Sizes and Styles
Cons:
- Doesn’t work well with dogs who have shorter muzzles
Of all the slow feeder dog bowls on the market, the Outward Hound is our favorite. It’s perfect for the majority of dogs, regardless of size. It will slow down the speediest of eaters and will keep a bored dog entertained. Also, you can freeze a combination of wet and dry dog food in this bowl, and it will keep your pooch busy for an extended period.
2. Runner-up: JASGOOD Dog Feeder Slow Eating Pet Bowl
The JASGOOD bowls are durable and lightweight made from food grade plastic. The bowls come in multiple styles and have a less complicated format. The dishes are easily washed in the dishwasher and work well with both wet and dry food.
Pros:
- Durable
- Works with both dry and wet food
- Safe to go in the freezer or dishwasher
- Less complicated
- Multiple Sizes
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Doesn’t work well with dogs who have shorter muzzles
- Doesn’t come in multiple sizes
- Maybe too easy for some dogs
The JASGOOD bowl is both inexpensive and durable and by far the best value for your money. This slow feeder dog bowl will work for the majority of dogs, but because it only comes in one size, it wouldn’t be a good fit for dogs needing more than 1.5 cups of food per meal.
3. Third Runner-up: Siensync Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
The Siensync Slow Feeder Dog Bowl’s tight design makes it a greater challenge for your pup to get all of the food out of the bowl. This bowl can be used with wet or dry food and is dishwasher safe.
Pros:
- Durable
- Works with both dry and wet food
- Safe to go in the freezer or dishwasher
- Challenging
- Lightweight
- Reasonably Priced
Cons:
- Only one size
- Not a suitable bowl for flat-faced breeds
Siensync Slow Feeder Dog Bowl is a great bowl for dogs who need more of a challenge as it will keep your entertained for up to thirty minutes or more. To increase the difficulty of this puzzle bowl you can use wet food and then freeze it.
4. Best Stainless Steel Slow-Feeder Dog Bowl by DuraPet
The DuraPet stainless-steel bowl is easy to clean with only the one raised center area. Also, because the design provides a broader trough area, it works best for dogs with larger muzzles. The bowl is dishwasher safe, but we would not recommend freezing this. The overall design is simple but is still quite useful in slowing a fast eater down, and the no-slip bottom keeps the bowl from being pushed around the house.
Pros:
- Durable
- Works with both dry and wet food
- Safe to go in the dishwasher on any shelf
- Less complicated
- Multiple Sizes
- Moderately priced
- Hypoallergenic
- Works well for dogs with short muzzles
- Heavyweight
Cons:
- Might be too easy for some dogs
- Not the best choice for dogs with long narrow muzzles
This is a very durable bowl and would work great for assertive eaters. Also, the design is more friendly for bully breeds and dogs with wider muzzles and has a large food capacity. The anti-slip bottom is bonded directly to the bowl and works excellent in keeping the bowl in place. One thing to note is that they are larger than they appear online, so we recommend purchasing a size smaller than you would typically choose.
5. Best Ceramic Slow-Feeder Dog Bowl by Magisso
The Magisso ceramic bowl comes in multiple sizes and colors. Because they are a more substantial style bowl, they are more resistant to being nosed around the floor as your dog eats. These bowls are dishwasher safe and more aesthetically pleasing than most slow feeder dog bowl.
Pros:
- Heavyweight
- Hypoallergenic
- Works with both dry and wet food
- Safe to go in the dishwasher on any shelf
- Less complicated
- Multiple Sizes
- Works well for dogs with short muzzles
Cons:
- Might be too easy for some dogs
- More expensive
- Not the best for dogs with long narrow muzzles
- They are breakable
The Magisso bowls are attractive dog bowls and would work in slowing down your dog. Because of its less complicated design, it would not keep a dog entertained or challenged. Though these bowls are heavyweight being that they are ceramic, they are more prone to breaking than the traditional metal or plastic food dish.
6. Best for Large Dogs: HDP JW Skid Stop Slow Feeder Bowl
The HDP JW Skid Stop bowl is perfect for the larger breed dogs. Though the dish still has raised sections, the design is for dogs with larger muzzles. This bowl comes in multiple sizes, including Jumbo for the largest of breeds.
Pros:
- Jumbo size has a 6-cup food capacity
- Works with both dry and wet food
- Safe to go in the dishwasher
- Less complicated
- Multiple Sizes
- Inexpensive
- Works well for dogs with broad muzzles
Cons:
- Doesn’t state the type of plastic it is made from
- Not complicated enough to keep a dog entertained
- May not work well for flat-face dogs
The HDP JW Skid Stop bowl is a great value and one of the few dog dishes that come in jumbo size. Its skid stop bottom helps to prevent the bowl from moving around when your dog is eating.
Best Slow Feeder Bowl for Puppies
7. XZQTIVE Interactive Bloat Stop Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
XZQTIVE Slow Feeder Bowl is perfect for puppies; it has multiple ridges to keep your puppy from being able to gobble up a large amount at one time. Also, the design is still simple enough that your puppy will not become frustrated at meal time.
Pros:
- Durable
- Good grade, non-toxic ABS material
- Inexpensive
- Multiple Designs
- Works with both dry and wet food
- Safe to go in the dishwasher on the top shelf
Cons:
- Doesn’t work well for flat-faced breeds
- Doesn’t come in multiple sizes
XZQTIVE Slow Feeder Bowl is a lightweight food bowl that works excellent for puppies. It’s great for both wet and dry style dog foods and can be put in the freezer to create a cold snack for hot days.
8. Dogit Go Slow Anti-Gulping Slow Feeding Dog Bowl
The Dogit Go Slow bowl is made from a food grade plastic and comes in multiple sizes. Its simple design keeps dogs from getting frustrated while still preventing dogs from scarfing down the food.
Pros:
- Durable
- BPA free, phthalate free, and PVC free
- Multiple Sizes
- Works with both dry and wet food
- Safe to go in the dishwasher on the top shelf
Cons:
- Not hypoallergenic
- Not a complicated design
- Not good for flat-faced dogs
The Dogit Go Slow Anti-Gulping Dog Dish comes in an extra small size making it the perfect bowl for small breed dogs.
9. Best for Flat Faced Dogs: My Lucky Pets Slow Feed Dog Bowl
The My Lucky Pets Slow Feed Dog Bowl has a unique flat shallow design. It’s made from food grade silicone and is dishwasher safe.
Pros:
- FDA Approved
- Multiple Sizes
- Softer material
- Dishwasher safe
- Food grade silicone
- Shallow design
Cons:
- Cost
- No sides on the bowl
The My Lucky Pets Slow Feed Dog Bowl is the ultimate dog food bowl for flat, faced breeds. The soft silicone material allows dogs to access the food safely but at a slower pace.
10. Best Elevated Raised Slow Feeder Bowl: Outward Hound 3in1
The Outward Hound 3 in 1 feeder has three different height settings. It is made from food grade plastic and is a more complex design. This bowl will work for both wet and dry food and has a 4-cup food capacity.
Pros:
- Durable
- Works with both dry and wet food
- Safe to go in the freezer or dishwasher
- Mildly complicated
- Lightweight
- Reasonably Priced
Cons:
- Only one size
- Not a suitable bowl for flat-faced breeds
- Price
The Outward Hound 3 in 1 bowl is perfect for puppies as the height is adjustable and can adjust accordingly as your puppy grows.
FAQs
What is a slow-feed dog bowl?
As the name implies, it is a style of bowl designed to keep your dog from eating too quickly.
Why use a slow feeder dog bowl, benefit?
Slow feeder bowls can help prevent bloat and vomiting in dogs that eat too fast. These bowls can also help keep dogs entertained and mentally stimulated.
Which dogs need a slow-feed bowl?
Dogs who eat too fast, causing them to have medical issues, dogs who are bored and need more mental stimulation.
What size slow feeder bowl should I get my dog?
The size of the dish depends on the size of your dog as well as the type of muzzle your dog has. Ultimately, you want to make sure that it’s not too big as that will not slow down your dog and going too small will cause your dog to become frustrated at meal time.
How to prevent a dog from knocking over slow feeder bowl?
Using an elevated slow feeder style bowl can help prevent your dog from knocking their bowl over.
Final Thoughts
Slow feeder bowls are a great solution to preventing fast eaters from getting bloat or from throwing up after eating. GI issues are quite common in dogs that eat their meals too quickly and a slow feeder bowl can be an inexpensive way to prevent such medical issues.
Another alternative to slow feed bowls is automatic feeders. Automatic feeders can be set up to feed your dog in smaller quantities more frequently, which can also help to avoid in GI upset in dogs.
Even if your dog doesn’t eat too fast these can be used to help keep your dog entertained. If you smear canned food or peanut butter inside a SFDB and you will be able to keep your dog pretty well entertained. Another great use of slow feeder bowls is making your dog a fun frozen treat in the summer, put treats in the bowl and some low sodium chicken stock in the bowl then freeze it, dogs LOVE these frozen Pupsicles in the summer.