Dog finishes dinner in seconds? Start with the Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl: the maze makes your dog eat around the ridges, so meals take longer. Flat-faced breed? The JASGOOD bowl has wider channels for short noses.
In this guide
You put the bowl down, turn around to rinse the scoop, and it's empty. The dog is now looking at you like dinner never happened. A slow feeder fixes the speed problem with ridges your dog has to eat around. It won't fix the drama.
How we picked: specs, sizes and the job each pick does.
Pick by your dog
Kibble gulper, first slow feeder: Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl.
Pug, bulldog or Frenchie: JASGOOD, with wider channels for short noses.
Wet or raw food: LickiMat Slomo, a flat textured mat that sticks down.
You want steel, not plastic: Neater Pet Brands.
Our pick: Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl: a maze-style slow feeder. The ridges make your dog eat around them, so meals take longer.
The maze makes your dog work around the ridges, so each mouthful is smaller and dinner takes longer. It comes in several maze patterns and sizes, so you can start easy and step up. It rinses clean after dinner.
Best for: First-time slow feeders and dogs who inhale kibble.
The catch: Some patterns are easier than others, so a clever dog will crack the easy one fast.
Skip it if your dog eats wet food. The plastic can stain; the LickiMat is made for that.
For flat-faced breeds: JASGOOD Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
Deeper ridges and wider channels, which matters when your dog's nose doesn't stick out past their face. Also a good next step for a dog who has already solved a basic maze. Anti-slip rubber base.
The catch: deep grooves take more scrubbing.
Skip it if your dog is very small. It comes in one size.
A raised center dome instead of a maze, in stainless steel with a weighted base. It rinses clean.
The catch: a simple dome won't hold off the most determined eaters for long.
Skip it if your dog already beats easy mazes. Get the JASGOOD.
Getting your dog used to it
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Start with the easiest pattern and food your dog loves.
If your dog whines, paws or walks away, mix in a few meals in the old bowl and switch gradually.
Size the bowl to the meal. If the food piles up over the ridges, it isn't slowing anything; go one size up.
Time a meal before and after. That's the only real test of whether it's working for your dog.
When to talk to your vet
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If your dog gulps, then vomits, coughs or seems uncomfortable after eating, mention it to your vet. Owners of large, deep-chested dogs should ask about bloat and how to feed safely. A bowl helps with speed; it isn't a medical fix.
Most gulpers: the Outward Hound maze. Short noses: JASGOOD. Wet food: LickiMat Slomo. Steel fans: Neater Pet. Then time a meal and see if dinner lasts long enough for you to finish rinsing the scoop.
