We all have encountered dogs who eat their food at such an incredible speed that we make a joke that they don’t savor their food. Alternatively, we have also seen dogs that consume their food so quickly that they frequently vomit.
A slow feeding dog bowl would be advantageous for these dogs. Designed specifically to prevent dogs from eating their meals too quickly, these bowls can be a saving grace for those who are prone to eating too fast.
What Sort of Dog Needs a Slow Feeding Dog Bowl?
A slow feeding dog bowl is recommended for nearly every dog, except those who already eat sufficiently. It is rare to find a dog who wouldn’t benefit from using one.
However, there are certain breeds of dogs that will find the slow feeding dog bowl more advantageous than others.
Dogs that benefit from slow feeding can greatly benefit from slow feeding dog bowls.
- Are prone to bloat. Bloat is the twisting or swelling of a dog’s stomach due to eating too fast (or several other reasons). This can reduce blood flow to the heart, put pressure on other organs, or even tear the stomach. Bloat is potentially fatal, and it’s frighteningly common.
- Eat so fast that they throw up. Some dogs just can’t get it down fast enough! For pups that vomit after eating due to the sheer speed of their gobbling, slowing them down with a slow feeding dog bowl will save their stomachs from pain and your carpets from stains.
Generally, dogs that vomit from eating too fast vomit because they inhaled a bunch of air along with their food. Another option is an automatic feeder – some feeders can be set to slowly dispense your dog’s dinner over a specific span of time.
- Could do with more challenge in their lives, but don’t need a puzzle feeder. Some dogs aren’t quite ready for the Einstein-level puzzle feeders out there, but get a bit bored.
A simple slow feeding dog bowl will give these dogs a bit more challenge without discouraging them from eating altogether. Slow feeding dog bowls are a great introduction to puzzle feeders for dogs who are new to the idea.
- Are in training for resource guarding. While you should always work with a trainer any time you’re trying to fix your dog’s resource guarding , a slow feeding dog bowl will give you more time per meal to work on counter-conditioning and desensitization .
- Steal food at mealtime. If your beloved Fido likes to inhale his food and then rush over to steal your other pup’s food, everyone will benefit from slowing Fido down. Many owners will use a slow feeder to keep one food thief from stealing from others!
If your dog does not belong to any of the mentioned groups, using a slow feeding dog bowl can still be advantageous. Because most dogs have idle time in their routine, increasing mental stimulation is recommended.
The Best Slow Feeding Dog Bowls Around
Now that you’re convinced about buying a slow-feeding bowl for your dog, it’s time to look into the different choices available.
A DIY slow feeding dog bowl is quite difficult to create unlike DIY puzzle feeders. Therefore, your optimal choice would be to purchase one. The internet offers some excellent options for slow feeding dog bowls.
1. Outward Hound Fun Feeder
Top selling, high-quality slow feeder
The Outward Hound vivid bowl comes in different designs with ridges for easy pouring of food. It’s a highly popular item, having sold over a million bowls. Made from top-notch ABS plastic, the Outward Hound Fun Feeder ensures your dog’s safety. Moreover, it’s also convenient to clean as it’s compatible with dishwashers.
The reason behind the popularity of this bowl as a slow feeder is its sturdiness and the variety of shapes and sizes available to accommodate all types of dogs.
2. Jasgood Slow Feeding Dog Bowl
Jasgood Slow Feeding Dog Bowl
Comes in several colors and designs
The Jasgood Slow Feeding Dog Bowl is available in multiple colors and textures, but it is only offered in one size (7.7 inches in diameter) and features plastic columns instead of extended grooves to regulate your dog’s eating pace. Similar to the Outward Hound Fun Feeder, this bowl is safe to clean in the dishwasher.
In summary, this particular model of slow feeding dog bowl is well-suited for canines that are prone to discouragement, possess short snouts, or require an effortless feeding experience.
3. Siensync Non-Slip Fun Feeder
Boasts a beautiful design
Characteristics: The Siensync Fun Feeder is available in only one size (8 inches across) and one color (teal). Its difficulty level and size are moderate, making it suitable for a wide range of dogs. The bowl’s design features swirls, which adds a slight challenge compared to the Jasgood bowl and is similar to Outward Hound’s Fun Feeder. The Siensync Fun Feeder is also dishwasher safe and features a non-slip base, similar to other products in its category.
In summary, the Siensynch bowl bears a striking resemblance to the Outward Hound Fun Feeder. Despite this, customers have observed that the Fun Feeder outdoes the Siensync in its anti-slip mechanism. However, the Siensync is slightly more budget-friendly in comparison. The Outward Hound offers a wider range of shapes and sizes but those who prioritize design may find the Siensync’s unique design more appealing.
4. Outward Hound Fun Mat
Non-rigid, flexable slow feeder
Characteristics: The initial item on the list of slow feeding dog bowls is the Outward Hound Fun Mat, which is remarkable for being the first non-rigid one – and it’s not exactly a bowl! Dogs adore this feeding mat for either eating while traveling or using it as their primary food mat. It can be easily folded for transport and is dishwasher safe. This feeding mat is available in two different sizes and three distinct colors, making it easier for you to pick the perfect one that aligns with your dog’s preferences (and your color scheme).
In summary, this mat is the ultimate portable slow feeding solution for dogs, possessing the necessary toughness for daily utilization and the potential to serve as a sole feeding bowl.
5. JW Pet SkidStop Slow Feeder
Features a sturdy rubber base
Characteristics: The JW Skidstop Slow Feeder stands out as the most affordable bowl among the options presented, and also as the most straightforward. Unlike the other bowls, which sport patterns of ridges or columns, the JW Skidstop Slow Feeder features only four ridges that converge in a hollow cross shape. This uncomplicated design makes it an excellent choice for dogs requiring a dog bowl that significantly slows down their eating.
In summary, if you desire an affordable way to introduce your dog to slow feeding bowls, this product is perfect for you. Although not as lavish as other options presented, it effectively does its job and is reasonably priced.
6. Outward Hound Elevated Slow Feed Dog Bowl
Height-adjustable slow feeder bowl
This bowl, which is another version of Outward Hound, has a stand that provides elevation to allow tall dogs to eat with more ease. It can be adjusted to three different heights to suit your pup’s preference. Additionally, the slow feeding insert can be removed for cleaning purposes, making it very convenient.
The best option for a raised dog food bowl that also functions as a slow feeding bowl is this particular product.
BONUS: How to Choose the Best Dog Food
If only every type of dog food were equivalent, it would be an ideal situation. However, dog owners are faced with an excessive variety of choices, each boasting to be the supreme dog food available. It’s a wearisome task for pet owners to sift through these options to locate a dog food brand that satisfies the requirements of being nutritious, budget-friendly, and pleasing to their dog. To assist you in shortlisting your choices, we have gathered advice from professionals.
What Makes a Dog Food “Good”?
While dry kibble or canned wet food is not appetizing to humans, it is the most common type of food given to dogs. These processed foods contain all necessary nutrients to keep dogs healthy, and high-grade commercial dog food undergoes strict regulation and testing by veterinary specialists. Thus, it begs the question – what are the ingredients that are used in creating these dog foods?
Dogs are not strict carnivores, unlike cats. Although most of their diet consists of meat, dogs can also obtain nutrients from fruits, vegetables, and grains. These non-meat foods are crucial sources of essential fiber, vitamins, and minerals, not just mere fillers. It is recommended to provide dogs with a diet that includes meat, vegetables, fruits, and grains. The top-notch dog foods use high-quality versions of these ingredients which are suitable for the dog’s digestive system.
Dog Food Nutrition
Your furry friend’s optimal diet should fulfill their nutritional requirements. Although many dog food brands are specially crafted to meet the minimum nutritional needs of dogs, it is crucial to keep in mind that each dog’s nutritional needs may differ from one another.
Throughout their lifespan, dogs need a diverse range of nutrients in varying quantities. Since the nutritional needs of a young pup differ from those of an adult dog, it is advisable to provide them with puppy food or “all life stages” food. In case one is uncertain about the contrasting nutritional prerequisites of puppies and adults, the Merck Veterinary Manual provides a comprehensive list detailing the suggested nutrients and their quantities based on the dog’s weight and age. Nutritional demands differ in large breed pups and puppies in comparison to small breed dogs and puppies.
Dog Food Myths and Misinformation
The Internet is rife with false information and myths about canine nutrition. To navigate the sea of misinformation, adhere to a single principle: verify your sources. Several individuals offer dog nutrition advice without evidence to support their claims. During your investigation, ensure that the information is reliable by checking it with professionals like veterinarians, canine nutritionists, or reliable scientific research. It is always beneficial to be wary. If something seems excessive, it most likely is.
Questions about dog food may arise, particularly regarding grain-inclusive or grain-free options, as well as those without peas or containing animal byproducts. If your dog has a grain allergy, a veterinarian may suggest a grain-free diet. However, for most dogs, grains provide necessary nutrients, as do quality animal byproducts such as organ meats and entrails. It is important to note that regulated byproducts do not include unsuitable elements such as hooves, hair, floor sweepings, intestinal contents, or manure. It is always advisable to consult a veterinarian with any concerns about pet food.
How to Read a Dog Food Label
A method to distinguish between good and bad dog food is by reviewing the label. It can be challenging to do so due to the small font and difficulty handling large bags of dog food in stores. Additionally, labels can be deceptive, as stated in the Merck Veterinary Manual. The FDA mandates that dog food labels must contain eight vital pieces of information, and some states may have their own labeling criteria.
- Product name
- Net weight of the product
- Name and address of the manufacturer
- Guaranteed analysis
- List of ingredients
- Intended animal species (i.e. dog or cat)
- Statement of nutritional adequacy
- Feeding guidelines
Product Name
The name of the product provides significant information about its content whether it is in a can or a bag. The term “beef” necessitates that beef constitutes 70% or more of the product. Meanwhile, “beef dinner,” “beef entrée,” or “beef platter” only necessitate that beef is at least 10% of the whole product. “With beef” only needs 3% of the product to include beef, and “beef flavor” denotes that there is a minimum amount of beef in the product to add flavor to it (less than 3%). This principle applies to other named ingredients like “chicken.”
Ingredients
The quality and origin of ingredients in dog food cannot be determined by the ingredient list on the label. Additionally, some manufacturers divide up the ingredients to create a more even distribution, such as listing various forms of corn separately. This results in corn being lower on the list of ingredients, despite it being a primary component of the food. Meat is also a tricky ingredient, as whole meats have a higher water weight, reducing the overall percentage of meat in the food. Meat meal, however, is actually a better source of meat, despite sounding less appealing to consumers. This is due to the absence of water weight in the calculation.
Even though the quality of ingredients may not be disclosed in the ingredient list, it still provides information on the food’s components. This becomes especially significant for dogs with specific nutritional requirements or allergies, as well as for owners who desire to provide their dogs with distinct sources of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates.
