Slow Feeder Dog Bowls: The Ultimate Guide to Safer, Healthier Mealtime

Do you have one of those dogs that just gobble down their meals in record time? Bowl down, food gone! As we will see in this article this very scenario is more common than you may think. Unfortunately, this type of eating habit may cause some real health issues which we will take a look at below. In addition to this, we will take a detailed look at the slow feeder dog bowls and the benefits they provide in helping with this unhealthy feeding ritual. Let’s get started:

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My Dog Eats Way Too Fast … Why?

As a lifetime dog owner myself, I have had a number of pets who all had their own individual traits and characteristics. This included the manner in which they consumed their food. Some of my dogs would take their time during dinner time, appearing to enjoy their dinner. This was not the case of one of my German Shepherds, who gulped down their meal (kibble and canned) in just seconds. Why is this? In my experience dealing with this behavior, I learned from my local veterinarian and with my own research, some interesting causes of this. Here are a few of those: 

•  Instinctual Worry – Because dogs are ‘natural’ scavengers, eating quickly and gulping down their meal is instinctive. They are not about sharing!
•  Food Anxiety & Fear of Competition – Some dogs, (Rescues and those from large litters)  may fear competition when it comes to their food source. This may result in their own insecurity (better eat it fast before the next one gets to it).
•   Food Anticipation– There are some dogs who quite simply, love to eat! As a result, they simply devour their meal with excitement as it is delivered to them!

What Is a Slow Feeder Dog Bowl and The Difference to a Regular Dog Bowl?

Well, I will not insult your intelligence by describing what a regular dog bowl is. Pretty sure you have a pretty good idea on this one. There may be however, a bit of uncertainty regarding the slow feeder dog bowl. In its simplest form of definition, it is just that, a dog bowl that slows down the consuming process which promotes a healthier eating process.

Your typical slow feeder dog bowl is designed and manufactured with the intent to slow down your dog’s eating habits. These slow feeder dog bowls are designed with obstacles (more on that a bit later) that ensure that your furry companion will need to work a bit to access their kibble.  We will look at a number of these designs below and specifically one that I have used myself. Let’s now take a quick look at a short video and then get into a few of these products:

1.) Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slow Feeder Dog Bowl (Purple)

This specific product is one that I personally used with one of my German Shepherds who was recently rescued. It worked well for me, as it immediately slow downed my pup’s high energy eating habits, with mealtime now lasting a few minutes instead of a few seconds. Placing a healthy source of kibble and adding a few chopped up fruits and vegetables now made feeding time enjoyable for both of us.

2.) Outward Hound Non-Skid Plastic Slow Feeder Dog Bowl, Mint

Why Eating Too Fast Can Cause These Health Concerns 

Unfortunately, for those pets who consume their food too quickly, there are a nuber of health risks associated with this habit. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), if your dog eats too fast, they could experience digestive problems and vomiting. More seriously, consuming food without chewing is a choking hazard. Another risk is a condition called bloat, which occurs when a dog swallows a lot of air as a result of eating too quickly, says the AKC. Bloat is very uncomfortable for your dog. GDV requires immediate veterinary attention because your pup’s stomach is twisted, which can lead to a rupture. Keep an eye out for any of these symptoms, and consult with your veterinarian for help.

To See A Vaiety Of These Slow Feeder Dog Bowls, Click HERE

The Benefits of Using a Slow Feeder Dog Bowl

After just taking a look at some of the health concerns contributed to eating too quickly, let’s now turn our attention to the benefits associated with these slow feeder dog bowls. These bowls can certainly play a major role in your pet’s overall health as you can see with these benefits listed below. Let’s take a look:

> Prevents Choking and Gagging

> Aids Digestion

> Reduces the Risk of Bloat

> Helps with Weight Management

> Provides Mental Stimulation

> Encourages Healthy Eating Habits

What Can I Put On My Dog’s Slow Feeder?

The obvious choice here is a healthy source of kibble, but don’t be afraid to be creative. Although kibble was indeed the majority of feed I used with my slow feeder, I gradually started to incorporate some other ingredients to the meal. I used some healthy fruits such as chopped bananas and blueberries. Carrots were also a healthy ingredient that was commonly used as well. My dog seemed to enjoy this type of meal and appeared to be having fun in the chase!

Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it. I certainly hope this article has provided you with some valuable insight into these slow feeder dog bowls. They are indeed popular with dog owners who use these products to alleviate the health concerns associated with the fast eater. These specific type of dog feeders as mentioned above, are designed in a way to slow down the eating process and are available in various designs. If you are concerned that your furry friend may be consuming their meals too quickly, one of these slow dog feeders may be a great choice! To the health of your pet!