For many dog owners, mealtime is a highlight of the day, a moment eagerly anticipated by their beloved canine companions. However, for some dogs, this excitement can lead to eating at an alarming speed, often resulting in digestive upset, discomfort, and even serious health risks like bloat. If you have a dog that devours their food in mere seconds, you understand the concern. The good news is that specialized Dog Bowls For Fast Eaters, often called slow feeder bowls, are designed to address this very issue, transforming frantic meal times into a more measured and enriching experience. Beyond just slowing down consumption, these bowls can significantly reduce the risk of common digestive problems, making mealtime healthier and more enjoyable.
At Dog Care Story, we believe in providing practical and reliable advice for pet parents. To help you find the perfect solution, we’ve put five popular slow feeding dog bowls to the test with our diverse group of shelter dogs. Our canine critics—Daisy, Maya, Nero, Alex, and Gau Gau—each with their unique eating styles and personalities, meticulously evaluated these bowls over several weeks. They sniffed, licked, prodded, and chewed, providing invaluable insights into how well each bowl performed its primary task: slowing down fast eaters. This comprehensive review aims to guide you through the features, pros, and cons of each bowl, ensuring you can make an informed decision for your quick-eating companion.
Understanding the Need for Slow Feeder Dog Bowls
Dogs that eat too quickly often gulp down air along with their food, which can lead to uncomfortable gas, indigestion, and in severe cases, life-threatening conditions such as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly known as bloat. Bloat is a medical emergency that occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood supply and potentially leading to organ damage or rupture. While not all fast eaters will develop bloat, using a slow feeder bowl is a proactive step many veterinarians recommend to minimize this risk. These specialized bowls feature various designs, such as mazes, ridges, or compartments, which force dogs to eat around obstacles, thereby slowing down their pace. This extended eating time also provides a mental challenge, engaging your dog’s brain and making mealtime a more stimulating activity, which can be particularly beneficial for energetic breeds.
Moreover, a slower eating pace allows for better digestion and nutrient absorption. When dogs eat too fast, their digestive system doesn’t have ample time to prepare for the incoming food, which can lead to undigested food passing through the system, reducing the nutritional benefits and potentially causing stomach upset or vomiting. By extending the meal duration, slow feeder dog bowls give the digestive enzymes and acids more time to work effectively, promoting better overall gut health. This can result in less gas, firmer stools, and a happier, healthier dog. For owners who are keen on providing the best possible nutrition and preventing related health issues, integrating a slow feeder into their dog’s routine can be a game-changer. You might also consider complementary dietary approaches, such as incorporating quality wilderness dog food that supports healthy digestion alongside these bowls.
Our Shelter Dogs’ Extensive Testing Process
Our review process was thorough and dog-centric, focusing on real-world usability and effectiveness. We introduced each of the five selected slow feeding bowls to our shelter residents during their breakfast routine, a time of peak excitement and hunger. The bowls tested included the Dogit Go Slow Anti Gulp bowl, Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slow bowl, Smarter Paws Slow Feeding bowl, Super Design Gobble-Stop Slow Feeder bowl, and the Jasgood Slow Eating bowl. Each bowl was evaluated not just on its ability to slow down eating, but also on its durability, ease of cleaning, and how it engaged our dogs. Some of our dogs are known for gulping their meals down in seconds, while others prefer to graze or even play with their empty bowls. This diverse panel ensured a comprehensive assessment, capturing reactions from sheer bewilderment to triumphant problem-solving. We observed everything from intriguing looks and intense sniffing to determined prodding, licking, and even some chewing (thanks, Nero!). The insights gathered from our four-legged experts provided a unique perspective on which designs truly deliver on their promise.
In-Depth Reviews of the Best Dog Bowls for Fast Eaters
Dogit Go-Slow Anti Gulp Dog Bowl
Upon unboxing the Dogit Go Slow bowl, our human team was impressed by its sturdy and solid construction. It felt substantial, hinting at good durability—an essential trait for any dog accessory. However, as any dog owner knows, our opinions only matter so much; the real experts are our furry friends. Daisy, one of our resident fast eaters with a history of post-meal bloat, was the perfect candidate for the Dogit Go Slow bowl. Her enthusiastic appetite often left her with an uncomfortable, bloated tummy, making her an ideal tester for a product designed to mitigate such issues.
The design of the Dogit Go Slow is refreshingly simple yet effective. It features raised partitions that require the dog to navigate around them to access their dry food. While this design is straightforward and doesn’t present a complex mental puzzle, it undeniably forces the dog to eat slower. Daisy quickly adapted to working her way around the obstacles, and we observed a significant extension in her mealtime. The bowl, in its medium size, boasts a capacity of 600 ml and measures 22.1 centimeters in diameter and 7.1 centimeters in depth, providing ample space for a good meal without being overly cumbersome.
Daisy, a sweet dog, concentrating on eating from the Dogit Go-Slow Anti Gulp Bowl
Details:
- Available in 4 sizes: extra small, small, medium, and large.
- Offered in various colors.
- Features a non-slip base to prevent movement during eating.
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
- Constructed from durable plastic.
Summary: Daisy gave this bowl her enthusiastic approval. It effectively slowed down her eating without causing frustration or prompting her to tip it over. Its sturdy build suggests it can withstand regular use. For fast eaters who need a clear, uncomplicated solution, the Dogit Go Slow bowl proved to be a reliable and satisfying choice.
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slow Bowl
The Outward Hound Fun Feeder, with its large size and intricate maze-like design, immediately caught our attention as a genuinely “fun” feeder. The complex pattern promised a significant challenge, and our dogs Gau Gau and Alex were eager to take it on. Gau Gau, with his perpetually adorable frown lines, initially looked quite perplexed, leading us to momentarily question if we were being a tad cruel. However, our concerns quickly vanished as he began to navigate the labyrinthine grooves, figuring out how to access his kibble with growing determination. This bowl truly stands out among dog bowls for fast eaters by offering both physical and mental stimulation.
The deep grooves and relatively slim gaps of the Outward Hound Fun Feeder kept Gau Gau thoroughly engrossed in his meal for a considerable amount of time—far longer than his usual lightning-fast eating from a standard bowl. He was later joined by Alex, and we observed that the bowl was spacious enough for both dogs to share, focusing their attention and making mealtime a collaborative, extended activity. An interesting observation was the increased movement involved; Gau Gau had to shift positions frequently as he worked his way around the maze, rather than remaining static. This might be a consideration for smaller feeding areas, but for us at the shelter, it was a welcome addition to their mealtime enrichment. We particularly enjoyed watching them not only take much longer to eat but also seeing their brains actively engaged in solving the “puzzle” of how to get to their food.
Gau Gau, a shelter dog, diligently working to retrieve food from the Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slow Bowl
From a human perspective, cleaning this bowl is a bit more intricate than a simple round dish due to its detailed design. However, since we primarily feed dry biscuits, this was a minor inconvenience. For those using wet or raw food, the cleaning process might require a bit more effort.
Details:
- Available in 3 sizes: small, medium, and large.
- Comes in many vibrant and fun colors.
- Dimensions: 31.8 (L) x 27.9 (W) x 5.8 (H) centimeters.
- Equipped with a non-slip bottom for stability.
- Dishwasher safe.
Summary: This slow feeder offers excellent quality and durability at a competitive price. Dogs who thrive on mental challenges and intricate puzzles will undoubtedly love this bowl. Both Alex and Gau Gau’s eating times were significantly extended, making for very satisfied customers who enjoyed a longer, more engaging meal.
Smarter Paws Slow Feeding Dog Bowl
The Smarter Paws Slow Feeding bowl, while lightweight, felt a bit thinner in plastic compared to some of the other bowls we tested. Its maze design, however, was notably more complicated, featuring a combination of longer and oval grooves that created numerous compartments for food. This intricate structure certainly achieved its primary goal: dogs took much longer to eat. For dogs that don’t easily get frustrated by complex designs, the Smarter Paws bowl is highly effective at slowing down their eating pace. However, our resident genius, Nero, had other ideas.
We had wondered how long it would take for one of our more clever (and perhaps impatient) dogs to bypass the bowl’s intended purpose. Nero, being particularly intelligent, quickly assessed the situation. Instead of meticulously navigating the maze, he promptly picked up the bowl, tipped its contents out, devoured his meal, and then proceeded to chew on the bowl itself, making a significant dent. This experience highlighted an important aspect of dog bowls for fast eaters: while many designs are effective, a determined and intelligent dog might find alternative solutions.
Nero, an intelligent shelter dog, engaging with the Smarter Paws Slow Feeding Dog Bowl, demonstrating its challenge
This incident truly underscores the value of real-world testing with a variety of dogs. It proved that while the bowl effectively slowed down most dogs, certain individuals like Nero require a different approach or perhaps a more robust material.
Details:
- Features a non-slip base.
- Dishwasher proof for convenient cleaning.
- Available in one size and one color.
- Made from plastic.
Summary: Although the Smarter Paws Slow Feeding bowl met an untimely end with Nero, his unique approach shouldn’t deter all dog owners. Its less sturdy construction is reflected in its more affordable price. For dogs new to slow feeders or those who enjoy a moderate challenge without resorting to destructive tactics, this bowl could be a good starting point.
Super Design Gobble-Stop Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
For our review, we opted for the large size of the Super Design Gobble-Stop Slow Feeder bowl. Measuring 19 centimeters in diameter and 7 centimeters in depth, this bowl features three raised grooves that are designed to slow down eating. This design is considerably less complicated than some of the more elaborate maze-style feeders, which might make it a better option for dogs that tend to get easily frustrated by overly intricate puzzles. We were eager to see if this simpler approach would be more universally appealing among our testers.
Maya, a graceful Galgo with a distinctive long, pointed nose, found this design particularly easy to navigate. She quickly understood how to guide her food to the middle of the bowl, allowing her to enjoy her meal without much of a challenge. The simplicity suited her, ensuring her eating speed was reduced effectively without causing any stress or confusion. This highlights that for some dogs, especially those with specific facial structures, a less complex design can be more efficient. Exploring high-quality protein options like lamb dog food can also complement a beneficial feeding experience, ensuring they get the right nutrients even with a slower intake.
Maya, a beautiful Galgo, delicately sniffing and eating from the Super Design Gobble-Stop Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
However, Nero, ever the individualist, approached this bowl with his characteristic ingenuity. True to form, he quickly decided he wouldn’t be outsmarted by a simple design. He managed to empty the contents and devour his meal, though, thankfully, the bowl itself remained intact on this occasion. This reinforced our understanding that some intelligent fast eaters require more robust or completely different types of feeders to truly challenge them.
Details:
- Available in 4 sizes: 100 ml, 300 ml, 600 ml, and 1200 ml.
- Offered in a range of different colors.
- Made from BPA-Free Melamine, ensuring safety.
- Features a non-slip base.
- Dishwasher proof for easy cleaning.
Summary: This was the most expensive bowl in our test panel, and it faced the scrutiny of both Maya and Nero, two dogs with very different eating styles and facial shapes. Maya appreciated the straightforward design, finding it effective and non-confusing. Nero, while initially demonstrating some table manners, ultimately outsmarted the bowl. However, for most dogs, particularly those who prefer a simple challenge, its sturdy and uncomplicated design effectively slows down eating, making it a valuable option among dog bowls for fast eaters.
Jasgood Slow Eating Dog Bowl
The Jasgood Fun Interactive Slow Feeder comes in a single size, with a bowl diameter of 22 centimeters and a depth of 5 centimeters. Alex, a dog renowned for his voracious appetite and his tendency to eye everyone else’s food, was our primary tester for this bowl. This was his first encounter with a slow feeder, and for a few seconds, he looked at us with an expression that clearly questioned our sanity. His initial confusion quickly gave way to a determined effort to conquer the new eating challenge.
This bowl is noticeably lighter than some of the other models we reviewed. It features raised grooves of varying heights that create small, distinct compartments for dog food. While Alex certainly took much longer than usual to consume his meal, his patience eventually wore thin. Towards the end of his feeding session, he resorted to using his paw to tip the bowl over, effectively bypassing the remaining obstacles. Despite this, the bowl’s ability to significantly extend his eating time was evident for the majority of the meal. A significant positive that our human team noted is the Jasgood bowl’s commitment to eco-friendliness, being made from 100% non-toxic, PBA, PVC, and Phthalate-free materials, making it a safe and environmentally conscious choice for pet parents.
Alex, a curious dog, pausing to consider his strategy while eating from the Jasgood Slow Eating Dog Bowl
Details:
- Available in one size and 3 different colors.
- PBA, PVC, and Phthalate-free for pet safety.
- Equipped with a non-slip base.
- Dishwasher proof.
Summary: The Jasgood Fun Interactive Slow Feeder unequivocally achieves its goal of slowing down eating speed. Its design strikes a good balance, being neither too simple nor overly complicated, and it is well-constructed. While it may induce some frustration in more impatient dogs like Alex, leading to attempts to overturn it, the results in terms of extended mealtime were consistently observed. This bowl offers a well-designed and environmentally friendly option for pet owners seeking effective dog bowls for fast eaters.
Conclusion
Our panel of expert dog food critics—Daisy, Maya, Nero, Alex, and Gau Gau—undoubtedly had a stimulating experience reviewing these five slow feeding bowls. For most of them, it was a genuinely happy and engaging process, even if Nero’s unique and intelligent approach occasionally circumvented the bowls’ primary purpose. His participation, however, provided valuable insights into the challenges posed by particularly clever fast eaters.
This comprehensive review demonstrates that there truly is a slow feeder bowl suitable for every dog, regardless of size, snout shape, or eating temperament. From simpler designs that offer a gentle introduction to slower eating, to more intricate puzzle bowls that provide significant mental enrichment, the variety available ensures a match for almost any canine. With prices ranging from an accessible £7.99 up to £18.94 (though our canine testers were blissfully unaware of the price tags), there are affordable options that deliver on their promise: effectively slowing down the eating process for your beloved dog, promoting better digestion, and making mealtime a safer, more enjoyable experience for all.
