An empty bowl in seconds, gulping noises and, a little later, hiccups or brought-up kibble. If your dog eats too fast, one of the simplest solutions is a slow feeder dog bowl: a bowl with raised ridges that your dog has to search between to find their food, so it takes them longer to finish. Here we explain when it helps, how to choose a good one and how to get your dog used to it so they don't give up on the first day.
How to tell if your dog eats too fast
Eating greedily is common in puppies, rescue dogs and homes where several animals eat together. The most common signs are:
- the meal disappears in less than a minute and they barely chew their kibble;
- after eating they burp, get hiccups or bring up whole pieces of kibble;
- they choke or cough by the bowl;
- as soon as they finish, they look for more food and keep an eye on the other dogs' bowls.
A dog that gulps their food down in a hurry also swallows a lot of air, which is why wind and vomiting are more common after a meal like that. If you want to dig deeper into the causes, we explain them in why your dog eats so fast.
How a slow feeder dog bowl works
Inside the bowl there are bumps, mazes or grooves. Your dog can't swallow the whole portion in one go: they have to get the kibble out of each gap with their tongue and snout. A meal that used to last half a minute can stretch to several minutes, depending on the pattern and the dog. Searching for food also makes them use their sense of smell and keeps them busy: for many dogs it's a small daily challenge.
What to look for when choosing a slow feeder
- A pattern that suits your dog. Flat-faced breeds (pug, French bulldog) and small dogs need lower, more widely spaced ridges. A large dog with a narrow snout can cope with a deeper maze. A pattern that's too difficult is frustrating; one that's too easy is pointless.
- Kibble size. Small kibble hides well in dense patterns. With large kibble or wet food, wide grooves work better.
- Stability. A dog that eats greedily will often push the bowl across the floor. Look for a non-slip base with rubber feet or suction cups.
- Material. Plastic is light and cheap, but scratches easily. Stainless steel is hard-wearing, although it usually has simpler patterns. Silicone is flexible, quiet and easy to clean.
- Cleaning. Bits of food and saliva collect in the gaps, so it needs washing after every meal. Ideally, it should be dishwasher-safe.
How to get your dog used to their new bowl
- At first, put only part of the meal in the new slow feeder and give them the rest as usual.
- Make the first few meals easy: spread the kibble so that some of it stays in view.
- Praise them when they get the food out calmly. Don't help by picking the kibble out with your fingers, or they'll learn to wait for you to do it.
- After a few days, serve the full meal in the slow feeder.
If your dog tries to bite or tip over the bowl, give them more time or try a simpler pattern. When they've finished, pick the bowl up: it isn't a toy and they shouldn't chew it unsupervised.
Other ways to slow down your dog's eating
- Split the daily food allowance into two or three smaller meals instead of one big one.
- Feed each dog separately if you have more than one. Competing around the bowl is a common cause of rushing.
- A snuffle mat or scattering the kibble on the lawn turns mealtime into a search.
- A treat-dispensing toy, which releases the food little by little, works for part of the daily allowance.
- Don't take them running straight after eating. Wait at least an hour before running or energetic play.
When to see the vet
A slow feeder helps with the habit, but it's no substitute for a diagnosis. See your vet if your dog has suddenly started eating much more greedily than before, is losing weight despite having an appetite, vomits often or has diarrhoea. And if they're restless, have a hard, swollen belly and are trying to vomit without bringing anything up, it's an emergency, especially in large, deep-chested dogs: don't wait, take them to a vet clinic straight away.
At Velia Select we'll very soon have a silicone slow feeder for dogs and cats with a bowl and four raised zones (windmill, maze, dots and stars), for kibble, wet food or treats. It has a non-slip base with suction cups and is dishwasher-safe. You'll find more practical things for your pets and your home in our full range.