Slow Feeders for Dogs: How to Choose the Right One for Your Dog?

Do you have an eager eater? Do you want meals times to last longer? 

In this guide, we’ll explain:

• Why your dog might benefit from a slow feeder

• The different types of slow feeders at The Doggy Bag

• And how to choose the right slow feeder for your dog’s needs

Why would my Dog need a slow feeder?

When your pup eats too fast it can lead to digestive issues, vomiting and bloating.

 Examples of this are excess air being swallowed, too much food hitting the stomach at once, leaving them feeling stretched and uncomfortable, resulting in higher production of gas and increased risk of vomiting.

 If your dog is always looking for more food after dinner, slowing down their eating can help brain catch up to their stomach, helping them feel fuller for longer.

The Risk of bloat is increased with deep chested dog for example; Great Danes, German Shepherds and Standard poodles, these breed of Dog's have a higher risk of Bloat although all dogs breeds can suffer from bloat.

What Is Bloat?

 Bloat is a life threatening condition that is caused when the stomach fills with gas, food or fluid causing it to swell and twist on itself, this is a medical emergency! Slowing down your dogs meal time can help reduce the risk, in addition to reduce the risk do not exercise your dog around mealtimes.

Slow feeders turn mealtime into a healthier, more enriching experience by making your dog work a little harder for their dinner.

Why Use a Slow Feeder?

Slow feeders are more than just a trendy dog bowl. They help:

✔ Slow down fast eaters
✔ Improve digestion
✔ Reduce gulping and air intake
✔ Prevent vomiting and bloating
✔ Provide mental stimulation
✔ Reduce boredom and anxiety
✔ Make mealtime more satisfying and calming

For many dogs, mealtime enrichment is just as important as physical exercise.

Types of Slow Feeders (And What They’re Best For)

Not all slow feeders are the same. Here are the most popular and effective types, including the ones we stock at The Doggy Bag.

1. SodaPup eBowls – Best for Serious Fast Eaters

Best Choice for:

• Dogs who inhale their food

• Dogs who need a proper meal slowdown

• Dry, wet, raw or mixed feeding

• Short faced breeds are best to go for the shallow ebowl Including the Soda pup mandala 

SodaPup eBowls rank high on the difficulty scale, they have deep segmented designs that force your dog to work around obstacles to reach their food. This naturally slows eating and turns meals into a fun foraging challenge.

They’re:

• Durable

• Non-toxic

• Great for daily meals

• Perfect for dogs who finish a normal bowl way too fast

• Deep sections are prefect for raw/wet foods
  

2. LickiMat Slomo – Best for Calm, Steady Eating

Best Choice for:

• Dogs who benefit from licking to relax

• Dogs who need slower, calmer meals

• Wet food, raw food or mixed meals

The LickiMat Slomo combines soft licking zones and harder slow-feeder sections, which encourages both licking and gentle problem-solving.

Licking releases calming endorphins in dogs, making this an excellent choice for:

• Anxious dogs

• Dogs who get overexcited at mealtime

• Dogs who need help slowing down in a low-stress way

• Slomo comes in 2 x sizes, so is great for all size dogs

3. LickiMat Slodog – Great for all dogs.

Best Choice for:

• All size dogs, comes in 2 x sizes

• Puppies

• Dogs who get frustrated easily

• Dogs new to slow feeders

The Slodog's surface area is covered with clever grooves, making it easier for small mouths to use while still slowing down eating.

It’s a great starter slow feeder and perfect for:

• Small breeds

• Young dogs

• Dogs who need a gentle introduction to enrichment feeding

How to Choose the Right Slow Feeder for Your Dog

Here’s a simple guide:

If your dog eats WAY too fast:

➡ Choose a SodaPup eBowl

If your dog is anxious or overexcited at meals:

➡ Choose a LickiMat Slomo

If your dog is small, a puppy, or easily frustrated:

➡ Choose a LickiMat Slodog

If you want the best enrichment:

➡ Rotate between different slow feeders to keep meals interesting and mentally stimulating.

What Can You Put in Slow Feeders?

• Your Dog's regular food

• Dry kibble

• Wet food

• Raw food

• Greek yoghurt

• Pumpkin

• Sardines

• Peanut butter (xylitol-free)
  
  

Mixing textures makes meals even more enriching and exciting.

Tips for Success

• Start simple if your dog is new to slow feeders

• Supervise the first few uses

• Wash regularly

• Always provide fresh water

• If your dog gets frustrated, switch to an easier design and build up gradually

Final Thoughts: Slow Feeders Are a Game Changer

Slow feeders aren’t just about slowing down eating — they’re also about:

• Better digestion

• Better mental health

• Better behaviour

• And happier dogs

Whether you choose a SodaPup eBowl, LickiMat Slomo, or Slodog, you’re turning everyday meals into healthy enrichment time.

Shop Slow Feeders at The Doggy Bag

At The Doggy Bag, we carefully curate slow feeders and enrichment products based on real animal care experience — so you can feel confident you’re choosing something that truly benefits your dog. We will cover Lick Mats in our next blog!