The Best Slow Eating Dog Bowls: Updated

Written by Hannah Ward
Updated: November 23, 2022
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Many dogs eat way too fast! They get so excited at meal times, and their internal instinct, inherited from ancestors who had to fight for their portion of food to survive, is to eat quickly. It can be a challenge to get your dog to eat slower. That’s why experts have created slow eating dog bowls to ensure that your dog eats properly.

The benefits of using slow eating dog bowls are numerous. For one, they make it impossible for a dog to gulp down it’s food, limiting the amount of air the dog takes in while breathing. This helps cut down on the chance your dog may choke or vomit, and also aids dogs suffering from digestive and health issues such as bloat or obesity. They also make your dog feel full sooner and prevent overeating.

There are several types of slow-eating dog bowls to choose from. Stainless steel is an excellent material, especially for people on a budget, while ceramic is more expensive looks stylish. What about slow-eating dog bowls for small dogs, for medium dogs, and for large dogs? We’ve created a review of the best slow-eating dog bowl for each category to help you decide if it’s right for your dog.

  1. Outhound Fun Feeder Slo-Bowl
    • Fun Feeder Slo Bowls work for dry, wet, or raw foods
    • Helps slow down dog’s eating time by 10X
    • Promotes healthy digestion to cut down on bloating, regurgitation and canine obesity
    • Bowl has non-slip base, and is BPA, PVC, and phthalate free
    • 3 different sizes and 5 styles to choose from


    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. LE TAUCI Ceramic Slow Feeder Puppy Bowl
    • Made of microwave-safe ceramic
    • Five colors: purple, pink, orange, green, blue
    • Five unique slow feeder patterns
    • Dishwasher safe
    Check Amazon
  3. OurPets Durapet Premium Stainless Steel Slow-Feed Dog Bowl
    • Slow eating durable stainless steel bowl is safe and hygienic
    • Three size options
    • Dishwasher-safe
    • Non-skid bottom ring
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. Dogit Go-Slow Anti-Gulping Bowl
    • Prevents dog from eating quickly, helping to prevent indigestion, vomiting and bloating
    • Non-slip base, dishwasher safe
    • Four color choices in sizes extra small to large


    Check Amazon
  5. WHIPPY Slow Feeder Dog Bowl Dishes for Small/Medium Dogs
    • Made of non-toxic, BPA-free and PVC-free Polypropylene
    • Temperature-resistant and Bite-resistant
    • Anti-skid bottom, top-rack dishwasher-safe
    • Dry, wet, or raw food-appropriate
    • Appropriate for small dogs and medium dogs alike
    Check Amazon
  6. Leashboss Elevated Slow Feed & Water Bowl

    •Adjustable, elevated bowl set

    •Slow feed bowl

    •Stainless steel water bowl

    •3 heights

    Check Amazon

Top Picks for Slow Eating Dog Bowls: Ranked

#1 Best Overall: Outhound Fun Feeder Slo-Bowl

We ranked the Outhound Fun Feeder Slo-Bowl as the best overall slow-eating dog bowl.

This plastic bowl is top-rack dishwasher-safe and has a non-slip base which are common features of many slow-eating dog bowls. However, this particular bowl has shallow valleys and low ridges. This makes it perfect for all breeds of dogs, even the flat-faced ones. The great thing about this bowl is that it is suitable to be used with wet, dry, and raw food. There is also a choice of three different sizes and five different styles so that you can choose the perfect pattern to suit your dog’s eating habits.

This bowl is made from polypropylene material that is BPA-free and PVC-free so it’s safe and non-toxic. There’s a reason why these more complex patterns don’t come in stainless steel, and it’s because dogs would constantly run their teeth and tongues against the metal.

Although this bowl undoubtedly has a lot going for it, it is important to make sure that you select the right size for your pet as some customers have found that the grooves in the larger bowls are too deep for smaller dogs.

Pros and Cons of the Outhound Fun Feeder Slo-Bowl

ProsCons
This bowl has a shallow pattern with low ridges.The grooves in the larger bowl can be too deep for smaller dogs.
It is suitable for all dogs.
It has a non-slip base to prevent it from sliding or being tipped over.
It is made from non-toxic BPA and PVC-free material.
Best Overall
Outhound Fun Feeder Slo-Bowl
  • Fun Feeder Slo Bowls work for dry, wet, or raw foods
  • Helps slow down dog’s eating time by 10X
  • Promotes healthy digestion to cut down on bloating, regurgitation and canine obesity
  • Bowl has non-slip base, and is BPA, PVC, and phthalate free
  • 3 different sizes and 5 styles to choose from


Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best Ceramic: LE TAUCI Ceramic Slow Feeder Dog Bowl

If you prefer a ceramic version for its unique benefits then we recommend the LE TAUCI Ceramic Slow Feeder Dog Bowl.

This bowl is heavy and has a non-slip base to prevent pets from pushing it around the floor as they are eating. It is made from durable ceramic which is easy to clean and is even dishwasher safe.

This unique slow-feeder bowl is available in five different colors and five different patterns of ridges and grooves so that you can choose the appropriate level of difficulty to slow your pet down without frustrating them.

Although many customers love this product, some have found that it does shatter if tipped over by enthusiastic pets. Also, others reported that the sizes run small so it is not suitable for larger dogs.

Pros and Cons of the LE TAUCI Ceramic Slow Feeder Dog Bowl

ProsCons
This bowl is heavy and has a non-slip base to prevent it being pushed around the floor.It can shatter when tipped over.
It is made from durable ceramic.The sizes run small so it’s not suitable for large dogs.
There are five different patterns available with vary degrees of difficulty.
Best Slow Feeder
LE TAUCI Ceramic Slow Feeder Puppy Bowl
  • Made of microwave-safe ceramic
  • Five colors: purple, pink, orange, green, blue
  • Five unique slow feeder patterns
  • Dishwasher safe
Check Amazon

3. Best Stainless Steel: OurPets DuraPet Premium Stainless Steel Slow-Feed Dog Bowl

If you prefer a stainless steel bowl then check out OurPets DuraPet Premium Stainless Steel Slow-Feed Dog Bowl.

This stainless steel slow-feed bowl is budget-friendly and available in small, medium, and large sizes to suit any dog. It is durable and easy to clean and has a skid-proof ring on the bottom to prevent pets from pushing it around or tipping it over.

This bowl isn’t overly tricky as it slows eating by the use of a solid centerpiece. This creates a ring of food to make dogs slow down to pay attention and get at the food without being too difficult.

Unfortunately, some pup parents have reported that the sizes run big on this bowl, making it unsuitable for smaller pets. Additionally, as it is not a challenging puzzle bowl, some particularly speedy eaters are not sufficiently slowed down by it.

Pros and Cons of OurPets DuraPet Premium Stainless Steel Slow-Feed Dog Bowl

ProsCons
This bowl has a solid centerpiece to create a ring of food and slow dogs down without being too difficult.The sizes run big, making it unsuitable for smaller pets.
It is made from durable stainless steel that is easy to clean.It is not challenging enough to slow down particularly speedy eaters.
This bowl has a non-skid ring on the bottom to prevent it being pushed or tipped.
There are three sizes available.
It is budget-friendly.
Best Stainless Steel
OurPets Durapet Premium Stainless Steel Slow-Feed Dog Bowl
  • Slow eating durable stainless steel bowl is safe and hygienic
  • Three size options
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Non-skid bottom ring
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best for Wet Food: Dogit Go-Slow Anti-Gulping Bowl

If you feed your dogs wet food, gravy, or other messy meals, we recommend the Dogit Go-Slow Anti-Gulping Bowl.

This bowl has a more open design than other slow-feed bowls to allow your dog to drink the liquid, while still having enough of a pattern to slow eating. However, this bowl and it’s pattern are not suitable for flat-faced dogs.

This bowl is made from durable plastic which is easy to clean. It is also available in several sizes (from extra-small to large) to suit a variety of dogs. It has a non-slip base to prevent pets from pushing it around while they are eating. However, customers reported that the rubber ring does not go all the way around the bottom which means that some pets were able to pull it off.

Pros and Cons of the Dogit Go-Slow Anti-Gulping Bowl

ProsCons
This bowl has a more open design to allow dogs to eat wet food easily.This bowl is not suitable for flat-faced dogs.
It is made from durable plastic.The non-slip ring doesn’t not go all the way around the bottom.
This bowl has a non-slip rubber ring on the base to prevent it from being pushed around the floor.
Best for Wet Food
Dogit Go-Slow Anti-Gulping Bowl
  • Prevents dog from eating quickly, helping to prevent indigestion, vomiting and bloating
  • Non-slip base, dishwasher safe
  • Four color choices in sizes extra small to large


Check Amazon

5. Best for Small or Medium Dogs: WHIPPY Slow Feeder Dog Bowl Dishes for Small/Medium Dogs

Finding a dog bowl for small dogs and for medium dogs is hard, but the WHIPPY Slow Feeder Dog Bowl Dishes for Small & Medium Dogs fits the bill perfectly.

This bowl is suitable to use with either dry, wet, or raw dog food. it has a volcano maze pattern itself is the best pattern to slow eating for fast eaters and dogs prone to bloat or obesity, which can be issues for small dogs or medium dogs.

This bowl is made from polypropylene that is non-toxic, BPA-free and PVC-free, but still budget friendly. It has a smooth surface that is kind to dogs mouths, while the edge is frosted to make it resistant to biting. There are also four anti-skid pads on the bottom to make sure there’s no spillage and reduces food waste. However, owners of particularly enthusiastic pets have found that they are not sufficient to stop them from pushing it around the floor.

Pros and Cons of the WHIPPY Slow Feeder Dog Bowl Dishes for Small/Medium Dogs

ProsCons
This bowl is suitable for wet, dry, and raw food.The non-slip pads are not strong enough to prevent enthusiastic pets from pushing it around.
It is made from durable material which is non-toxic, BPA, and PVS-free.
The edge is frosted to make it bite-resistant.
There are four anti-skid pads on the bottom to stop pets from pushing it around.
Best for Small/Medium Dogs
WHIPPY Slow Feeder Dog Bowl Dishes for Small/Medium Dogs
  • Made of non-toxic, BPA-free and PVC-free Polypropylene
  • Temperature-resistant and Bite-resistant
  • Anti-skid bottom, top-rack dishwasher-safe
  • Dry, wet, or raw food-appropriate
  • Appropriate for small dogs and medium dogs alike
Check Amazon

6. Best for Large Dogs: Leashboss Elevated Slow Feed and Water Bowl

For larger dogs we recommend the Leashboss Elevated Slow Feed and Water Bowls.

Some larger pets find it difficult to reach down to the floor to eat, so this feeding station is perfect for them. This elevated feeding station has a modern, bamboo stand which is adjustable to three different heights — 8, 11, and 14 inches. The elevated design is great for older pets or those that suffer from joint disorders such as arthritis. However, the lowest height is too big for smaller dogs.

A stainless steel water bowl partners well with the BPA, toxin-free puzzle bowl that sits next to it. Both bowls are easy to clean and food-safe for your pet’s health. The slow feed bowl will hold wet food, dry food, or raw food. A great feature is the non-slip grips that keep it securely in the elevated insert. You can also purchase a matching floor mat from the same manufacturer.

Pros and Cons of the Leashboss Elevated Slow Feed and Water Bowl

ProsCons
The elevated design of this feeding station is ideal for larger dogs, older pets, or those suffering from joint issues.It is not suitable for smaller dogs.
It is adjustable to three different heights — 8, 11, and 14 inches.
It has a BPA-free slow-feed puzzle bowl and a stainless steel water bowl.
The slow-feed bowl can hold wet or dry food.
Best for Large Dogs
Leashboss Elevated Slow Feed & Water Bowl

•Adjustable, elevated bowl set

•Slow feed bowl

•Stainless steel water bowl

•3 heights

Check Amazon

How to Choose a Slow Eating Dog Bowl

Growing puppies, large dogs, and certain breeds are more likely to need dog bowls for fast eaters. But with these dog bowls to slow down eating, they won’t overeat and hence, won’t have a high risk of bloat or obesity.

When choosing a slow eating dog bowl, consider your dog’s age, breed, and size. Adult dog bowls aren’t always suitable for puppies, unless they’re small breeds. Check the food needs of your dog and compare them to the volume of the dog bowl so you’ll know what size to choose.

Another factor is the pattern used to slow eating. A flat-faced dog along with any other dog will comfortably do well with a shallow and/or open pattern to allow stable feeding, reduce air intake, and minimize the risk of choking. Deeper, open patterns are better for wet food and gravy.

The material used for the slow eating dog bowls is important both for your budget, durability, and slow eating pattern. Some dogs might not do well with the solid centerpiece pattern which is typical to stainless steel, while most dogs can have a leisurely meal with the more complex patterns available in polypropylene or ceramic.

Stainless steel is a good material as it is durable and rust-resistant, plus it is the best for people on a budget. Ceramic is a more natural-feeling material that retains heat, allows for more complex patterns, and makes eating food more inviting, although it’s more expensive and is more vulnerable to breakage. Polypropylene is another alternative to plastic that is budget-friendly and great for more complex slow eating patterns. Modern rubber and plastic blends are sturdy, durable, and easy to wash. Whether you’re buying plastic for your use or your dog’s, look for materials that are free of toxic bisphenol A (BPA) and other additives.

The Best Slow Eating Dog Bowls: Summary

A slow feeder bowl is a great choice for pets that eat their food too quickly as eating too quickly can lead to health problems. There are many different types of slow feeder bowls available and it’s important to choose one that is not too challenging for your dog as you could risk them becoming frustrated. However, you also need to choose the most suitable material and size to meet your dog’s needs too. We hope that this product review has given you some useful information to help you understand what to look for in a slow feeder bowl as well as provided a good selection of choices for you.

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About the Author

Hannah is a writer at A-Z animals where her primary focus is on reptiles, marine life, mammals, and geography. Hannah has been writing and researching animals for four years alongside running her family farm. A resident of the UK, Hannah loves riding horses and creating short stories.

The Best Slow Eating Dog Bowls: Updated FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Are slow feeding bowls good for dogs?

Yes, their benefits include minimizing gas, indigestion, vomiting, bloat, and obesity.

How can I make my dog eat slower in a bowl?

The best way is to buy a slow feeder or slow eating dog bowl, which will make them have to put more effort into getting at the food.

When should a dog use a slow feeder bowl?

Slow feeder bowls are for fast eaters or for dogs with digestive issues.

What is a slow feeder dog bowl?

A slow feeder dog bowl is a dog bowl that has a solid centerpiece to create a ring of food or a pattern for the food, which prevents dogs from gulping down food quickly and not feeling appropriately full.

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