Why You Should Use Slow Feeders for Dogs – A Game Changer for Good Digestion

Dogs who inhale their food can create stress on their bodies (and their humans!). Enter slow feeders, able to turn a five-second kibble gulp into a calm, focused meal with a single use! But why should you use slow feeders for dogs?  Are there benefits of slower eating besides less meal time chaos? Here we explore the many benefits of slow feeding for dogs, diving into the different slow-feeder options and showing you practical, fun ways to use our healthy dog treats and dog food toppers with pet enrichment feeders.

1. Safer food intake
   Just like humans, when dogs eat too fast, they can cough, regurgitate food or even choke. This makes eating a stressful situation that might even associate mealtime with anxiety. Slow feeders make it virtually impossible for dogs to wolf down foods, and in turn avoid these risks.
2. Better oral health
   Slower eating encourages salivation along with more chewing and scraping action by the tongue and teeth. This helps move food away from the gumline which can reduce plaque and tartar build up and promote oral hygiene between brushings.
3. Improved digestion
   In addition to issues at the mouth and throat, eating too fast can also cause issues farther down the digestive tract. Gulping food can also cause dogs to swallow air along with large clumps of food. This not only can contribute to indigestion, but also vomiting or even a life-threatening risk called gastric dilatation, or volvulus (bloat), in some breeds. Slowing the pace of eating helps avoid gulping air, as well as break down the food by encouraging chewing and saliva production, giving the digestive tract the chance to properly process meals.
4. Weight control
   Also like with humans, slower meals make portions feel more satisfying. That extra time helps satiety signals reach the brain, which can reduce begging and overeating.
5. Mental stimulation and enrichment
   Slow feeders usually require dogs to focus and “work” for their food. This need for problem-solving engages their brains, reduces boredom, and can even reduce anxiety-driven behaviors. A dog who expends energy and feels a sense of accomplishment is a happier, better-behaved dog.

Not all slow feeders are the same. There are many ways to slow eating speed for dogs that involve meals, treats and even games.

• Slow Feeder Bowls – Slow feeder dog bowls have mazes, ridges or patterns that force dogs to work to get foods out of. They are great for dogs that just bolt down foods by forcing them to slow down, chew and swallow reasonably sized portions.
• Lick Mats – Licking mats are low-profile simple slow feeders for lickable treats or wet food. These are best for anxious pups to soothe stress as well as short-muzzled dogs who can’t easily use taller bowls.
• Treat Dispensers – Treat dispensing feeders combine feeding with play, making them excellent for separation-anxiety or longer-lasting distraction.
• Puzzle Feeders – Puzzle feeders challenge dogs to figure out how to get food dispensed or reach a hidden chamber. These enrichment toys are good for highly food-motivated dogs who thrive on mental enrichment as well as need to eat more slowly.

Farm to Pet offers a variety of slow feeders for dogs, including slow feeder bowls, licking mats and sticks, and dog treat dispensers, all made with pet-safe and dishwasher-safe materials and featuring fun yet practical designs that fit any pet parent lifestyle. Our selection also includes a variety of sizes and difficulty levels suitable for novice slow-feeder users or experienced enrichment fans alike.

Farm to Pet’s healthy pet snacks make any slow feeding option more nutritious and more interesting! Here are a few ways to incorporate our dog treats and meal toppers in your slow feeding efforts:

Sprinkle toppers over dog food in slow-feeder bowls
Food toppers are an excellent way to increase palatability of dog food while adding extra flavor and nutrients. Sprinkle your pet’s favorite Farm to Pet topper on top of kibble or wet food placed in a maze bowl. The dog food topper sticks to the food, making the meal more enticing and encouraging slower, more deliberate chewing as your dog seeks out tasty bits.

Break chips to use as “bait” in treat dispensers
Break Farm to Pet chips (turkey, fish, beef or chicken) into small pieces and tuck them into puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys. Dogs have to nose and paw the device to extract rewards, extending treat time and providing a rewarding mental challenge.

Use toppers + treats on top of lickable treats on lick mats
Create a dog treat parfait with a base of wet food or lickable dog treat (natural peanut butter, cream cheese, or yogurt), a middle layer of crumbled Farm to Pet treats, and a final layer of dog food topper. You can even freeze treat parfaits on lick mats for longer-lasting enrichment. This method is excellent for anxious dogs who need distraction during times of stress.

• Supervise new setups. Watch how your dog uses a new feeder the first few times to ensure they can access food and aren’t too frustrated.
• Match the feeder to the dog’s snout. Flat-faced breeds do better with shallow mats; long-nosed dogs do well with deeper maze bowls.
• Portion control still matters. A slow feeder won’t eliminate overfeeding. Be sure portion sizes meet caloric needs, especially when adding toppers or treats.
• Clean regularly. Remove topper residue and crumbs after each use. Many slow feeders are designed for easy cleaning, but always follow product instructions.
• Adjust for health issues. Dogs with certain dental, swallowing, or gastrointestinal problems may need specialized feeding approaches. It’s always advisable to check with your vet.

Slow feeder bowls are one of the simplest, most effective ways to make mealtime healthier and more fun for dogs. They can be game changers for dogs who eat too quickly, need mental enrichment, or could benefit from better portion control. Pairing enrichment feeders with Farm to Pet dog food toppers and dog treats turns every meal into an opportunity for nutrition, engagement, and desirable behavior.

Try a maze-style bowl with a kibble-and-topper mix for weeknight dinners, and reserve puzzle feeders stuffed with small Farm to Pet chips for longer enrichment sessions or training rewards. Whether you use one of our easy-to-clean slow feeder bowls, lick mats or treat dispensers, your dog will enjoy a healthier eating experience, and you will enjoy a happier, healthier pup!