Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Paola Cuevas
Veterinarian, MVZ
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Paola Cuevas
Veterinarian, MVZ
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Some dogs eat their food entirely too quickly, leading to abdominal discomfort to medical emergencies, like bloat (also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus) and choking. To slow down your dog’s eating habits, you may consider trying a slow feeder bowl. These bowls are designed with obstacles in them that safely slow your dog’s eating by limiting how much food they can get into their mouth at a time.
There are a few things to look for when choosing the right slow feeder bowl for your dog. Reviews are a great way to make an educated decision to choose the best slow feeder bowl for your dog’s needs. We’ve found the 10 best slow feeder bowls to help you choose the best option for your dog, regardless of your dog’s size, age, or the type of food they eat.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Purple
Wide, non-skid base
Sturdy, food-safe plastic
More challenging puzzle than some other options
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Best Value
Frisco Bone Shaped Ridges Slow Feeder
Dishwasher safe
Two color options
Non-skid base with ergonomic openings
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Premium Choice
Neater Pets Adjustable Non-Skid Slow Feeder Double Diner
Suitable for flat-faced breeds
Adjustable up to 4.5 inches in height
Double diner with slow feeder on one side
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Iris Slow Feeding Bowl
Two size options
Non-skid rubber base
Long-snouted and short-snouted versions
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JW Pet Skid Stop Plastic Slow Feeder
Multiple colors available
Good option for large dogs
Made from stain-resistant plastic
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The 10 Best Slow Feeder Dog Bowls
The Outward Hound Fun Feeder Purple bowl is the best overall slow feeder dog bowl. It’s available in two sizes and is made from thick, sturdy, food-safe plastic. This bowl offers a random pattern to make it a more challenging puzzle for your dog. It has a non-skid base that is wider than the bowl itself, making it difficult for your dog to tip over. This feeder can slow your dog’s eating down up to 10 times more than a normal bowl. It’s dishwasher safe, so you can always give your dog a perfectly clean bowl. Some dogs may figure out how to “outsmart” this bowl, limiting how much it slows them down.
Size: 2 cups, 4 cups
Material: Plastic: high-quality, food-safe, BPA, PVC & phthalate-free
Non-Skid: Yes
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Pros
Two size options
Sturdy, food-safe plastic
More challenging puzzle than some other options
Wide, non-skid base
Dishwasher safe
Cons
Less effective once the dog figures out the puzzle
The Frisco Bone Shaped Ridges Slow Feeder bowl is the best slow feeder dog bowl for the money. This bowl is only available in a 3-cup size, but it is available in pink and blue. This plastic bowl is dishwasher safe and made from sturdy plastic. It has a non-skid base, and it is made to be difficult to tip over. It features ergonomic openings in the base to make it easy for you to pick up. Although it is made to hold three cups of kibble, many people report finding it to only hold around two cups of food without overflowing.
Two size options
Sturdy, food-safe plastic
More challenging puzzle than some other options
Wide, non-skid base
Dishwasher safe
- Two size options
- Sturdy, food-safe plastic
- More challenging puzzle than some other options
- Wide, non-skid base
- Dishwasher safe
Less effective once the dog figures out the puzzle
- Less effective once the dog figures out the puzzle
Size: 3 cups
Material: Plastic, BPA Free
Non-Skid: Yes
Pros
Best value
Two color options
Dishwasher safe
Sturdy, food-safe plastic
Non-skid base with ergonomic openings
Cons
May only hold around 2 cups of food
The Neater Pets Adjustable Non-Skid Slow Feeder Double Diner is the premium slow feeder bowl pick for your dog. This adjustable feeder features a 2.5-cup slow feeder side and an 8.5-cup regular bowl side for water. It’s adjustable between 2–4.5 inches in height, allowing you to make it the right height for your dog. The slow feeder portion is wide and not too deep, making it suitable even for flat-faced breeds. This double diner is made from dishwasher-safe polypropylene, but the rubber feet need to be removed beforehand to prevent them from getting lost in the washer. Although the height is adjustable, this feeder is only available in one size.
Best value
Two color options
Dishwasher safe
Sturdy, food-safe plastic
Non-skid base with ergonomic openings
- Best value
- Two color options
- Dishwasher safe
- Sturdy, food-safe plastic
- Non-skid base with ergonomic openings
May only hold around 2 cups of food
- May only hold around 2 cups of food
Size: 2.5 cups
Material: Plastic, BPA-Free
Non-Skid: Yes
Pros
Double diner with slow feeder on one side
Adjustable up to 4.5 inches in height
Suitable for flat-faced breeds
Dishwasher safe
Non-skid feet
Cons
Non-skid feet should be removed before washing in the dishwasher
One bowl size option
The Iris Slow Feeding Bowl is available in two sizes, and also available in short-snouted and long-snouted versions, with the short-snouted version having shorter obstacles than the long-snouted version. This will make it possible for your short-snouted dog to get to their food while still having a challenge. It’s also available in three neutral colors to match any home’s décor. It has a non-skid rubber base that keeps it from sliding and being overturned. It’s made of plastic that may be easily chewed up, and it is recommended to hand wash only.
Double diner with slow feeder on one side
Adjustable up to 4.5 inches in height
Suitable for flat-faced breeds
Dishwasher safe
Non-skid feet
- Double diner with slow feeder on one side
- Adjustable up to 4.5 inches in height
- Suitable for flat-faced breeds
- Dishwasher safe
- Non-skid feet
Non-skid feet should be removed before washing in the dishwasher
One bowl size option
- Non-skid feet should be removed before washing in the dishwasher
- One bowl size option
Size: 2 cups, 4 cups
Material: Plastic, BPA, PVC & phthalate-free
Non-Skid: Yes
Pros
Two size options
Long-snouted and short-snouted versions
Three color options
Non-skid rubber base
Cons
Plastic may be chewed up easily
Hand wash only
The JW Pet Skid Stop Plastic Slow Feeder is a good option for large dogs because it can hold up to 6 cups of food. It is less challenging than many other slow feeder options, so it may not be suitable for all dogs. It’s dishwasher safe and made from stain-resistant plastic. It has a thermoplastic rubber base to prevent skids, and the base is wide enough to decrease the chance of your dog tipping the bowl. It’s available in a variety of colors, but the colors are shipped randomly, so you are not able to choose your bowl’s color.
Two size options
Long-snouted and short-snouted versions
Three color options
Non-skid rubber base
- Two size options
- Long-snouted and short-snouted versions
- Three color options
- Non-skid rubber base
Plastic may be chewed up easily
Hand wash only
- Plastic may be chewed up easily
- Hand wash only
Size: 6 cups
Material: Plastic BPA, PVC & phthalate-free
Non-Skid: Yes
Pros
Good option for large dogs
Dishwasher safe
Made from stain-resistant plastic
Wide, non-skid base
Multiple colors available
Cons
Less challenging than most other slow feeders
Colors are shipped randomly
The QT Dog Brake-Fast Non-Skid Stainless Steel Bowl is the most size-varied bowl on the list, coming in three sizes from 2–12 cups. This is a good option for feeding litters of puppies since most dogs don’t need 12 cups of food in one sitting. This is one of the more expensive bowls on the list, even for the smallest size. It’s dishwasher safe and has a non-skid base. The cylinders are removable, which isn’t ideal for cleanliness purposes and may lead to rust if not properly dried before being put back in the bowl. Some people even report this bowl cracking after some months of use.
Good option for large dogs
Dishwasher safe
Made from stain-resistant plastic
Wide, non-skid base
Multiple colors available
- Good option for large dogs
- Dishwasher safe
- Made from stain-resistant plastic
- Wide, non-skid base
- Multiple colors available
Less challenging than most other slow feeders
Colors are shipped randomly
- Less challenging than most other slow feeders
- Colors are shipped randomly
Size: 2 cups, 8 cups, 12 cups
Material: Stainless steel
Non-Skid: Yes
Pros
Three size options
Good for feeding litters of puppies
Dishwasher safe
Non-skid rubber base
Cons
More expensive than most slow feeder bowls for the size
Cylinders are removable and may collect food
May rust easily
May crack over time
- Frisco Silicone Treat Lick Mat
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Size: 7.8″ x 7.8” x 0.4”
Material: Silicone
Non-Skid: Yes
The Frisco Silicone Treat Lick Mat is a pack of two mats that are a fantastic option for wet food offerings, but they are not ideal for kibble due to the lack of depth of the mats. Since they are not designed for kibble, it’s difficult to say how much you could effectively add to the mats, but both can hold around 12 ounces of wet food. While these are designed for use with treats, they are well-suited to wet food and liquids. They are freezer and dishwasher safe, and they are a budget-friendly slow feeder pick. Both mats have a different textured pattern, making each one a different challenge for your dog. The built-in lip around the edge of the mats decreases spills and mess on the floor, although these mats would be easy for most dogs to chew up.
Three size options
Good for feeding litters of puppies
Dishwasher safe
Non-skid rubber base
- Three size options
- Good for feeding litters of puppies
- Dishwasher safe
- Non-skid rubber base
More expensive than most slow feeder bowls for the size
Cylinders are removable and may collect food
May rust easily
May crack over time
- More expensive than most slow feeder bowls for the size
- Cylinders are removable and may collect food
- May rust easily
- May crack over time
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Size: 7.8″ x 7.8” x 0.4”
Material: Silicone
Non-Skid: Yes
Pros
Two mats per pack
Great option for wet food
Freezer and dishwasher safe
Budget-friendly
Different patterns on each mat
Cons
Not a good option for kibble
Difficult to measure how much food they can hold
Easy to chew up
The Pet Dream House SPIN Tricky Level UFO Maze is a fun way to keep your dog engaged in their meal while slowing their feeding. This bowl combines a slow feeder with a treat dispenser, making it ideal for some dogs that eat too quickly. It only comes in one size, but it is available in blue or green. It’s dishwasher safe and can be taken apart to ensure all pieces are cleaned thoroughly, although it also may be prone to being chewed up by dogs with strong jaws. Some people report their long-snouted dogs quickly and easily solving this puzzle, so it may be best reserved for short-snouted dog breeds. This bowl retails for a higher price than most slow feeders we reviewed.
Two mats per pack
Great option for wet food
Freezer and dishwasher safe
Budget-friendly
Different patterns on each mat
- Two mats per pack
- Great option for wet food
- Freezer and dishwasher safe
- Budget-friendly
- Different patterns on each mat
Not a good option for kibble
Difficult to measure how much food they can hold
Easy to chew up
- Not a good option for kibble
- Difficult to measure how much food they can hold
- Easy to chew up
Size: 8 cups
Material: Plastic BPA & PVC free
Non-Skid: Yes
Pros
Multifunctional design
Two color options
Dishwasher safe and breaks down into pieces
Non-skid base
Cons
One size option
Works best for short-snouted breeds
More expensive than most slow feeders
The Mr. Peanut’s Slow-Feed Stainless Steel Bowl is available in three sizes. It’s dishwasher safe and shatterproof, as well as having a non-skid base. It only has one raised obstacle, so it may not slow down dogs that are overly insistent on eating their food too quickly. It may be easily dented and scuffed, making it more difficult to keep free of marks than most plastic slow feeders. Some people report water collecting around the non-skid rim of this bowl, leading to rapid rust development, so it may require extra cleaning and drying to maintain this bowl than with other slow feeders.
Multifunctional design
Two color options
Dishwasher safe and breaks down into pieces
Non-skid base
- Multifunctional design
- Two color options
- Dishwasher safe and breaks down into pieces
- Non-skid base
One size option
Works best for short-snouted breeds
More expensive than most slow feeders
- One size option
- Works best for short-snouted breeds
- More expensive than most slow feeders
Size: 1.5 cups, 2 cups & 3 cups
Material: Stainless steel
Non-Skid: Yes
Pros
Two size options
Dishwasher safe
Shatterproof
Non-skid base
Cons
Only has one raised obstacle
Easily dented and scuffed
May rust quickly
The Outward Hound Fun Feeder Grey is available in two sizes and features non-skid feet to keep it from slipping, as well as a widened base that prevents tipping. Due to its symmetrical, simple design, this slow feeder may be simple for many dogs to solve, making it a poor option for many overzealous dogs. It’s dishwasher safe, making cleaning in all the crevices easy, and it’s made from food-safe plastic. For large dogs, the spaces for the kibble may be too small, making it overly difficult for the dog to get the food out, leading to frustration and messes.
Two size options
Dishwasher safe
Shatterproof
Non-skid base
- Two size options
- Dishwasher safe
- Shatterproof
- Non-skid base
Only has one raised obstacle
Easily dented and scuffed
May rust quickly
- Only has one raised obstacle
- Easily dented and scuffed
- May rust quickly
Size: 2 cups, 4 cups
Material: Plastic, food-safe, BPA, PVC & phthalate-free
Non-Skid: Yes
Pros
Two size options
Non-skid, widened base
Dishwasher safe
Cons
May be too simple for some dogs
Not a good option for large dogs or large breed kibble
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Slow Feeder Dog Bowls
Why Should I Consider a Slow Feeder for My Dog?
Slow feeders have been increasing in popularity over the last few years, and for good reasons. Many dogs eat too quickly, which can lead to vomiting and abdominal discomfort. For some dogs, especially large breed dogs, bloat is a real threat. Bloat is an emergency situation in which a dog’s stomach flips, requiring immediate veterinary care. In many cases, bloat requires emergency surgery to save the dog’s life.
Two size options
Non-skid, widened base
Dishwasher safe
- Two size options
- Non-skid, widened base
- Dishwasher safe
May be too simple for some dogs
Not a good option for large dogs or large breed kibble
- May be too simple for some dogs
- Not a good option for large dogs or large breed kibble
Slow feeders create obstacles to your dog’s ability to eat their food too quickly, reducing the risk of discomfort, vomiting, and more serious issues. There are multiple ways to slow down how quickly your dog eats the food, but slow feeders are a readily available option for this.
Conclusion
Use these reviews to help you find the perfect slow feeder for your dog. The best overall pick is the Outward Hound Fun Feeder Purple, which is sturdy and effective at slowing most dogs’ eating. For tight budgets, the top pick is the Frisco Bone Shaped Ridges Slow Feeder, which is budget-friendly and comes in two colors. For puppies, the best option is the Iris Slow Feeding Bowl, which comes in long-snouted and short-snouted versions and two sizes.
See also: 6 Effective DIY Dog Feeders You Can Make at Home
Featured Image Credit: Chewy
