5 Best Dog Slow Feeders to Stop Fast Eating

Is Your Dog a Canine Vacuum? Here’s How to Slow Them Down!

If your dog eats like they’re in a competitive speed-eating contest, you’re not alone. One second the food is there, and the next—POOF!—it’s gone. While their impressive ability to inhale kibble might seem amusing, eating too fast can lead to choking, digestive issues, and even serious conditions like bloat.

Luckily, slow feeders are here to save the day (and your pup’s stomach). These clever feeding tools turn mealtime into a fun and engaging challenge, making your dog work for their food instead of inhaling it in record time. In this guide, we’ll break down the best slow feeders for dogs, how they work, and which one is the right fit for your four-legged food lover.

We use slow feeders daily, Stormy is a chow hound. So I do own all of the 5 that I’ve recommended below, and I use them all the time to help slow Stormy down when eating. Oh, and If you'd rather watch than read, scroll to the bottom there's a Youtube video where I discuss each of the slow feeders and show them in action with my 3 dogs.

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1. Kong Wobbler – Best for Interactive Mealtime

The Kong Wobbler is a durable, treat-dispensing slow feeder that provides both mental and physical stimulation. It wobbles unpredictably, requiring your dog to work for their food. The dogs take turns batting it around and chasing the scattered around the kitchen.

Why the Kong Wobbler Works for Fast Eaters

• Engages dogs by making them nudge and paw at it to get the food out

• Slows down eating to reduce gulping and bloating

• Made of durable, pet-safe materials

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Pros & Cons of the Kong Wobbler

✅ Great for mental stimulation

✅ Easy to clean (dishwasher safe)

✅ Works well for both kibble and treats

❌ May be too challenging for small or timid dogs

2. Nina Ottosson Lickin' Layers – Best Puzzle Feeder

This interactive puzzle feeder from Outward Hound requires your dog to solve a layered puzzle to access their food, slowing them down naturally. Stormy loves this thing! She can get dry food out pretty quickly, but if I add some water to her kibble and freeze it it will keep her busy for a long time.

Why It’s Great for Gulpers

• Encourages problem-solving skills

• Slows down eating without frustration

• Three layers of spinning compartments

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Pros & Cons of the Lickin' Layers Puzzle Toy

✅ Mentally stimulating and fun

✅ Great for all breeds and sizes

✅ Can be used for dry or wet food

❌ Requires supervision for heavy chewers

3. Outward Hound Snoop – Best for Treat Dispensing

The Outward Hound Snoop is a soft, treat-dispensing toy that requires dogs to roll and bounce it around to release kibble. We have both the small and large Snoop and I use them for meal time and treat time. Although it is easy to clean, be warned that it does get a bit slimy from all the dog slobber.

Why It’s a Must-Have

• Encourages slow, controlled eating

• Bouncy, interactive design keeps dogs engaged

• Soft yet durable material is gentle on teeth

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Pros & Cons of the Outward Hound Snoop

✅ Great for reducing anxiety & boredom
✅ Ideal for dry food or treats
✅ Easy to fill and clean
❌ Not suitable for heavy chewers

4. Snuffle Mats – Best for Natural Foraging Instincts

Snuffle mats mimic the experience of foraging, as dogs have to sniff and nudge their way through fabric layers to find kibble or treats. I use them every night to feed the dogs their dinner during the winter when we can’t be as active. They are easy to fill and all three of my dogs love them.

Why Dogs Love It

• Encourages natural sniffing and searching behaviors

• Perfect for reducing stress and boredom

• Works with all types of kibble

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Pros & Cons of snuffle mats

✅ Engages a dog’s senses

✅ Slows down fast eaters effectively

✅ Machine washable for easy cleaning

❌ Can’t be used with wet food

5. Potaroma Dog Smart Puzzle Feeder – Best for Brain Engagement

This interactive treat puzzle feeder is designed to challenge your dog while making mealtime last longer. This toy was gifted to me by Potaroma, and I’m so thankful they gave it to me to check out. I trained Stormy how to use it, and she loves pushing the button and running back to get the food. What a great way for her to get some exercise!

What Makes It Stand Out

• Requires dogs to push buttons to release food

• Provides physical and mental stimulation while slowing down eating

• Encourages problem-solving skills

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Pros & Cons of the Potaroma Puzzle Feeder

✅ Mental and physical enrichment

✅ Helps prevent gulping & bloating

✅ Works for dogs of all sizes

❌ Training required before your dog can use it

FAQ: Slow Feeder Bowls & Puzzle Feeders

Q: Do slow feeders really help dogs eat slower?

Yes! Slow feeders force dogs to take their time by requiring them to solve a puzzle, lick, or nudge food out of the bowl instead of gulping it down.

Q: What is the best slow feeder for large dogs?

For larger breeds, the Kong Wobbler or Nina Ottosson Lickin' Layers are excellent choices because they hold more food and are designed for durability.

Q: Are puzzle feeders good for dogs?

Absolutely! Puzzle feeders like the Potaroma Dog Smart Puzzle Feeder provide mental enrichment while also slowing down eating, making them great for both mealtime and playtime.

Final Thoughts

If your dog eats too fast, a slow feeder can make a huge difference in their health and happiness. Whether you go for a puzzle feeder, treat dispenser, or snuffle mat, each of these options can help improve digestion and reduce the risk of bloating.

If you want to see these toys in use, you can check out our YouTube video below where I detail each one.

Hopefully one of these slow feeders works for your dog. And don’t forget to check the latest prices on these slow feeders here: [Amazon Affiliate link] Slow Feeder Idea List on Amazon