5 Benefits of Slow Feeders for Your Dog

For so many reasons, these simple tools are the perfect addition to your pup's mealtime routine.

 

In my humble opinion, the best kinds of slow feeders are made from food-grade silicone. It's a soft durable, yet flexible material that is easy to clean and typically can be frozen or warmed up, depending on the tasty treat you are preparing.

As the name implies, slow feeders are most commonly used to slow down all of our road runner eaters that inhale their meals.

 

Thanks to the maze-like designs of most slow feeders, including those in the Barkin' product line, they can effectively reduce the risks of indigestion, bloating and obesity by encouraging pups to go at a slower pace. 

 

You are able to promote better digestion and therefore, a healthier gut.

Slow feeders, enrichment feeders and lick mats all offer the benefit of calming the anxious dog. The repetitive licking action can have a soothing effect on the nervous system, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety. 

 

This can be a very helpful tool during various situations such as bath time, grooming, thunderstorms or separation from you when you need to step out of the house.

 

If you've got an anxious pup, consider adding a slow feeder to his coping strategies!

The textured surfaces of these kinds of feeders can aid in oral health by cleaning your dog's teeth and gums as they work their way through the food in the bowl. 

 

This is another reason why silicone is the most ideal material. Your pup's teeth are unlikely to scratch the surface in the same way they could on a hard plastic feeder. This avoids any sharp surfaces that can scratch your pup's gums.

Using a slow feeder can stimulate a dog's mind and senses, providing a fun and engaging activity that encourages problem solving and cognitive development. 

 

These feeders can help alleviate boredom which is especially helpful for pups that tend to have more destructive behaviours like chewing shoes or furniture. 

 

The more intricate the design, the more of a puzzle it is for your pup to solve.

Just like it can be used to help anxious pups stay calm, these feeders can be used to distract and redirect a pup's focus during activities such as grooming or nail trims.

 

These feeders, along with lick mats and snuffle mats, can be incorporated into training routines as a positive reinforcement tool. It's a high ticket reward when you are teaching your pup new things and good manners!

Overall, having slow feeders is a valuable addition to your toolkit for pup parenthood. These multi-purpose bowls will go a long way in providing a healthier and happier lifestyle for your dog 🤩