The Myriad Benefits of Dog Food Puzzle Bowls

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Your standard, everyday stainless steel dog bowl may not provide the health benefits your pup needs, especially if they’re the type to inhale their dog food. If that’s the case, it might be time to find a slow feeder dog bowl that promotes healthy living.

Name a few things your dog just can’t live without. Is it their favorite “moo-moo” or rubber chicken they bring with them everywhere, even on car rides? Maybe it’s that worn-down chew toy they can’t part from. Or even a pair of your shoes that are now ruined because when they were a pup, your good shoes were perfect chewing practice. Now, they can’t fall asleep without them or their bedtime dog treat.

How about literally? Would you say their allergy medicine or other medications? Quality time? Naps? The possibilities are truly endless.

What if I told you, that one of the major things a dog can’t live without is its dog bowl? A dog bowl is a staple for providing your dog a vessel for their needed nutrients and meals. The best dog bowl comes with health benefits.

Is Your Dog Bowl Right for Your Dog?

We have all gone on the journey of finding “the one,” no matter what that “one” is. You have probably also gone through several dog bowls. Maybe your dog outgrew the mini size or maybe it wasn’t dishwasher safe. Or maybe you have an interactive treat dispenser that doesn’t hold enough kibble.

Choosing the right dog puzzle bowl is almost like trying to find a gift for your significant other or family member, the goal is to make sure they actually use it and not try to re-gift. It’s not easy!

There are plenty of factors that go into choosing the RIGHT dog bowl. Pet parents often have concerns about the size, materials, benefits, and overall look of the food or water bowl. Perhaps you have concerns about dog bloat, gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) or them gulping their food and chowing down too fast. If this is the case, your dog needs a slow-feed solution in order to avoid a life-threatening condition like GDV.

Finding ‘the one’

It is important to identify the features you are looking for in a dog food bowl or puzzle toy and work towards finding the right fit.

Once you have identified these features, let the hunt begin!

Here are a handful of questions to ask when shopping for a new dog bowl:

1. My dog chows down too fast during mealtime. Will this help them slow down?
2. Do veterinarians recommend this bowl?
3. Is it food-grade safe?
4. Can I place it in the dishwasher? Is it as easy to clean as a stainless steel bowl?
5. Can I place wet and dry food in the bowl?
6. Is there a bowl that can also give my dog enrichment and mental stimulation?

If you said yes to any of those questions, I might have a perfect pet bowl in mind for you.

Go Beyond the Bowl: The OH Fun Feeder Slow Feed Dog Food Puzzle Bowl

Fun Feeder Slo Bowls are the best slow feed dog bowls and come in a fun variety of colors and different sizes to fit you and your pup. Plus they can hold both dry food and wet food.

Unlike regular bowls, dog slow feeder bowls are also vet recommended, which takes the hassle out of second-guessing if your bowl is actually benefiting your dog (and your dog’s stomach). Veterinarians recommend slow feeder food bowls for all types of dogs to prevent bloat and support healthy digestion for your dog.

Common issues that arise in fast-eating dogs include bloating, regurgitation, and canine obesity. Puzzle feeders both challenge and engage your dog during mealtime while helping reduce unhealthy eating habits. The best slow feeder dog bowls have ridges and maze designs that force your pup to not gobble everything in one bite.

It is not called a Fun Feeder Slo-Bowl for no reason. These bowls were designed with your fast eater in mind. The bowl enables your pup to chow at a gradual pace at feeding time — up to 10x slower to be exact. They’ll have fun working for their food!

Slo Bowls are composed of food-safe materials and non-slip bases so they won’t skid on your floor. They are also top-rack dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. They are made of polypropylene and TPE, which are similar to silicone but are stronger than plastic bowls, plus they are more heat-resistant so they won’t melt in the dishwasher.

These anti-slip, non-skid dog food puzzle bowls are also PVC, phthalate, and BPA-free. One less thing dog owners have to worry about!

Other ways to slow down your dog’s eating

In addition to the classic dog food puzzle bowl, the Nina Ottosson dog puzzle Wobble Bowl is another fun option for slowing down your dog’s eating pace. It makes your pup use its problem-solving skills to figure out how to get his food out during mealtimes.

It’s time for a new bowl for healthy, slow eating

Perhaps you already have a trusty slow feeder, but you’re wondering if it needs replacing. While Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowls are durable and built to last, nothing is indestructible. 

First, make sure you get the right size dog or cat bowl for your pet. Is it too small? A bowl that’s too small for your pet’s size could be too tempting for your large, chew-happy dog to get their mouths on. A larger dog will need a larger bowl.

But these aren’t dog toys! Large dogs will need a large dog bowl. Small dogs will need a small dog slow bowl. Replace your puppy’s tiny bowl once your dog’s eating more kibble as they grow.

You can find out slow feeders on our website, Amazon, Chewy, and more. Check out our adjustable elevated dog bowl and stainless steel slow feeders here.