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Does your dog eat too fast? Do you wonder if he or she is even chewing or tasting the food? Mine does and I do wonder! I have no idea why my Bella feels like eating has to be a race, but she does.
Consequently, I’m glad that Outward Hound solved the problem with a slow feeding dog bowl solution. Outward Hound designs dog bowls and feeders to make feeding healthy and fun for our fur babies.
So, why did they design such a feeding solution in the first place?
Eating Too Fast is Dangerous
When Bella’s food is in her old bowl, she can literally inhale a ¼ cup of kibble twice a day in 45 seconds. But then, she acts as if she is still hungry. Her little tummy swells up like a small balloon and gets hard to the touch.
I quickly became aware of the health risks associated with Bella’s eating too fast. It is common for dogs that eat like she does to end up with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). This condition is more commonly known as bloat.
Bloat, which kills around 20,000 dogs every year, is typically attributed to rapid eating.
GDV is No Joke!
When the stomach blows up like a balloon, eventually it can expand so much that it begins to twist. When this happens, gas is trapped and starts cutting off normal circulation. As a result, a dog can quickly go into shock and die.
“Careful attention to diet, feeding and exercise regimens may help to prevent gastric dilatation-volvulus.”
Dr. Ernie Ward, DVM
So, since a feeding regimen can help prevent GDV, I knew I had to find something for Bella. After much research, I wanted to try a slow feeding dog bowl with her.
Benefits of Slow Feeding Dog Bowls
- Encourages a healthy eating pace
- Minimizes choking
- Eliminates gas
- Helps with portion control
- Prevents indigestion
- Provides mental stimulation
- Reduces the risk of bloat
- Decreases regurgitation
- Lowers the chance of canine obesity
- Improves digestion
Outward Hound’s Fun Feeder Slow Feeding Dog Bowl
Our first purchase was the Outward Hound Fun Feeder slow feeding dog bowl. The Fun Feeder received the Becker’s Best Award at the 2014 Global Pet Expo as one of the ten best new pet products of the year.
“Dogs who wolf down their food or cats who “binge and purge” have more than met their match with the Fun Feeders that turn a pig-out session into a relaxing — and safer — meal.”
Dr. Marty Becker, DVM, “America’s Veterinarian”
The Fun Feeder comes in five colors and each has a different patterned design within it. The designs are crafted to help slow down a dog’s eating habits.
In fact, Outward Hound designed them to promote a more natural, prolonged eating habit. Dogs are able to push their food through a maze of ridges and valleys. As a result, dinnertime is more like a hunt.
Outward Hound’s Fun Feeder Pros and Cons
Unfortunately, Bella struggled with this slow feeding dog bowl. She is a morkie, so her snout is a little flatter. Therefore, I believe this to be the reasoning for the struggle.
On the other hand, my foster dog had no problem pushing food through the ridges and valleys. So, I attribute this to her longer snout, because she is a min-pin.
Pros
- Available in 5 patterned designs
- Can be found in 5 different colors
- Comes in large and small
- Slows eating up to 10 times
- Non-slip rubber base
- Dishwasher safe on top rack
- Reputable brand
- Solid construction
- BPA, PVC & phthalate free
- Mentally stimulating
Cons
- Not suitable for short nosed dogs and small dogs
- The hard plastic can be hard on teeth
- Smart dogs may be able to lift or flip the bowl
Next, I came across the Outward Hound Fun Feeder Mat in my local PetSmart.
Outward Hound’s Fun Feeder Mat
This mat, which is similar to a slow feeding dog bowl, has prolonged Bella’s feeding time considerably. In other words, she went from eating her food in 45 seconds flat to approximately five minutes.
This mat was exactly what was needed to slow her down. Now, Bella is still eating when her brother, Edward, finishes.
Pros
- Easily folds up for storage and travel
- Slows eating up to 10 times
- Has a unique nonslip and flip resistant design
- Dishwasher safe on top rack
- Reputable brand
- Flexible, food safe rubber is easy on teeth
- Ideal for small dogs, short nosed dogs and brachycephalic dogs
- Several colors to choose from
- Available in 4-cup and 2-cup capacities
- BPA, PVC & phthalate free
- Mentally stimulating
Cons
- Some food may spill out on the ground
- Not suitable for puppies or dogs that are chewers
- Only one patterned design no matter what color you choose.
Conclusion
When a dog eats from an Outward Hound Fun Feeder, they can’t wolf down their food. It’s an effective compartmentalized dog bowl that encourages dogs to eat in a natural way.
By eating in a natural way, they are working for their food. Therefore, they are getting more out of the meal than just nutrition.
In addition, when a dog slows down their eating, they improve their chances of a long, healthy, and happy life.
Does your dog use a slow feeder at mealtime? Tell us all about it in the comments.
You might like our post about mentally stimulating your dog for overall well-being:
Mentally Stimulate Your Dog for Overall Well-Being
Another way to mentally stimulate your dog is taking them for a walk. Check out this post:
Walking Your Dog – Why It’s So Important!
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