FAQ: Bowls & Feeders for dogs

A double stand keeps the food and water bowls in one place and the floor stays cleaner. Just remember that the water gets dirty from food bits more quickly, so it needs changing more often.

Yes, removable bowls are easier to wash and replace while the stand itself stays in place. Check that the bowls sit firmly in the stand and the dog cannot lift or flip them out.

No, most healthy dogs eat perfectly well from a bowl on the floor, which is how dogs naturally eat. A raised bowl is a comfort choice, especially for tall or older dogs.

A slow-feeder bowl has ridges, mazes or grooves in the base that spread the food out. The dog has to pick it out, so it eats more slowly and swallows less air.

If your dog finishes its portion in seconds, often burps, coughs or vomits right after eating, a slow feeder may help. Repeated vomiting or a swollen belly should always be discussed with a vet.

Yes, wet food can be spread between the ridges, but such a bowl is harder to clean. For wet food, models with shallow grooves that are easy to brush clean are more practical.

Some dogs find a complicated maze frustrating at first. Start with a simpler design, place the food on top of the ridges at first and praise the dog when it succeeds.

Simple designs with a few ridges suit most dogs, while dense mazes are for very fast eaters or dogs that enjoy a challenge. For flat-faced dogs, choose lower and wider ridges.

The bowl itself does not reduce the portion, but slower eating keeps the dog busy longer and can feel more filling for some dogs. For weight loss, an accurately weighed portion and exercise matter most, and the plan is worth discussing with a vet.

Slow feeders are made of plastic, silicone, ceramic or steel. Plastic ones are light but a chewer can damage them, while ceramic and steel ones are heavier, last longer and are easier to clean.

A slow feeder is easiest to clean straight after a meal, before the food dries on, using a narrow brush or a toothbrush. If the manufacturer allows it, it can also go in the dishwasher.

Yes, there are silicone or plastic inserts that sit in or stick to the base of a regular bowl and turn it into a slow feeder. This is handy if you want to keep a favourite bowl or stand.

A slow feeder only slows eating down, whereas in a puzzle feeder the dog has to slide lids, turn parts or search compartments for food. Puzzles give more mental exercise and help keep a bored dog busy.

A snuffle mat is a base of fabric strips in which dry food or treats are hidden. The dog finds the food by smell, so it eats more slowly and settles down, as sniffing naturally tires and calms dogs.

Spread soft dog-safe food, such as wet food, into the grooves of a lick mat and let the dog lick it. Licking is calming, so the mat helps during baths, nail trims or fireworks.

Most silicone lick mats can go in the freezer, so frozen food keeps the dog busy for longer. Check the manufacturer’s instructions and do not let the dog chew the mat.

Only give these under supervision and take them away once the food is gone. If the dog tears off or swallows pieces, choose a sturdier design, as swallowed parts can block the intestines.

Most snuffle mats can be washed in a washing machine on a gentle cycle or by hand, and then dried thoroughly. Wash them regularly, as crumbs and moisture collect between the strips.

Yes, many owners feed part or all of the dry ration through puzzles or snuffle mats so the dog uses its brain and nose more. Make sure the dog finishes the whole portion and does not get too frustrated.

For a beginner dog, choose a level-one puzzle where the food is reached by simply sliding or flipping a lid. Once the dog has learned, you can move on to harder ones to keep it interesting.