You’ll notice that they eat more slowly, don’t over-consume their food, and tend to be less sick afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are the different types of slow feed bowls?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are all kinds of shapes, sizes, and materials you can choose from when it comes to slow feed bowls so finding the best one is easy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite the exterior shape, most slow-feed bowls have a track for food that is spiral in shape or concentric circles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is to ensure that the dog will slow down while eating because they need to lick up their food rather than take a large gulp of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are some of the cons of using slow feed bowls?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Not everything is better with a slow feed bowl, especially for the owner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some of the drawbacks of slow feed bowls include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Clean up is more difficult<\/strong>. Because of the many ridges, channels and crevices that slow your dog down while eating, cleaning the bowls can be a bit more work. We suggest a dishwasher safe slow feed bowl to make this easier. <\/li>
- Messy eating<\/strong>. Because your dog is having to lick and get into the channels to get the food, sometimes they can end up pushing bits of kibble out of the dish alltogether. They’ll eat it off the floor, but now you have to clean the floor and the bowl. With our twice a day feeding schedule, this was no longer a problem.<\/li>
- Harmful Materials<\/strong>. Some manufacturers use thin, inferior or dangerous plastics in the production of slow feed bowls. Be sure the one you buy is tough and not susceptible to becoming a chew toy that could become harful to your pet. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/happybostons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Slow-Feed-Bowls-Ryder-Tiny-1024x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow to know if your dog is eating too fast<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are some signs that your dog might be eating too fast. These symptoms include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Gulping food down instead of chewing it properly<\/li>
- Excessive drooling<\/li>
- Finishing each 1\/4 cup in less than 60 seconds<\/li>
- Vomiting after eating<\/li>
- Excessive flatulation (farting)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you notice any of these symptoms then you may want to consider using a slow feed dish in order to cut back on how much they’re consuming quickly during one sitting and help avoid overeating which can lead to stomach upset if done for long periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is it dangerous for a dog to eat too fast?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Yes. In fact, this behavior can lead to several serious conditions including aspiration, stomach dilation (bloat), choking, and vomiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Large breed dogs, and horses, are particularly susceptible to stomach dilation, otherwise known as volvulus syndrome, GDV, or gastric torsion. This is when too much air enters the stomach. The dilated stomach then twists around its short axis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The result is a series of potentially serious medical conditions that require immediate veterinary care. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Messy eating<\/strong>. Because your dog is having to lick and get into the channels to get the food, sometimes they can end up pushing bits of kibble out of the dish alltogether. They’ll eat it off the floor, but now you have to clean the floor and the bowl. With our twice a day feeding schedule, this was no longer a problem.<\/li>