Some dogs eat as though every meal is their last. They gulp down their food in seconds, which can lead to choking, gagging, vomiting and digestive upsets. A slow feeder bowl solves this by adding ridges, mazes or obstacles that make your dog work around the food, turning a ten-second meal into a few minutes of eating.
We have compared five slow feeder dog bowls currently available on Amazon UK, from the market-leading Outward Hound to budget maze feeders and an open-design alternative. We explain who each suits, what we like and what to watch out for.
Quick Comparison Table
Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl | Best-known maze feeder | £12-£15 | 4.5/5 |
Decyam Slow Feeder Dog Bowl | Low-cost maze bowl | £8-£10 | 4.5/5 |
MateeyLife Anti-Choking Slow Feeder | Best-value everyday feeder | £7-£9 | 4.6/5 |
YINEYA Slow Feeder Dog Bowl | Medium and larger dogs | £9-£11 | 4.6/5 |
Eat Slow Live Longer Original Feeder | Wider, open design | £13-£15 | 4.2/5 |
Individual Product Reviews
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl
Best for: the best-known slow feeder, with a massive review record
Outward Hound’s Fun Feeder is the slow feeder that most people picture: a plastic bowl with a raised maze pattern that forces a dog to work around the ridges to reach their food. It has been a bestseller for years.
Fast eating can cause choking, vomiting and other problems, and a bowl like this typically slows a dog’s eating substantially. It is available in several sizes, so you can match it to your dog, and it has a non-slip base.
It costs around £13 for the medium size and averages 4.5 out of 5 across more than 130,000 ratings, an outstanding record.
What we like:
- Huge number of positive ratings
- Non-slip base
- Several sizes
Worth knowing:
- Plastic can be chewed by determined dogs
- Hard to clean by hand in the grooves
Specifications:
- Type: maze slow feeder
- Material: plastic
- Size shown: medium
- Brand: Outward Hound
Decyam Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
Best for: a low-cost maze bowl with thousands of happy owners
The Decyam slow feeder has a raised pattern that breaks food into small pockets, so a dog has to work to get it out. It has a non-skid base and a durable, food-safe plastic construction.
It is a simple, effective design that many owners have used with great success on dogs that gulp down their meals. It is easy to wash, and is dishwasher safe.
It costs around £9 and averages 4.5 out of 5 across almost 14,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Low price
- Non-skid base
- Dishwasher safe
Worth knowing:
- Plastic construction
- Not suited to dogs that chew bowls
Specifications:
- Type: maze slow feeder
- Material: food-safe plastic
- Base: non-skid
- Brand: Decyam
MateeyLife Anti-Choking Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
Best for: a well-reviewed everyday slow feeder
MateeyLife’s slow feeder has a maze-style layout and an anti-choking design that slows down fast eaters. It is made from food-grade plastic, with a non-slip base that stops the bowl sliding around.
It has more than 6,000 ratings and averages 4.6 out of 5. Owners say it is easy to use and that it slows meals considerably, which is exactly what you want from a slow feeder.
It costs around £8, making it one of the cheapest and best value options available.
What we like:
- Very well reviewed
- Very low price
- Non-slip base
Worth knowing:
- Plastic
- Some dogs push it around if they are keen
Specifications:
- Type: maze slow feeder
- Material: food-grade plastic
- Base: non-slip
- Brand: MateeyLife
YINEYA Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
Best for: a popular, affordable option for larger appetites
The YINEYA slow feeder has an anti-choking design with raised ridges and a sturdy, non-slip base. It is made from healthy, food-grade materials, and it comes in a couple of colours.
It suits medium and larger dogs, and the pattern gives a good mix of obstacles without being frustrating.
It costs around £10 and averages 4.6 out of 5 across around 3,500 ratings.
What we like:
- Solid reviews
- Good size for bigger dogs
- Non-slip base
Worth knowing:
- Plastic
- Not as well known as the leading brands
Specifications:
- Type: maze slow feeder
- Material: food-grade plastic
- Base: non-slip
- Brand: YINEYA
Eat Slow Live Longer Original Feeder
Best for: dogs that are bothered by the ridges of other bowls
Eat Slow Live Longer has a different design from the maze bowls: a wide, shallow bowl with a raised section in the middle and flowing ridges that slow a dog down while giving a better shape for the food.
It is a good choice for dogs that are frustrated by very tight mazes, and for flat-faced breeds that find deep bowls hard. It has a non-slip base and a sturdy build.
It costs around £14 and averages 4.2 out of 5, though the number of ratings on this listing is small.
What we like:
- Wider, more open design
- Non-slip base
- Good for flat-faced dogs
Worth knowing:
- Fewer ratings on this listing
- More expensive than the maze bowls
Specifications:
- Type: slow feeder
- Material: plastic
- Base: non-slip
- Brand: Eat Slow Live Longer
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
What to Look For
Choose a bowl made from food-grade, BPA-free material with a non-slip base. The pattern should be challenging enough to slow your dog down, but not so hard that they become frustrated and give up.
Check that it is easy to clean. Deep grooves can trap food, so a dishwasher-safe bowl is a real advantage.
Types of Slow Feeder
Maze bowls have raised ridges that a dog has to eat around. Puzzle feeders have blocks or flaps that a dog moves to reach the food. Lick mats spread food across a textured surface. Some bowls include a central peg or a raised centre that stops a dog gulping down large mouthfuls.
For most dogs, a maze bowl is the simplest and most effective option.
Size Guide
Choose a bowl big enough for a whole meal. Small dogs and puppies do well with small bowls with shallow ridges, while large dogs need bigger bowls with deeper obstacles. Flat-faced breeds are best with wider, shallower designs.
If in doubt, go for the slightly larger size, since a bowl that is too small can lead to spilled food.
How Much Should You Spend?
A good slow feeder costs £7 to £15. There is little advantage in paying more, unless you want a premium material such as stainless steel.
Frequently asked questions
Do slow feeder bowls actually work?
Yes. Most dogs eat noticeably more slowly from a maze bowl, which reduces gulping and may help with digestion and bloating. Results vary, but most owners see a real difference.
Are slow feeders suitable for puppies?
Yes, provided you choose a size and pattern that suits them. Start with an easy design and supervise, and make sure your puppy does not chew the bowl.
How do I clean a slow feeder bowl?
Wash it after every meal in warm, soapy water, using a bottle brush or a soft brush for the grooves. Many are dishwasher safe, but check the label.
Can slow feeders be used for wet food?
Yes. Wet food can be pressed into the grooves, and it works particularly well for slowing a dog that gulps. Wash the bowl straight away so that the food does not dry hard.
My dog gets frustrated with a slow feeder. What should I do?
Start with a less challenging bowl or spread the food out at first. Keep meals positive, and if your dog gives up, try a more open design.
Conclusion
For most owners, the Outward Hound Fun Feeder is the safest choice, with an unmatched review record and several sizes. The MateeyLife feeder is a very good budget alternative with a strong rating, and the Decyam and YINEYA bowls are also good choices.
If your dog finds tight mazes frustrating or has a flat face, the Eat Slow Live Longer feeder has a more open design. Whichever you choose, wash it after every meal and enjoy the calmer mealtimes.
