Best Slow Feeder Cat Bowl in 2021: Complete Buyer’s Guide Kitty Reporter

Many cats tend to gulp down their food at the speed of light. You may not have seen them do it, but you’ve found regurgitated cat food around the home. But why do so many cats do this? What causes them to regurgitate their food? If a feline eats too quickly, they’ll regurgitate or choke on their cat food, which can cause them to vomit. Over time, this eating habit can lead to obesity. The best slow cat feeder is specifically designed to make your cat slow down while they eat. This can aid in digestion and can prevent your pet from regurgitating in the future.

These innovative bowls have flooded the market over the last couple of years, so you’ll find no shortage of bowls to choose from. But what makes one slow feeder better than the next one? Which design will work the best for your feline? That’s where I come in.

I’ve tested out several different types and styles of bowls, looking at durability, ease of use, and how cats respond to each type. I’ve narrowed it down to a total of eight bowls that have what it takes to do the job right. These well-built feeders cannot easily be tipped over, are designed to last, and come with some great features that will capture your pet’s attention. Below, I’ve put together a comparison chart that includes each slow feeder and important information that can help you pinpoint which dish is right for your pet. I’ve also designed this buyer’s guide to show you exactly what features to look for to select a dish that your pet will love and one that will really work to slow them down when they’re eating.

Slow Feeder Cat Bowl Comparison Chart

Product	Type	Colors	Material	Rating
Pioneer Pet SmartCat Tiger Diner Cat Feeder Shop On Amazon!	Hunting	3	Porcelain/Stoneware
Lorde Slow Feeder Cat Bowls Shop On Amazon!	Puzzle	1	Ceramic
Redmogo Slow Feeding Cat Bowl Shop On Amazon!	Puzzle	2	Plastic
Simply Pets Online Slow Feed Cat Bowl Shop On Amazon!	Hunter	3	Bamboo Fiber
Catit Senses 2.0 Slow Feed Bowl Shop On Amazon!	Tree Feeder	1	Plastic
Mogoko Cat Catch Slow Feeding Bowl Shop On Amazon!	Puzzle	1	Plastic
Amorom Double Pet Slow Feeder Bowl Shop On Amazon!	Puzzle	1	Stainless Steel
Petstages Cat Puzzle Slow Feeder Shop On Amazon!	Puzzle	3	Plastic

Best Slow Feeder Cat Bowl-Pioneer Pet SmartCat Tiger Diner Cat Feeder

Our Rating: (5/5)

This hunting feeder cat bowl features a non skid bottom and a durable, heavy design that prevents the bowl from tipping over. This interactive cat feeder is made out of a combination of porcelain and stoneware that’s BPA free. This feeder is designed to encourage your cat’s hunting instincts, so they really work for their food. Your cat will not scarf and barf with this dish. Instead, they’ll be forced to sit and use their paws to scoop the kibble out of the bowl. The funnel-shaped bowl is easy to fill and will automatically distribute the kibble as needed. This is a design that will really challenge your feline to fetch their own food. Hunter bowls are a great choice for pets of all ages and can provide the type of mental stimulation many cats need.

Conclusion

This feeder by Pioneer Pet will provide both physical and mental stimulation. It will encourage your cat to eat at a healthier speed, preventing the scarf and barf problem that’s so common with cats who rush through a meal. The feeder itself is heavy, durable, dishwasher safe, and will be a great choice for single or multi-cat households.

Best Slow Eating Puzzle Feeder-Lorde Slow Feeder Cat Bowls

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This slow feeding bowl is made out of thick ceramic that’s non toxic. The bowl is also microwave and dishwasher safe. The design promotes healthy eating, weight maintenance, and can help to prevent vomiting and indigestion by making your cat work for their food, significantly lengthening the time it takes for your cat to finish a meal. The maze design will make mealtime fun and will keep your cat entertained as they eat their way toward the center of the bowl. The ridges are also perfectly spaced, so this model will work for both delcawed and clawed felines.

Conclusion

This interactive feeding bowl will not only keep your cat entertained, it will also make your pet work for their food. Additionally, the weight of the slow feeding bowl will prevent a hungry and playful cat from tipping it over or moving it. The bowl’s design will help your cat slow down during mealtime, which can prevent a variety of issues including regurgitation, vomiting, and more. Pet parents will love this bowl’s durable design, which makes it suitable for cats of all sizes.

Best Slow Feeder Cat Bowl for Wet Food-Redmogo Slow Feeding Cat Bowl

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The manufacturer claims that this slow feed bowl can cause a cat to eat up to ten times slower. This improves digestion and prevents the scarf and barf issues that so many cats are known to experience. The bottom of this feeder features a non slip base, which will prevent the bowl from sliding across the floor during use. The bowl itself is made out of plastic that’s phthalate and BPA free.

Conclusion

This feeder works well for both dry food and wet, is easy to clean, and designed to last.

Eating slower is healthier for your cat. The design encourages your cat to reach in and scoop out their food, dramatically reducing digestive upset, flatulence, and other types of GI issues. The design will provide your cat with some much-needed mental stimulation. Now, your feline must rely on their instinctive hunting skills to grab up their kibble, making mealtime both challenging and fun.

Best Slow Feeder for Dry Food-Simply Pets Online Slow Feed Cat Bowl

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This is one of the best slow feeders on the market and it’s one that was designed by veterinarians. The plastic free, BPA free design is eco-friendly and durable. The interactive bowl is also very large, measuring in at ten-inches by twelve-inches. The design itself will encourage your feline to forage for food, making mealtime more of a challenge, while preventing your pet from inhaling their dinner as usual. The maze design will promote slow eating, while providing mental stimulation.

Conclusion

If you have a playful cat in the home, a cat who is prone to vomiting after eating, or a cat who is prone to overeating, then this cat bowl is the right choice.

The larger design of the bowl makes it suitable for large breeds or multiple cats. This model is available in three colors, features an eco-friendly design and can provide much-needed entertainment and mental stimulation at meal-time.

Budget-Friendly Slow Eating Cat Bowls-Catit Senses 2.0 Food Tree – Interactive Slow Feed Bowl

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This cat food tree design makes this model one of the most unique slow feed bowls on my list. Unlike competing slow feed bowls, this model is shaped like a tree. It’s made out of BPA free plastic and includes three difficulty levels that are sure to challenge your cat. It provides mental stimulation, causing your cat’s instincts to kick in. Now, your kitty will have to work for their food by placing their paws through a narrow opening, an effective design that will force your kitty to slow down during mealtime. In terms of stability, the tree has a wide durable base that will prevent larger cats or multiple felines from tipping it over.

Conclusion

Cats will definitely be challenged by this feeder, on account of the unique design that will really make a feline put in work to reach their kibble.

Cat owners can adjust the settings on this feeder by rotating the middle disc or by widening or narrowing the openings, based on cat size. The tree allows cats to explore their senses, relying on their hunting and foraging skills to access their kibble. This tree is a great choice for cats of all ages, but younger, more active cats are more likely to be interested in this unique slow feeding cat bowl.

Top Slow Feed Cat Bowl for Adults-Mogoko Cat Catch Interactive Slow Feeding Bowl

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This interactive feeder is made out of thick BPA free plastic that’s eco-friendly and thick, so it can withstand rough use from a playful kitty. The design of the feed bowl will make meal time more interesting and challenging for your cat, but it will also dramatically slow your pet down during meals, preventing them from choking, overeating, or vomiting. The non-slip base design features a rubber mat. The mat, combined with the heavier weight of the feeder will prevent it from sliding across the floor during use. The slow feeder bowl’s flexible and soft spikes will not hurt your pet, and instead places a barrier between each segment will make your cat slow down at meals.

Conclusion

This fun, colorful, and durable cat bowl will make dinner time a challenge for your cats. This model essentially eliminates digestive upset, episodes of vomiting and regurgitation after meals, and will provide your cats with much-needed mental and physical stimulation. These cat bowls are surprisingly durable, affordable, and are a great choice for any cats with a history of vomiting or digestive issues.

Best Stainless Steel Cat Slow Feeder-Amorom Double Pet Slow Feeder Bowl

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This puzzle slow feeder for cats is made out of stainless steel and natural wheat straw. This is a double bowl set that’s durable, safe, and eco-friendly. The double bowl design allows you to use these bowls for both water and food. Additionally, the feeder is compatible with kibble and wet food. The bowl’s built-in footprint shape barrier will force your cat to use their paws to scoop out their kibble. This can significantly lengthen mealtime and prevent your cat from choking, vomiting, or regurgitating.

Conclusion

This slow feed cat bowl features an arc design and comes with four anti-slip mats that prevent the bowl from tipping over or sliding during use. This is one of the best slow feeder bowls for cats of all ages and it’s made out of eco-friendly materials, features a durable design, and is a good choice for cats of all sizes. If you need a feeder that will make your cat slow down at mealtime, then this model by Amorom is a great buy. Unlike competing slow feed cat bowls on my list, this slow feed cat bowl features a two-bowl set up, for both food and water. It’s also reasonably priced, durable, and easy to clean.

Best Cat Puzzle Feeder-Petstages Interactive Cat Puzzle Slow Feeder

Our Rating: (4/5)

Petstages is one of those well-known brands that creates some great products for pets. Their latest line of feeder bowls for cats are available in vivid colors that are sure to capture your cat’s attention. Cat puzzle feeders can be very challenging, and a whole lot of fun for your pet. They will enjoy more mental stimulation at meals and will take their time as they problem solve how to access their food.

This colorful slow feeder by Petstages promotes healthy, slow eating by allowing your cat to forage for their food, working slowly to the center of the maze. These types of cat slow feeders are fun for cats of all ages. Unfortunately, this model should only be used for dry food, since wet food would be difficult to clean out of the narrow ridges. This slow feed cat bowl is phthalate, PVC, and BPA free.

Conclusion

This is the best slow feed bowl for adults and seniors who are in need of more mental stimulation during melas. Because this puzzle feeder is designed to slow your pet down during meals, it can prevent choking, vomiting, and regurgitation. Your kitty will fall in love with the colorful, challenging design, while cat owners will appreciate these puzzle feeders that do an impressive job of providing both physical and mental stimulation for cats of all ages. Unlike competing puzzle feeders, this feeder can hold up to ¾ cup of pet food and features a base that’s slip-resistant and designed to prevent food spillage while keeping the bowl firmly in place as your cat plays, forages, and enjoys their meal.

Best Slow Feed Cat Bowl Buyer’s Guide

These bowls are designed to slow your pet down at meals. The bowls are usually designed to divide up the food into smaller portions, which is what will prevent your cat from scarfing their food down in a matter of seconds.

Health Problems Caused by Eating Too Quickly

Some cats have a big problem with gulping their food down at meals. Considering they have a very small stomach and an average diet that consists of just half to one cup of food daily, this can lead to a variety of health problems. It can also be a big challenge for pet owners with multiple cats in the home, since competitive feeding can make a cat consume their food even faster.

The biggest concerns that are linked to eating too quickly include:

• Eating too quickly can suppress behavioral instincts and can make a cat feel stressed and lethargic.
• Gulping down food can lead to abdominal discomfort.
• A habit of fast eating can lead to obesity

A slow feeder can help address most of these problems. This is especially true for models that are specifically designed to trigger a cat’s natural instincts to hunt and forage. On average, these bowls can extend a cat’s feeding time by as much as five to ten minutes.

A feeder cat bowl is referred to by many names such as puzzle feeders, interactive feeders, and foraging bowls.

How a Feline Eats

Unlike a dog, which licks through their food, a feline prefers to forage and scoop their food using their paws. Most canines have longer tongues and snouts, which allows them to easily access their kibble through obstructions and puzzles. Cats love to play with their food before they eat. Additionally, they’re not prone to greed-driven feeding, unless there are several other pets in the home. Knowing this, you can choose a dish that specifically caters to a cat’s natural instincts to hunt and forage, as they use their paws to scoop their food out of these fun slow feeders. But what type will work for your specific pet? Sometimes, it can be a matter of trial and error. Cats are very unique individuals. One type of feeder may work great for one of your cats, while another will turn their nose up at it. In this case, you may have to do a little experimenting to find a slow feeder bowl that works for each of your cats.

Benefits of Using Slow Feeders

It’s important for all animals to eat their meals slowly to prevent vomiting and bloat, but it’s especially crucial for felines. Cats are notorious for scarfing down their food, then vomiting promptly after. Using this type of feeder can prevent an upset stomach and vomiting, but they also offer many other important benefits including:

• Your kitty will feel full faster. These best slow feed bowl can make your cat pace themselves when they’re eating, allowing their digestive system to catch up and signal to a cat’s brain when they’re full. This will not only prevent vomiting, but can also help your pet lose weight and can prevent obesity. Cats are less likely to overeat if they feel full.
• Some types of slow feeders can also provide mental stimulation, causing your kitty to problem solve to determine how to reach their food. These are usually the popular puzzle cat bowls that have a maze design that encourages pets to go slow and work their way toward the middle of the bowl.
• When a pet eats slowly, this allows for proper digestion. Healthy digestion means that the body is able to absorb proper nutrients easily.

Does My Cat Need a Slow Feeder Bowl?

These slow feeders are designed to prolong a pet’s eating time at meals, for those felines who have the habit of eating too quickly. The cat bowls will have ridges or some type of elevations that will break up the surface of the dish and distribute the food in smaller portions. This will prevent your kitty from ingesting large quantities of their food.

If you have a feline that has one of the following issues, then your cat will definitely benefit from using one of these bowls:

• Your cat is obese
• Your kitty eats too quickly and vomits after eating
• Your cat chokes on their food often
• They have issues with bloat

These cat bowls are designed to solve all of these problems, by causing your pet to slow down when they eat. When obesity is an issue, it can be a matter of a cat eating too quickly, not giving their body time to register when it’s full, so the cat continues to eat.

Bloat is a common problem in both dogs and cats who eat too quickly, and is a direct result of swallowing a lot of air when they eat fast.

Types of Feeder Cat Bowls

These slow feeders are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, for both canned and dry food. Most types of feeder cat bowls can accommodate cats of all ages and sizes, but some may have sides that are too tall for a kitty under the age of six months.

Kibble Style Bowls

While most types of slow feeders will work for wet and dry, certain types of slow feeding bowls are specifically designed for kibble only. These bowls look like a maze and are designed to distribute the kibble in small portions between the ridges.

Canned Food Style Bowls

If a slow feeder bowl doesn’t have raised edges, then they’ll only work well for dry food. Models that have a hollow base or raised edges are perfect for canned pet food.

Hunting Feeder Bowl

Hunting slow feed cat bowls are designed to mimic how a feline would hunt in the wild. This type is available in a variety of shapes, however, the goal of these bowls is to stimulate a cat’s natural hunting instinct. Hunting feeders can be shaped like a tree, with the upper portion filled with dry food. To reach the food, a cat will need to put in some work.

Puzzle

These puzzle bowls will not only cause your pet to slow down when they eat, but they can also be used for treats for a fun playtime that will provide your pet with much-needed mental stimulation. This can help to reduce anxiety and boredom in cats and can be a very calming and rewarding experience for your pet.

Cat Tree Slow Feeder

These feeders are a great choice for young cats and adults. They feature a multi-level design and a wide solid base that will prevent the tree from tipping over when an excited cat goes to work foraging for kibble. This type of slow feeder can be used for kibble and treats and can provide both physical and mental stimulation. Senior cats may enjoy this type of bowl as well, however, if your older cat has arthritis or other health-related issues, then you’ll want to avoid using this type of feeder.

Important Features

Choosing the right slow feed cat bowls for your pet can be tricky, since cats are notoriously picky. But if your cat vomits or regurgitates more than two times a week, then making the switch to a cat slow feeder is a must.

Design

Make sure the feeder features softer ridges that are perfectly distanced. Ridges that are too wide will not slow your cat down when they’re eating. If the ridges are too narrow your cat may become frustrated quickly and will refuse to use the bowl.

You’ll find ceramic and steel slow feeders that feature a simple bowl design, which encourages your cat to scoop their food out with their paws. Because of their simple design, these slow feed cat bowls may be better suited for kibble only.

Bowls that are made out of plastic materials often come in more interesting designs and shapes, including maze or puzzle designs with an anti-skid, low profile bottom. Many of these feeders will support wet food but will have to be cleaned after each meal to remove food residue. However, the low-profile design can also allow the wet food to spill over the sides and rim.

Clawed and Declawed Felines

Some slow feeders are designed specifically for declawed cats, making it easier for them to grasp and scoop their food, while others will be more suitable for clawed cats.

Multi-Cat Households

Additionally, you’ll also come across slow feeders that allow multiple felines to use them at the same time, which will make the dish more suitable for multi-cat households.

Difficulty Level

If your cat is very intelligent, then you’ll need to look for a design that’s very challenging. You can find models that offer a higher difficulty level that will make your cat slow down and work for their food, triggering their problem-solving skills and providing the type of mental stimulation that will have your cat looking forward to mealtime for a whole new reason.

Material

The material the slow feeder is made out of should be food-grade and BPA-free. The material should be thick, rugged, and durable. These bowls are available in stainless steel, plastic, and ceramic. Ceramic is a safe material, but it can chip, and crack if dropped or knocked over. Thick plastic is a great choice, but if you have a large cat, the dish can easily be flipped over. Stainless steel is the most durable, but it can rust over time, if not cared for correctly.

Stainless Steel

Cat slow feeders that are made out of steel feature a pretty basic design that consists of a bowl with a few pillars as obstacles or an edge-free dome design. These bowls are more stable than the other options available and usually come equipped with a bottom that’s fitted with a rubber ring that’s removable. These rubber rings can be removed when it’s time to toss the dish in the dishwasher.

Plastic

Cat slow feeders that are made out of plastic are more affordable than stainless steel, but not quite as durable. Plastic bowls are made out of food-grade, high quality plastic materials that come in interesting designs such as puzzles and mazes. These designs are usually pretty effective in slowing a cat down, which is the whole goal of using this type of dish. They’re also dishwasher safe and a better choice than resin or silicone bowls.

Resin/Silicone

Cat slow feeders that are made out of resin or silicone can be a better choice if you have a younger cat that likes to chew, considering these materials are chemically inert. These bowls are also a better choice if you’re looking for a dish to take with you on a vacation or family trip, due to their highly portable, foldable designs.

Ceramic

Like all types of items made out of this material, ceramic cat slow feeders are more durable, and stable compared to silicone and plastic models, due to their heavier weight. This material will also do a great job of keeping a pet’s food relatively cool. However, they’re also the most expensive option, compared to stainless steel or plastic bowls.

Maintenance

Many cat slow feeders are dishwasher safe, however, they will need to be placed on the top rack of the dishwasher to prevent damage. Some will need to be washed by hand, in warm soapy water. Make sure you read the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions prior to use.

Why Cats Eats Too Fast

In most cases, cats tend to scarf down their food for behavioral reasons. Some may be anxious that another cat or a dog in the house will steal their food, others may just be lonely or bored. Your cat may also just love their food and gets too excited when they eat.

If your cat’s behavior has changed recently, such as a significant increase in appetite, it may be a good idea to take them to the vet for a checkup. In some cases, a cat may have an underlying health condition that’s causing them to feel hungry all the time. Conditions include diabetes and hypothyroidism. Another symptom of both conditions is vomiting. If your pet vomits regularly, then you’ll need to make an appointment with their vet to rule out any potential health problems.

Other Ways to Get Your Feline to Slow Down When they Eat

Making your cat work for their food can do the trick. In the wild, cats have to forage for their food. This is what makes this type of bowl so effective. An interactive slow feeder is designed to trap kibble so your feline will have no choice but to push and grab the food with their paws to eat, which will significantly slow them down.

Adding an interactive feeder, toy, or other items that dispense kibble and treats can help to keep a bored pet entertained. These toys will not only slow them down when they eat, but they’ll also provide a workout and some much-needed mental stimulation.

Feeding your cat more than once a day can help to prevent them from quickly gobbling down their food. This will also allow you to control the portion size and can help aid in weight loss for cats who have a tendency to overeat.

Read Customer Reviews

Not sure if any of the items you have your eye on will work as well as the top brands claim they do? Take a look at reviews left by cat owners. In reviews, you’ll find unbiased information that can help you determine which type of bowl will be the best fit for your feline, which models are dishwasher safe, and whether or not a product can really handle heavy duty use from playful cats. You can also look on local forums to see what the experts have to say about a particular model, or to learn more about the benefits of making the switch to this type of dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Slow Feeders Work for Cats?

A slow feeder will provide a variety of obstacles for your pet to eat around, which will make them eat slower, while providing mental stimulation, making it a more engaging way for your pet to eat.

How Can I Make My Cat Eat Slower?

There are many things you can try that can help your cat slow down when they’re eating. By far, using this type of bowl is the best and most effective method and one that your cat will find very entertaining.

Why Does My Cat Eat like He’s Starving?

Cats that have an overactive thyroid will always feel hungry because their body lacks the energy they need, despite eating. Cats with diabetes will also have this problem. Fortunately, both conditions are treatable.

What Should I Do After a Cat Throws Up?

• Remove their pet food for two to three hours and provide water only
• After two to three hours, add a teaspoon of their normal food, or you can prepare a bland meal that consists of boiled chicken and white rice.
• Monitor for signs of stomach upset
• If your cat vomits more than twice, refuses to drink or eat, contact their vet

Should I Leave Food Out for My Cat all Day?

If your cat is not obese, then free feeding is okay. However, if your cat is steadily gaining weight, it’s time to create a feeding schedule and serve small portions of their food three times a day.

Why Does My Cat Want to Eat Every 2 Hours?

Common health problems that can cause a pet to feel hungry all the time includes diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and parasites. If your cat is thin and crying constantly for their food, schedule an appointment with their veterinarian.

Final Thoughts

The best slow feeder cat bowl can help prevent vomiting, regurgitation, and overeating. These dishes are designed to make your pet work for their food and can provide mental stimulation, exercise, and will help your cat feel full faster. The bowls that I’ve included here all rated well with cat parents, earning many positive reviews for their innovative design, durability, and overall quality. With this buyer’s guide and a list of the top products on the market, you should have no trouble finding the right dish for your pet.