In this part of my “What’s in Your Dog or Cat’s Bowl?” series, I explore ways to change up your feeding routine for both your best furry friend. Slower eating means less chance of bloating, reduces vomiting, as well as slowing down digestion, and can helping to combat obesity. The design of any slow feeder is meant to slow down fast eaters and encourage dogs and cats to use their natural foraging skills and to use their brain.
Many slow feeders are made of food-safe plastic and feature ridges, valleys and grooves to make feeding time fun and more interesting to your pet. They hold a variety of foods; wet food, raw or freeze-dried and all sizes of dry kibble and also supplements. I layer my slow feeder bowls with wet food or Primal freeze dried foods on the bottom. Then I add the dry kibble on top. I add Primal Goat milk or the Primal Bone Broth to moisten the layers and then watch my dogs tackle the challenge. Their eating time slows down considerably, and the look on their faces when they finish the meal is full of joy. If I freeze the bowl it may take my lab 40 minutes to finish her meal. Then I pop the slow feeder in the dishwasher for a good cleaning. Slow feeder bowls can be used everyday and come in a variety of sizes for all dogs.
I also use the Kong Gyro or the Kong Wobbler toy as a slow feeder for my dogs. These toys dispense foods when pushed by your dog’s paw or nose. The wobbling, spinning and rolling motion is great for confidence building and engages your dogs nose. Freeze dried and dry kibble is best for these fun toys. These slow feeders are easily cleaned as well.
Cats need slow feeders to help them exercise and to fulfill their natural instinct to hunt and chase. My cats love their Kong cat cone and watching them swat and play with the feathered toy is fun. They always leave this toy on my pillow, as if they captured something and are giving me a gift. It is their way of saying thank you for giving me something fun to do.
So give your dog or cat a challenge and let them use their brain. Come on over and let us show you exactly how these rewarding slow feeders work best for your pet’s age, specific breed and size.
Join me at my next workshop on Sunday, May 27th from 11:30 – 1 pm to discuss and practice using slow feeders. You’ll have an opportunity to make your own slow feeders out of everyday objects you have at home or take advantage of our 20% OFF sale on our Canine Enrichment Toys. Hope to see you there! Our workshops are not to be missed…
