Best Slow Feeder Cat Bowl (2023): Slow Down Fast Eaters To Aid Digestion

Today, we’re going to be comparing and reviewing some of the best slow-feeder cat bowls for pet parents. Designed to aid feline digestion, minimize the risk of sickness, and even help your kitty maintain a healthy weight, these clever cat supplies can be an extremely valuable investment. 

One of the big problems with cats eating freely out of full bowls of food is that they often eat too much and too quickly. This can potentially cause is obesity and what we call 'scarf and barf.'

If, like many pet parents, you have a cat who tends to eat far too quickly, a slow feeder bowl can be an excellent way to encourage them to slow down and enjoy their food. Not only do slow-feeder bowls reduce the risk of rapid weight gain, but they can also help to minimize vomiting, bloating, and other issues caused by digestive disturbances. 

With a little help from our own food-obsessed kitties, we examined the functionality of some of the best slow-feeder cat bowls, food puzzles, and dish solutions on the market today. Here’s your complete list of all the great options we found.

Best Slow Feeder Cat Bowl- Our Overall Pick

Petstages Kitty Slow Feeder Cat Bowl is a well-received product designed to slow down your cat's eating, promoting healthier eating habits and preventing issues like indigestion and vomiting due to rapid eating. Similar to that of a slow-feeder dog bowl the design of the bowl includes raised ridges that help to separate the food, making it more challenging for your cat to eat quickly.

The 3 Top Slow Feeder Cat Bowls - Best, Value & Premium

The good news for any pet parent in search of the perfect feeding solution for their cat, is there are plenty of slow feeder options on the market. If you want a quick insight into some of the best slow feed bowls to slow a cat's food intake, we narrowed our top picks down into 3 choices, based on overall performance, budget, and luxury functionality:

So that’s a quick chart showing our three best slow cat feedr bowls. Now let’s take a deeper look at the best and more.

To start with, let’s look at the top 3 in a little more detail.

The Best Slow Feeder Cat Bowls: Alternative Picks

Our top picks were chosen to appeal to a wide range of different pet owners and feline companions. However, if none of those options work perfectly for you, don’t worry. Here are some other great alternatives you can consider for your kitty:

What is a Slow Cat Feeder, and Why Should You Use One?

Slow cat feeders are a specialist type of cat bowl, designed to reduce the risk of your kitty eating too quickly. They generally include maze-style structures on the inside of the bowl, which force kitties to essentially “forage” for their food.

This means your cat is less likely to eat huge volumes of food too rapidly. The core purpose of a slow cat feeder is to aid kitty digestion. 

When cats eat too quickly, it can cause bloating, a sensitve stomach and stomach discomfort, and even vomiting. Slow feeders encourage cats to eat a little slower and take their time with digestion. Slow feeders can also be an excellent way to keep your cat entertained during their meal times. 

They often provide mental stimulation and keep kitties happy while they’re eating, so they’re less likely to stress eat or eat less consistently.

The Reasons Why Cats Eat too Fast

Eating quickly is a common practice for a lot of cats. If your cat seems to constantly inhale their food, then throw up soon after, you’re not alone.

However, if you notice your cat is vomiting frequently, or showing numerous signs of digestive distress, it’s worth speaking to a vet. Some of the most common reasons cats may eat overly quickly include:

Read this next: 8 Best Cat Foods to Stop Vomiting – Food for Cats That Throw Up

FAQs

How do you clean a slow-feed cat bowl?

Many slow-feed cat bowls and toys are top-rack dishwasher safe, provided you place them in the top section of the dishwasher. However, you can also simply hand-wash your cat feeder by running it under a hot tap with some mild soap. 

Is it dangerous for a cat to eat too fast?

Just as human beings can suffer from gastrointestinal distress and discomfort from eating too quickly, cats can suffer from similar issues. Eating too fast may cause your cat to become bloated, vomit, or feel other forms of discomfort. 

Can you put wet food in a slow-feeder bowl?

The food you can place in a slow feeder bowl will depend on a number of factors, including its design and the materials used to create the product. Check the instructions if you’re not sure whether your bowl is suitable for wet cat food. 

Are Slow bowls good for cats?

Slow feeder bowls can be an excellent way to help your cat minimize digestion problems and gastrointestinal discomfort. While not every cat will like these kinds of bowls, they can be a fantastic tool for a kitty who tends to eat too quickly. 

Read this next: How Much Should I Feed my Cat? A Simple Cat Feeding Guide

Best Slow Cat Feeder Bowls: The Verdict

A slow-feeder cat bowl can be an excellent investment for a pet parent concerned about their kitty’s eating habits. The right product will help your cat to slow down and eat more mindfully, so they’re less likely to suffer from gastrointestinal issues and distress. 

Our favorite product available right now on Amazon is the Petstages Kitty slow feeder bowl. It’s made with healthy materials and a non-slip base to prevent it from sliding around. Plus, the durable materials can withstand the dishwasher, for easier cleaning.