Slow feeder bowls can help your excited pug pace their food frenzy, preventing them inhaling dry food and snacks too quickly. These are our top picks for the best slow feeder bowl for pugs.
Pugs are great dogs and excellent pets. The breed, which originated in China, is a part of the toy group thanks to its small, 14-inch frame. But what this charming, mischievous dog is best known for is its endearing wrinkled, smushed face.
And like many other dog breeds, Pugs can get a little too eager when it comes to mealtime. It’s not uncommon for a Pug to eat too fast—many dogs do it. Eating too quickly can cause issues, making slow feeder bowls the perfect tool.
Choose one of our picks for best slow feeder bowl for Pugs to help pace your pup for a happier, healthier lifestyle.
–> Check out more recommended Pug accessories here
Why Do Pugs Need Slow Feeder Dog Bowls?
Some dogs need slow feeder bowls simply because they eat too fast. Pug puppies and adults alike can get over-excited when food and snacks are around. This means they scarf down their food, which can lead to other problems such as:
- Bloat
- Stomach dilation
- Vomiting
- Choking
- Gastrointestinal issues
So, while you might find it amusing that your eager Pug devours his food, it could cause health issues. Slow feeder bowls force your dog to pace himself, helping him avoid the issues above.
Slow feeder bowls also come with a great list of benefits. Slower eating prevents choking and improves digestion, but it can also help with portion control. Some bowls even provide a bit of a challenge, which keeps your Pug’s mind sharp.
What Makes a Good Slow Feeder Bowl for Pugs?
You’ve probably already caught on: good slow feeder bowls prevent your dog from eating too quickly, thus avoiding additional problems. But what makes a slow feeder good? Here are a few crucial features to look for in a high-quality product.
Design
You can find slow feeder bowls in a wide range of designs. There are maze options, donut shapes, spikes, studs, and other shapes. All of these designs have various indents that create nooks and crannies for your dog’s food.
In the end, it’s more difficult for your dog to get his food. The level of difficulty your dog needs will depend on his personality and habits. A basic donut design works well for small dogs that are easily deterred, while more complex maze designs are ideal for determined pups.
Materials
These days, you can find slow-feeder bowls made in a variety of materials.
These include:
- Stainless steel
- Ceramic
- Silicone
- Plastic
The four materials above are the most common. If your dog is a serious chewer, you might want to steer clear of plastic or silicone. Stainless steel is easy to clean, but the noise of the food in the bowl could bother dogs sensitive to sound.
Ceramic is also easy to clean and looks nice, but it will break if dropped or flipped. Choose the best fit for your Pug.
Non-slip Base
It’s a good idea to find a slow feeder bowl equipped with a rubber grip on the bottom. You don’t want your dog to be able to move or flip his bowl easily; otherwise, that defeats the purpose of having a slow feeder.
A gripped bottom will help keep the bowl in place while your dog eats, minimizing messes and keeping him focused on the task at hand. Invest in high-quality gripping systems that will stay in place.
Size
One thing you need to consider when purchasing any kind of dog food bowl is the size. The bowl needs to be large enough to hold your dog’s appropriate feeding proportions.
That being said, given the wacky designs of some of these slow feeder bowls, it may be a little more challenging to judge. The products below will let you know their capacity.
Know how much food your dog gets before buying a new bowl, and always check for the bowl’s maximum capacity.
Best Slow Feeder Dog Bowl for Pugs
The best slow feeder bowls for Pugs will help slow them down, are easy to clean, and can hold the proper amount of food.
Take a quick look at our top 6 choices:
- Lickimat
- Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo-Bowl
- Upsky Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
- Jasgood Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
- Neater Pet Slow Feed Bowl
- Le Tauci Ceramic Slow Feeder Bowl
Let’s get into a little more detail about each of these dog bowls.
1. Lickimat Slomo
Lickimat is one of the most popular brands on the market when you’re looking at slow feeder dog bowls. Their range includes slow feeder mats for both dogs and cats, and there are sizes and shapes to suit any pet.
The Lickmat Slomo is our top choice as a slow feeder dog bowl for pugs, as it’s specifically designed for flat-faced breeds – meaning your pug won’t get frustrated trying to snuffle the last treats and pellets out of their feeder!
This slow feeder mat also helps reduce anxiety and boredom in your pug. It’s perfect for treats, food, peanut butter, yoghurt, and many other types of pug treats to keep your pug occupied for ages.
2. Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo-Bowl
If you’re looking for multiple designs, several colors, and numerous size options, then the Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo-Bowl is the right choice for you.
The Slo-Bowl is available in small/tiny, medium/mini, and large/regular. The small/tiny holds ¾ cups of food, while the medium/mini holds up to two cups of food. Both of these are ideal choices for small breeds like Pugs.
As far as designs go, you can choose from notches, swirls, rings, or a flower shape. The bowls come in gray, blue, orange, and purple. Each bowl includes a non-slip base to keep it in place and is made with food-safe materials that are BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free.
Pros:
- Dishwasher safe
- Food-safe plastic
- Multiple design options
- Non-slip bottom
- Lightweight and easy to carry
Cons:
- Not chew-resistant
3. Upsky Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
The Upsky slow feeder dog bowl is an adorable, food-safe, non-toxic product available in nine beautiful pastel colors. It features rounded and raised portions to create plenty of gaps to slow down your Pug’s eating.
The standard size bowl holds up to two cups of food, making it ideal for small to medium dogs. It has small mats attached to each side of the bottom to prevent slipping and pushing.
This bowl is simple, affordable, and eco-friendly, plus it’s easy to wash given its PP resin coating. In addition, the premium material is safe, and the excellent design is effective.
Pros:
- Safe for dogs and the environment
- Anti-slip design
- Several fun color options
- Good good capacity
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Only one design option
- Easy for dogs to flip
4. Jasgood Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
The Jasgood slow feeder dog bowl features a classic design that’s perfectly safe for your fast-eating Pug. Made from non-toxic, high-quality plastic,
Some pet owners are wary of drastic spikes that protrude from some slow feeder bowls, but this one uses a unique spiral maze design that creates safe and fun obstacles. This bowl holds up to three cups of dog food and works well as a water bowl. It’s ideal for small to medium breeds.
Take comfort in knowing the Jasgood bowl has anti-slip mats around the bottom of the bowl, which helps prevent your curious pet from nudging or pushing it away. The broad base also helps with pawing and flipping.
Pros:
- Eight fun color options
- Made with safe materials
- Wide base
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Not ideal for puppies
- Slides easily
5. Neater Pet Stainless Steel Slow Feed Bowl
Stainless steel is durable, easy to clean, and doesn’t trap bacteria and smells like plastic can. And that’s why we love the Neater Pet stainless steel slow feeder.
This bowl features a simple donut-style design with one large elevated piece in the middle. The small size option holds one cup of food, while the large option holds three cups. The basic ring is just enough to slow down eating without deterring lazy pups.
Because the bowl is stainless steel, it’s dishwasher safe. It also fits into some feeding stations.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Simple design
- Good capacity options
- Durable
Cons:
- No design options
6. Le Tauci Ceramic Slow Feeder Bowl
The Le Tauci slow feeder dog bowl is an excellent option for anyone looking for a ceramic product. This beautifully designed bowl is available in four different colors and patterns, making it easy to customize.
The bowl has a great weight to it, given its ceramic design. Not only is it sturdy and stable, but it also features a non-slip base. So it’s sure to stay in place for even the messiest eater.
The ceramic design is a breeze to wash and is dishwasher safe. It’s also safe for the microwave, making it perfect for wet food lovers. It holds up to one and a half cups of dog food and 20 ounces of water.
Pros:
- Sturdy, chew-resistant design with a non-slip base
- An excellent choice for small to medium dogs
- Several effective design options
- Dishwasher and microwave safe
- Ceramic material is healthier than plastic
Cons:
- Hard to travel with
- Breakable
Final Thoughts – Best Slow Feeder Bowl For Pugs
The fastest of pups can inhale its food in under one minute, which might seem impressive; however, it can be pretty bad for its overall health. Quick eating can quickly lead to vomiting, choking, gas, bloat, and more—so it’s best to ensure your dog slows down.
Good slow feeder bowls for Pugs have effective designs that make your Pug work just a little harder to get his food. A sturdy material, gripping bottom, and elevated designs can pace your dog and promote healthier eating habits.
Try one of our top choices for your Pug to see if it solves his quick-eating instincts.
