Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Best Slow Feed Cat Bowls

Updated June 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Pioneer Pet Ceramic Portion Control Food Dish
Pioneer Pet
Ceramic Portion Control Food Dish
Check Price
Plastic-Free
Bottom Line

This sleek ceramic dish is ideal for cats with plastic sensitivities.

Pros

Ceramic construction for cats with plastic allergies. Openings accommodate large paws. Easy to fill. Dishwasher safe. Large enough for multiple cats. Stimulates mental and physical activity.

Cons

Needs to be placed on a nonslip mat due to being pulled by some cats.

Best Bang for the Buck
Trixie Activity Strategy Game Tunnel Feeder
Trixie
Activity Strategy Game Tunnel Feeder
Check Price
Eat and Play
Bottom Line

A slow feeder and an interactive cat toy in one, this option puts a stop to scarfing while making mealtime more interesting.

Pros

Wide-lidded top compartment fills easily. Automatically dispenses food on sides to engage cat. Wide base keeps food off floor. Adjustable portion output. Nonslip ring prevents sliding.

Cons

Only suitable for dry food. Screwing feeder lid on and off can be fiddly.

Petstages Interactive Cat Puzzle Slow Feeder
Petstages
Interactive Cat Puzzle Slow Feeder
Check Price
Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

Consider this BPA-free slow feeder that not only encourages healthy eating but also helps improve digestion.

Pros

Holds ¾ cup of wet or dry food. Features interactive maze pattern that slows eating pace. Non-slip base prevents sliding. Free from BPA, PVC, lead, and phthalates. Dishwasher safe.

Cons

A few reports of cats finding it hard to get some dry food from bowl. No suction under bowls.

Neater Pet Brands Slow Feeder
Neater Pet Brands
Slow Feeder
Check Price
Best for Large Households
Bottom Line

This feeder doubles as a water bowl and helps reduce bloating and indigestion.

Pros

Made from non-toxic ABS plastic. Holds 2.5 cups of dry food. Gentle on cats' gums and mouth. Equipped with anti-skid rubber feet to keep in place. For both dogs and cats. Available in different colors. Dishwasher safe.

Cons

Several reports of the feeder arriving with missing footpads. Not very easy to clean with wet food.

DotPet Slow Feeder Cat Bowl
DotPet
Slow Feeder Cat Bowl
Check Price
Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

Low, widely spaced ridges allow cats to alternate between eating directly from the bowl and "catching" food with their paws.

Pros

Low ridges ideal for wet food. Manages to slow greedy cats down without discouraging cats. Ceramic construction. Smooth surface easy to keep clean.

Cons

Clever or determined kitties might get food out faster than owners would like. Prone to sliding on smooth surfaces.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
60
Consumers
Consulted
22
Hours
Researched
Category cover

Buying guide for Best slow feed cat bowls 

Does your cat seem to devour each meal as fast as you dish it out? While we certainly want our feline friends to have a healthy appetite, gobbling grub at lightning speed can cause problems. Not only can rapid eating put Fluffy on a fast track to obesity, but it also frequently results in food being regurgitated minutes later. If you're concerned about your cat's speedy eating habits, a slow feed cat bowl could be the solution. 

Slow feed cat bowls come in a variety of designs, many of which actively encourage cats to "hunt" for their food. This innovative approach to mealtime delivers the two-fold benefit of slowing your cat's eating pace while providing mental stimulation at the same time. Some slow feed cat bowls are more challenging to eat from than others, so be sure to keep your cat's personality and paw size in mind while you shop. Other important considerations include size and capacity, materials, and wet/dry food compatibility. 

If you need help choosing the best option for your kitty, our in-depth guide to slow feed cat bowls, and recommendations, will point you in the right direction.

slow feeder
Sometimes cats eat quickly simply because they're hungry. Before you reach for a slow feed cat bowl, you might want to assess your cat's portion size to figure out if hunger could be at the root of the problem.

Key considerations

Types of slow feeders for cats

Slow feeders for cats come in four basic styles: slow feed bowls, slow feed lick mats, puzzle feeders, and automatic feeders. Keep your cat's disposition, food type, and lifestyle needs in mind as you browse through the various options. It will help you find the best fit for your feline.

Slow feed bowls: These generally consist of either a flat dish with a series of raised ridges spread over the surface, or a dome-like dish with paw-size openings positioned around the dome. Some flat dishes have deep ridges that require felines to fish out little bits of food at a time using only their paws. Others have shallower ridges that allow cats to simply eat around the pattern. Dome-shaped bowls have a center cavity for food and openings in the dome, inviting cats to reach in and pull out their "catch."

Slow feed lick mats: Lick mats are made of flexible silicone and consist of a flat, mat-like structure with a shallow ridge pattern on the surface. This unobtrusive design allows cats to simply lap up their meals. Because these slow feeders don't require any pawing or picking, they're most effective when paired with wet food or lickable cat treats. Most slow feed lick mats have suction cups to keep them from sliding and can easily be attached to any smooth, nonporous surface.

Puzzle feeders: As the name implies, cat puzzle feeders require some intelligence and cunning to master. Available in a host of interesting designs ranging from multilevel food trees to little balls that dispense food while your cat plays, puzzle feeders appeal to your feline's innate hunting instincts, making one an excellent choice for indoor cats in need of mental and physical stimulation. With that said, puzzle feeders aren't every cat's bag of catnip. If your kitty is impatient, physically impaired, or even just hopelessly lazy, it might be a good idea to pass up the puzzle feeder in favor of something a little less challenging.

Automatic feeders: While automatic cat feeders don't call for much effort from your cat, they can still give you some control over the volume of food ingested in one sitting. The best automatic cat feeders allow you to adjust the portion size and dispensing frequency as necessary. Needless to say, this setup can be ideal for busy pet parents who would otherwise be forced to resort to free-feeding (leaving food out for cats to eat at will) when they’re away from home.

Size and capacity 

The average slow feed cat bowl holds one generous portion for a single diner. If you have multiple cats who are accustomed to eating together, consider choosing a larger bowl so your extended feline family can continue to enjoy their meals together. Either way, it's always a good idea to check the total food capacity of any slow feed cat bowl to ensure it's able to accommodate your desired amount of food.

Food compatibility

Even the best slow feed cat bowl won't be much help if it's filled with the wrong kind of food. Although most manufacturers specify wet or dry food compatibility somewhere on the box or in the product description, a quick look at the bowl's design and ridge pattern can also help you identify whether it's a good fit for your cat's food type. 

Dry food: As a rule of thumb, deeper ridge patterns or anything that requires cats to use their paws are best suited to dry food. 

Wet food: Bowls or mats with shallow ridges that allow for licking should be reserved for wet food or runny treats. 

Wet and dry food: Bowls with widely spaced ridges can be used for both wet and dry food as long as your cat is able to fit its snout between obstacles without getting poked in the face.

Materials 

Slow feed cat bowls are typically made of plastic, silicone, or ceramic. Plastic is an exceedingly popular choice, not only for its affordability but also because it can easily be molded into a wide variety of shapes. Although most cats do just fine with plastic, it can cause acne breakouts in some felines. If you think your cat might have a plastic allergy, consider choosing something made of ceramic or silicone. Of course, there's always the possibility of breakage when using ceramic bowls, but if you're concerned about sensitivities or bacterial buildup, it's well worth the risk. 

Some clever kitties quickly figure out how to tip over their slow feed bowl. If tactics like this are right up your cat's alley, a hefty ceramic bowl or a model with suction cups should thwart Fluffy's plans.

STAFF
BestReviews

Features

Nonskid base

Because most slow feed cat bowls call for a paws-on approach to mealtimes, they're far more likely to end up sliding around on hard surfaces than their run-of-the-mill counterparts. A nonskid base or suction cups will help keep your cat's bowl in place while she works at getting her food out. If you feed your cat on the counter, this is one feature you definitely won't want to overlook.

Integrated water bowl 

A handful of slow feed cat bowls come with a water bowl attached. While this configuration works in theory (and in practice when used with regular bowls), your cat could very well end up dropping her hard-earned kibble into the water. Unless it comes attached to a lick mat or a bowl with a shallow ridge pattern that allows your cat to eat without scooping food out first, we recommend giving food-and-water-bowl combos a miss.

Colors 

Slow feed cat bowls come in a wide variety of colors. While Fluffy probably doesn't care too much about the color of her bowl, choosing something that blends well with your color scheme or other pet accessories certainly doesn't hurt.

slow feeder2
DID YOU KNOW?
If your cat's diet consists primarily of wet food, simply serving smaller portions and increasing meal frequency can be helpful.
STAFF
BestReviews

Accessories

Water fountain: PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Pet Fountain
Getting enough water is vital to your cat's digestive and overall health. A pet water fountain will ensure that every sip is always crisp, clean, and refreshing. 

Cat probiotics: Nutramax Laboratories PROVIABLE-DC Probiotics for Cats
Giving your cat a suitable probiotic can help improve gut health, aid digestion, and boost immunity.

Interactive cat toys: Friends Forever Interactive Cat Laser Toy
Playing with toys can help alleviate boredom, a common cause of overeating in indoor cats. Having a tough time motivating a flabby feline? Interactive cat toys like this one often prove irresistible. 

Slow feed cat bowl prices

Inexpensive

Regular slow feed bowls made of plastic and silicone lick mats start at $6 to $10.

Mid-range

Silicone lick mats in packs of two, large regular slow feed bowls, and some puzzle feeders can be purchased for around $10 to $20.

Expensive

Want only the very best for your feline prince or princess? Ceramic slow feed cat bowls, elaborate and entertaining puzzle feeders, and automatic cat feeders will set you back anywhere from $20 to $40.

“Scarfing and barfing” generally occurs when large amounts of dry food are ingested too quickly and swell to an unmanageable size in the stomach.

STAFF
BestReviews

Tips

  • Choose an appropriate option for your cat's paw size. If your cat is larger than average, its paws might be too big to fit through the gaps in regular slow feeder bowls. Think your kitty might have trouble reaching the food? Consider choosing a model with widely spaced ridges, large side openings, or a shallow ridge pattern that allows cats to eat directly from the bowl.
  • Feed your cats in separate rooms. Stress is a common cause of speedy eating in cats. If you have multiple cats or other pets who might cause anxiety during mealtimes (we're looking at you, Fido), try feeding your felines in separate rooms.
  • Opt for a feeder that's easy to clean. Reaching in between ridges or inside a dome-shaped bowl for a thorough cleaning can be a challenge. Of course, you could always whip out an old toothbrush, but when it comes to hassle-free cleaning, a dishwasher-safe model is hard to beat.
  • Give your cat time to adjust. Making the transition from a regular bowl to a slow feeder can be difficult for some cats. Try filling it with your feline's favorite food and give it some time to learn the ins and outs of using the new bowl before you consider replacing it with a different model.
slow feeder3
Rapid eating can be caused by many factors ranging from greed or anxiety to parasites or hormonal imbalances. Consult your vet to rule out the possibility of an underlying condition before switching to a slow feed cat bowl.

FAQ

Q. Will a slow feed bowl help my cat lose weight?

A. Yes. Wolfing down food doesn't give your cat's stomach much time to signal the brain that it's full. Reducing the speed at which your cat eats solves this problem, and most felines will automatically eat less than they used to. However, exercise is also important, so be sure to crack open your kitty's toy box to encourage physical activity as well.

Q. What's the best option for stubborn or lazy cats?

A. If your kitty is particularly stubborn or impatient, you certainly won't want to serve up its supper in a miniature replica of the Labyrinth of Crete. Opting for a simpler model, such as a dome-shaped slow feeder, can help reduce frustration and bolster your cat's "hunting" confidence. 

Q. Can my cat use a slow feed bowl made for dogs?

A. Many slow feed bowls are suitable for both cats and dogs. However, models that are designed for large dogs or simple slow feed dog bowls might not pose much of a challenge for your cat. If you're interested in a slow feed dog bowl, it's a good idea to take a closer look at the ridge pattern and size specs before you buy.