Bowls, leashes and balls are supplied by the kennel, so the slow feeder is one of the few things worth packing.
Why people use them
Fast eaters gulp air along with food, and that can lead to burping, vomiting and discomfort. A slow feeder makes the dog work a little for each bite, stretching a meal from seconds to minutes. Owners of deep-chested breeds often choose one as part of a mealtime routine, along with advice from their vet about portion size and rest after eating. The bloat guide explains why vets watch eating speed and exercise around meals.
What Happy Paws asks
The kennel's things-to-know page says to bring the bowl if your pet requires one, and to be sure you get it back at the end of the stay. Mark the bowl with your name. Bowls, leashes and balls are otherwise provided, so there is no need to pack a regular dish. Write your dog's amounts in cups on the feeding page of the agreement.
Tips for packing
Choose a bowl that is easy to wash and not so intricate that food sticks in the grooves. Pack it with the food in its original bag. If your dog uses a food puzzle instead of a bowl, tell the staff how it works. You can also practice at home by feeding two meals a day with the slow feeder at the same times you will use at the kennel.
If your dog gulps food anyway
Some dogs find a way around a maze bowl. Spreading kibble on a flat mat, using a lick mat for wet food or splitting meals can also help. A frozen treat or a lick mat is a calm way to occupy a dog after meals; see lick mat. Ask your vet before changing the feeding routine of a dog with health problems.
More on feeding
Read slow feeder bowls, food and special diets and what food do you feed.
Choosing a bowl
Look for food-safe material, a base that does not slide and ridges your dog can reach. Match the pattern to your dog's muzzle: a flat-faced dog does better with wide, shallow ridges, while a long-nosed dog manages deeper channels. Replace a bowl that gets scratched or chewed, since scratches hold bacteria. If a bowl is too frustrating, your dog may flip it, so start with an easy pattern.