--- title: Slow Feeder Bowls for Dogs | Happy Paws Kennels url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/slow-feeder-bowls/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Guides](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/) - Slow feeder bowls # Slow feeder bowls: bring yours to boarding A slow feeder bowl has ridges or obstacles so a dog cannot gulp, and the AKC recommends them as part of preventing bloat in fast eaters. If your dog uses one at home, bring it to your Happy Paws stay. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Some dogs inhale dinner in under a minute. A slow feeder turns the bowl into a small puzzle. ## How a slow feeder works Slow feeders are bowls with obstacles inside, so a dog cannot scoop up more than a few pieces of kibble at a time. Meals last longer, which cuts gulping, vomiting and swallowed air. Others are puzzle feeders and snuffle mats, which add a scent-hunting game to mealtime. ## Why it matters for bloat The AKC reports that fast eaters have about five times the bloat risk of slow eaters. Its prevention list includes slow-feeder bowls, two smaller meals instead of one, and separating dogs at mealtime to reduce stress. It also says raised bowls do not lower the risk, so the bowl style matters more than the height. For the full picture, read [bloat in dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/bloat-in-dogs/). ## Who benefits - Dogs that gulp, then vomit or cough - Large and deep-chested breeds - Dogs eating in company, where they race - Dogs that need mental work as well as food ## Using one at a boarding stay The kennel supplies bowls, but asks you to bring your own slow feeder if your dog uses one, since a familiar tool keeps mealtimes the same. Mark it with your dog's name and say so on the feeding note. Dogs that have a new bowl at a new place may eat differently, which is one more reason to bring the usual one. ## Choosing and cleaning one For enrichment ideas that use food, see [enrichment ideas](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-enrichment-ideas/). - Pick a size that suits the dog's muzzle; too hard a pattern frustrates a dog. - Wash it daily, since ridges collect food. - Start with a gentle pattern at home before the stay. - Supervise any new feeding tool at first. ## A simple at-home trial Before a stay, serve a few meals in the slow feeder so your dog learns it. Start with a gentle pattern and a normal portion, and watch for frustration. Some dogs work out the bowl in a day; others need a week. If your dog gets stuck or gives up, try a flatter design or a puzzle toy for part of the meal. A dog that already knows its bowl will eat more calmly in a new place, which also helps appetite on the first day of boarding. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [American Kennel Club, bloat in dogs](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/bloat-in-dogs/) - [Cornell Riney Canine Health Center, canine enrichment ideas](https://riney.vet.cornell.edu/member-benefits-health-tips/canine-enrichment-ideas) - [Happy Paws Kennels, things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [Bloat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/bloat-in-dogs/) - [What to bring](https://happypawskennels.com/what-to-bring/) - [How much to feed a dog](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-much-to-feed-a-dog/) - [Enrichment ideas from our kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-enrichment-ideas/) - [Boarding large & giant dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/large-and-giant-dogs/) - [Printable packing list](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/packing-list/) ## Read next - [Why we ask you to remove metal pinch (prong) collars](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/prong-collars-and-kennels/) - [Kuranda beds](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/kuranda-dog-beds/) - [How often should you bathe a dog?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-often-to-bathe-a-dog/) - [Deshedding double coats](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/deshedding-double-coats/) - [Is day care good for dogs?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/is-dog-day-care-good-for-dogs/) - [Dog day care cost](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-day-care-cost/) - [How often should my dog go to day care?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-often-should-my-dog-go-to-day-care/) - [Puppy day care](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/puppy-day-care/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### Do slow feeder bowls prevent bloat? The AKC recommends them as one part of prevention, but bloat cannot always be prevented. ### Should I bring a slow feeder to boarding? Yes, if your dog uses one. Mark it with your name. ### Are raised bowls better? The AKC says raised bowls do not lower the bloat risk.