How Slow Feeding Can Transform Your Raw-Feeding Experience

Ever felt the intense pressure of your dog’s death stare as you dare to take an extra second putting their bowl on the ground? We’ve been there... But here’s the thing—slowing down mealtime can do wonders for your pup’s health. Taking an extra few minutes to add nutritious toppers, freeze their food, or assemble a meaty puzzle to solve can transform your furry best friend into a happy, healthier pup.

Slow feeding isn’t just a trendy buzzword; it’s an absolute game-changer. It improves digestion, engages their brains, and combats competitive or anxious feelings, resulting in an upgraded dining experience. Pair that with a raw diet, and you’re looking at improved energy, vitality, and a happier, healthier pup.

What Is Slow Feeding?

Slow feeding involves using special tools like the Toppl or Feast Mat, which are designed to spread out your dog’s food, making it harder for them to gulp down meals quickly. This encourages slower eating and provides a host of health benefits.

 

The Benefits of Slow Feeding for Dogs

  • Reduces the risk of bloat: Slow feeding prevents the stomach from filling too quickly, reducing the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening condition.
  • Decreases gassiness: Slower eating helps reduce the amount of air swallowed, which can minimize bloating and gas.
  • Promotes mental stimulation: Slow feeders offer a challenge that keeps your dog engaged, reducing boredom and anxiety.
  • Improves digestion: Eating slowly aids in better digestion, leading to improved nutrient absorption and fewer gastrointestinal issues.

 

Slow Feeder Options

Feast Mat

The Feast Mat is a tool for creating a calm, enjoyable, and enriching mealtime experience for your dog. Whether you’re dealing with a fast eater, a picky eater, or a dog who needs help relaxing, the Feast Mat offers an innovative, multi-functional solution. Its durable, eco-friendly construction and ease of use make it the perfect addition to any dog’s feeding routine.

 

Key Features & Benefits:

  • Dual-Sided Functionality: The Feast Mat features two sides to enhance your dog's feeding experience:
    • The Slow Feeder side allows for healthy food exploration, helping to slow down fast eaters and encouraging your dog to savor their meal.
    • The Lick Mat side is perfect for providing a soothing, stress-reducing activity. Licking releases endorphins that can calm your dog, making it ideal for reducing anxiety and boredom.
  • Engages Picky Eaters & Slows Down Fast Eaters: If your dog is a picky eater, the textured surfaces of the Feast Mat will encourage them to engage more with their food. For fast eaters, the mat helps to slow down eating, preventing choking and supporting healthier digestion by encouraging your dog to eat at a more natural pace.
  • Perfect for a Creative Feeding Experience: The Feast Mat offers endless possibilities for creative feeding. Fill it with soft foods like peanut butter, yogurt, or mashed fruits, and watch your dog enjoy the challenge of licking and exploring. It’s a great way to add variety to your dog’s meals and provide mental stimulation during feeding time.
  • Safe, Non-Toxic & Eco-Friendly: The Feast Mat is made from Seaflex, a blend of recycled ocean-bound plastic and zero-waste Zogoflex material. It is BPA-free, phthalate-free, latex-free, and FDA-compliant, ensuring that it is completely safe for your dog. The mat is also top-rack dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean after each use.

 

Toppl

When it comes to keeping your dog mentally engaged and physically active, the Toppl is an excellent choice. Designed as a treat-dispensing puzzle toy and slow feeder, the Toppl encourages your dog to use their brain, supporting healthy growth and development.

 

Key Features & Benefits:

  • Mental Stimulation for Healthy Growth: The Toppl works as a puzzle toy, encouraging your dog to problem-solve and work for their meal. This mental exercise helps boost cognitive function and provides enriching playtime that supports overall brain development.
  • Perfect for Treats & Wet Foods: The Toppl pairs perfectly with a variety of tasty fillings—whether it’s creamy treats, cheese chunks, smashed banana, or even dog biscuits. The options are endless, allowing you to customize your dog’s experience and provide them with a variety of flavors.
  • Safe & Durable: Made with non-toxic, dishwasher-safe Zogoflex® material, the Toppl is built to withstand heavy chewing and rough play. It’s also 100% recyclable, meaning it’s safe for your dog and kind to the planet.
  • Eco-Friendly & Recyclable: When you’re finished with your Toppl, you can recycle it through the Join the Loop® program, contributing to a zero-waste future. By choosing the Toppl, you're not just supporting your dog’s well-being, but also making an eco-conscious decision.

The Toppl isn’t just a toy—it’s a tool for enrichment. With its customizable challenge, safe materials, and long-lasting fun, it’s the ideal addition to your dog’s mealtime routine.

 

Why Slow Feeding Is a Game-Changer for Raw Diets

When paired with a raw diet, slow feeding enhances the digestive benefits of raw feeding, leading to:

  • Better digestion and fewer digestive upsets
  • Improved dental health and fresher breath
  • A shinier coat and healthier skin
  • More energy and vitality

What Is Raw Feeding for Dogs?

Raw feeding provides your dog with a diet that mimics what their wild ancestors ate: uncooked meat, bones, organs, and some fruits or vegetables. Raw food is designed to offer a biologically appropriate diet, rich in proteins, fats, and essential nutrients. Raw dog food is often processed using high-pressure processing (HPP), which kills harmful bacteria while retaining the nutritional benefits of fresh food.

The Benefits of Raw Feeding for Your Dog

  • Improved dental health: Raw food helps naturally clean teeth, reducing plaque buildup and promoting fresher breath.
  • Enhanced digestive health: Raw food is easier to digest, reduces stomach issues like acid reflux and bloating, and results in smaller, less odorous stools.
  • Healthier skin and coat: Omega fatty acids and essential nutrients in raw food promote hydrated skin, a shinier coat, and protection against skin issues.
  • Increased energy and vitality: Higher protein and fat content support your dog’s energy levels, helping them stay active and healthy.

 

Raw Feeding and Slow Feeding: A Perfect Combination

Integrating slow feeding techniques with a raw diet maximizes the health benefits for your dog. With this approach, your dog will experience:

  • Better digestion and fewer gastrointestinal problems
  • Enhanced dental health and fresher breath
  • A shinier coat and healthier skin
  • Increased energy for daily activities

Ready to make mealtime healthier and more enjoyable for your dog? Explore our range of slow feeders, like the Toppl and Feast Mat, to enhance your dog's mealtime experience!