Does your dog wolf down is food? Help him slow down with some of the cleverly designed food bowls we discussed in this recent podcast episode.

Fast eating can cause excess gas and can lead to gastrointestinal issues. But those aren't the only reasons to slow down your dog's eating habits: you can also help make life all the more enjoyable by making mealtime last longer. Slow Food Bowls present little mouth and brain challenges that can help you can extend the amount of time it takes your dog to eat his meal, while also upping the energy he expends getting at his food. Dogs like to have jobs, and if we don't give them jobs, they too often assign themselves their own occupations, which usually aren't careers we want them to have! Food toys can help tire your dog out in an appropriate way, and help satiate some of that need he has to solve problems.

Here are some great bowls (each of which can be used with dry food, frozen food, raw food, wet food or treats) that will help your dog gain a sense of purpose while he eats. 

The Northmate Green Feeder, made in Denmark, is a sturdy toy that has a small lip, which helps assure that food (or water you may add to the food) doesn't spill out. 

Although it is marketed as a toy for cats, the Northmate Pink Feeder (aka the "Catch") is great for dogs, who will sometimes use their paws (in addition to their snouts and tongues) in order to excavate food from the crevasses. 

Similar to the Northmate Green Feeder, the Silicone Shark Fin Bowl folds up easily, making it great for traveling. You can also cut it into a circle and place it inside of your dog's normal food bowl.

The Outward Hound Fun Feeders are cute little bowls that have different clever patterns in them that create little obstacle courses for dog tongues. Small rubber feet help keep them from sliding around. 

The Buster Maze Bowl, also designed in Denmark, is a sturdy, large bowl that dogs find endlessly challenging. Freeze wet food in it to make it even harder!