5 Toys for Slow Feeding Your Dog 

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Not so long ago, being plump was a sign of wealth and abundance, particularly among royalty. We all love to spoil our dogs like the little kings and queens they are, but excess weight can take a toll on their health and happiness — especially as they age. But fear not, loyal subjects of the royal realm of wagging tails! There are lots of ways to tackle doggie obesity, one of which is slow feeding.  

 

 

HOW SLOW FEEDING HELPS WEIGHT LOSS 

Slow feeding is exactly what it sounds like: slowing down the speed at which your dog eats their food. Simple, right? Here’s how the slow-feeding approach helps your dog shed those extra pounds:  

  1. Aids with digestion — Using a slow feeder not only makes mealtime enjoyable; it encourages your dog to really chew their food. This means better digestion and more nutrients absorbed from smaller portions of food. Plus, it helps prevent serious health issues like bloating, choking, and constipation.
  2. Provides mental stimulation — We all know that boredom can lead to wonderful surprises like torn-up shoes, gnawed-on coffee table legs, and complimentary “wastebasket sorting,” courtesy of your pup. But did you know that boredom can also contribute to weight gain? By transforming mealtime into a fun puzzle, you’re activating your dog’s natural instincts to work for their food. 
  3. Prevents overeating — If your dog inhales their food faster than a vacuum cleaner, a slow feeder can be a huge help. Eating too quickly can diminish their sense of fullness, leading to begging and counter-top food heists. Slowing down mealtime allows their tummy to send the “Hey, I’m full!” signal to their brain, helping to curb those cravings. 

Ready to make mealtime fun and engaging? Here are five slow feeder and treating toys to consider for helping your dog lose weight:

KONG® LICKS MEALTIME

Part slow feeder, part lick mat, the KONG Licks Mealtime is a perfect option for pet parents looking to slow down mealtime and provide enrichment to their pup! 

Why You’ll Love It:  

  • Slows down fast eaters and stimulates bored pups 
  • Can be used for both meals and enrichment, holding up to 4 cups of dry food  
  • Easy to hand wash the bowl and reversible lick pad 

KONG® WOBBLER™

The KONG Wobbler sparks dogs’ natural instincts by mimicking foraging activities that wolves do in the wild. This food dispenser sits upright until your dog gives it a nudge with their paw or nose, causing it to wobble and roll, dispersing treats as it goes! Its unpredictability challenges even the most “seasoned” users. 

Why You’ll Love It:  

  • Keeps dogs physically and mentally stimulated 
  • Easy to fill by simply unscrewing the top and adding kibble 
  • Top rack dishwasher-safe for simple cleanup after a meal 

KONG® GYRO

The KONG Gyro makes mealtime a ball! Well, a ball with a ring. This fun treat-dispensing toy turns earning treats into a game, keeping your pup engaged and excited. As they push, paw, and roll the Gyro around, they’ll discover delicious surprises hidden inside! Turn snack time into an exciting game they’ll look forward to daily. 

Why You’ll Love It:  

  • Entertains dogs with irresistible rolling and flipping to discover rewards 
  • Mentally stimulating treat dispenser challenges problem-solving skills 
  • Holds up to 1 cup of dry food, excellent for playtime and mealtime 

KONG® SCUTTLE POD

The latest scuttlebutt is the KONG Scuttle Pod, the ultimate slow-feeding toy for weight management. With eight ways to play (and eat), this 4-in-1 slow feeder and lick mat helps mealtime last anywhere from 2 minutes to over 1.5 hours. And you get to choose the level of difficulty!  

Why You’ll Love It:  

  • 8 difficulty levels and configurations  
  • Helps mealtime last anywhere from 2 minutes to over 1.5 hours 
  • Can be used for both cats and dogs 

KONG® REWARDS TIPSY

For curious dogs who need an extra challenge, this feeder not only helps with slow feeding but also enriches your dog’s daily routine. With an adjustable challenge level, you can tailor the experience to your dog’s skills by simply removing the ball inside!  

Why You’ll Love It:  

  • Keeps your pup active and engaged while they enjoy their meals 
  • The entertaining wobble action will spark your dogs’ curiosity 
  • Small size holds up to 1.5 cups of food 

While slow feeding can be a helpful tool in managing your dog’s weight, it’s not the only solution. To truly support your dog, combine slow-feeding toys with the right portion sizes, plenty of exercise, and, of course, an abundance of belly rubs and positive reinforcement.  

With these tools, you’ll not only help your dog maintain a healthy weight but also help them lead a happier, more fulfilling life! 

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