Slowing down mealtime can do wonder's for your pup's health. Taking just a few extra minutes to add nutritious toppers, freeze their food, or create a meaty puzzle to solve can transform your furry best friend into a happier, healthier pup. Especially when paired with a raw diet, slow feeding can completely change your dog’s mealtime experience—for the better.

What Is Slow Feeding for Dogs?

Slow feeding is exactly what it sounds like: helping your dog eat more slowly and intentionally. It’s not about being fancy or trendy—it’s about supporting your dog’s natural instincts in a way that’s healthier for their body and mind. Tools like the Toppl or the Feast Mat are designed to spread food out, making it more challenging for your dog to gulp it all down in a few seconds. This gives them time to enjoy their food, use their brain, and feel more satisfied after eating.

Why Slow Feeding Matters—Especially for Raw-Fed Dogs

When dogs eat too quickly, it can lead to a host of problems, from bloating and gas to poor digestion and nutrient absorption. Slowing things down helps prevent these issues by giving their stomachs time to process food the way nature intended. It also keeps your dog engaged and mentally stimulated, which is especially important if they tend to get bored or anxious. Add the benefits of raw feeding—like improved skin, better digestion, cleaner teeth, and more energy—and you’ve got a mealtime routine that’s doing double duty for your dog’s health.

The Toppl: A Fun and Functional Slow Feeder

The Toppl is more than just a toy—it’s a puzzle, slow feeder, and enrichment tool all rolled into one. You can fill it with just about anything your dog loves, from creamy treats and smashed bananas to chunks of raw food. It’s built tough from non-toxic, dishwasher-safe material, so it can handle serious chewing and slobber. Plus, it's 100% recyclable and part of a zero-waste program, so it’s good for your dog and the planet. Using a Toppl adds an extra layer of fun to mealtime and keeps your pup’s brain working while they eat.

The Feast Mat: Calm, Enrichment, and Variety in One

For dogs who tend to inhale their food or struggle with anxiety, the Feast Mat is a great option. It has two sides: one designed for slow feeding and the other for licking. Licking is soothing for dogs—it actually releases endorphins that help them relax—so using the Feast Mat can turn mealtime into a calming, enjoyable activity. It’s perfect for spreading soft foods like peanut butter, yogurt, or your dog’s favorite raw meal. And just like the Toppl, the Feast Mat is made from safe, eco-friendly materials that are easy to clean and designed to last.

What Is Raw Feeding, and Why Combine It with Slow Feeding?

Raw feeding gives dogs a diet that’s closer to what their wild ancestors would have eaten. That means uncooked meat, bones, organs, and sometimes fruits or veggies. It’s packed with nutrients, naturally low in fillers, and often easier for dogs to digest. Freeze-dried raw food (like West Paw's Rawbiotic Bites) preserves nutrients without cooking away the good stuff, so your dog gets all the benefits of fresh, raw ingredients.

When you combine slow feeding with a raw diet, you’re giving your dog the best of both worlds. Slower eating means better digestion, better nutrient absorption, and a reduced risk of issues like bloating or vomiting. The raw food supports a shiny coat, healthy skin, cleaner teeth, and balanced energy throughout the day. Together, these two approaches help your dog feel great from the inside out.

The Bottom Line: A Better Mealtime, A Happier Dog

Slowing down your dog’s meals might take a little more time and creativity, but the benefits are absolutely worth it. You’re not just filling a bowl—you’re creating an experience that supports their health, engages their brain, and helps them thrive. Whether you use a Toppl, a Feast Mat, or both, your dog’s mealtime can become a highlight of their day.

Ready to level up your dog’s meals? Explore our favorite slow feeding tools and see the difference it makes in your pup’s health, mood, and daily routine. Trust us—your dog will thank you for it.