Shallow cat bowls: slow feeders that work for cats
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Cats don't slow down at the bowl the way some dogs do, but eating too quickly can cause discomfort. Our freeze-dried cat treats paired with a shallow slow feeder tray help cats pace their meals. Look for low walls and a design that lets your cat reach food easily without jumping or straining.
What to look for in a cat slow feeder
The best slow feeders for cats are shallow trays with low sides, not deep bowls. Your cat needs to eat from a flat or gently sloped surface that doesn't echo or feel enclosed. A maze pattern carved into the tray forces your cat to pick through grooves instead of gulping, which can help your cat feel better. Most cats eat best from a tray about 8 inches across.
Shallow trays also make cleaning easier and let you see how much your cat is eating at a glance. SodaPup makes these trays from TPE, a soft, durable material that won't slip around on tile or hardwood floors.
Which pattern works for your cat
SodaPup offers several shallow tray designs. The Garden Design eTray has a botanical pattern across the surface and holds 2.25 cups, making it a good choice for cats who eat multiple small meals. The Mandala eTray in blue, pink, green, purple or yellow has a geometric pattern and holds 1 cup, ideal for portion control. The Waiting Dogs eTray has a silhouette pattern and also holds 2.25 cups for cats who prefer a larger tray.
All three trays sit about 1 to 1.25 inches deep, so your cat can reach in without stretching. They're gentle on whiskers and paws.
Pairing a tray with cat treats
Once your cat is used to eating from a slower tray, add crumbled freeze-dried treats to reward the behavior. Crumble our freeze-dried cat treats and press them into the maze grooves alongside regular food, or use them as training rewards after a meal from the tray. The reward keeps cats engaged with the puzzle part of slow eating.
In the Toys aisle
The Garden Design eTray ($19.99) has a botanical floral pattern and holds 2.25 cups of food or a mix of wet and dry.
The Mandala eTray ($17.99) offers five color choices and a 1-cup capacity for portion-controlled meals.
The Waiting Dogs eTray ($17.99) features a waiting-dog silhouette pattern and holds 2.25 cups for cats who like a larger eating surface.
How it ships
SodaPup products are sold through Shopify Collective and shipped to you directly by SodaPup in Longmont, Colorado, usually within one business day, with their own tracking. Not made or shipped by Sniff and Shift. Our freeze-dried treats are made in Malvern, Pennsylvania and ship separately from us.
Questions
Can cats use dog slow feeders?
Most slow feeders sold for dogs work for cats, but shallow trays are better than deep bowls. Cats prefer to eat with their whiskers free and at a height that doesn't require stretching. The shallow trays from SodaPup hold small enough portions for cats and have low enough walls that cats can eat comfortably.
Will a slow feeder help my cat with bloating?
Eating slowly can help some cats feel more comfortable after meals. A maze pattern forces your cat to pick through grooves instead of eating in big gulps, which may help your cat feel better. Include it in your daily feeding routine.
How do I introduce my cat to a slow feeder tray?
Set the empty tray down and let your cat explore it. Put a few favorite pieces of food on top of the maze so your cat finds a reward right away. Once your cat is comfortable eating from the flat top, you can add more food into the grooves to make the puzzle harder.
Can I freeze food on a slow feeder tray?
You can freeze water or wet food mixed with treats on the tray for enrichment, though most cats prefer room-temperature meals. Start with unfrozen meals and only freeze if your cat seems interested.
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