Slow feeder mats and trays for messy eating
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Reduce mealtime mess with a slow feeder tray and add our freeze-dried treats on top. Messy eaters kick kibble across the room and splash water everywhere. A slow feeder tray slows the eating and keeps most of the mess contained within the dish itself.
How a tray reduces mealtime mess
A shallow tray like the Garden Design eTray spreads food across a wider surface than a deep bowl. Your dog's nose stays in the ridges instead of pushing into a deep pile of kibble. Less force means less splashing and spillage. Kibble and water stay mostly inside the tray while your dog eats, reducing cleanup significantly. to any slow feeder design instead of flying across your kitchen floor.
Shallow versus deep for messy eaters
If your dog is a splasher with water, start with a shallow eTray like Mandala eTray or Waiting Dogs eTray. If your dog is a kicker who throws kibble, a deep bowl can actually contain more because of the taller sides and depth. Try shallow first for most messy eaters.
Using a feeding mat underneath
A slow feeder tray is not a mat itself, but you can place one on a mat to catch any kibble that still escapes and spills. This doubles the containment and cleanup. The tray handles the ridges and slow feeding, and the mat catches the overflow from splashing.
Suction cups for stability on smooth floors
The Mandala Softie eTray with suction cups stays put when your dog pushes into it during mealtime. The tray grips tile, vinyl or polished concrete floors, which is especially helpful for enthusiastic eaters and strong dogs. This reduces the chance of the tray sliding and spilling water or kibble everywhere. Suction cups work on tile, vinyl and polished concrete, but not textured floors. Consider suction cups if your dog is especially enthusiastic.
Easy cleanup after a messy meal
Silicone trays do not absorb moisture like ceramic bowls do. Any spilled water or kibble that lands inside the tray is easy to wipe out quickly. Rinse and go. The tray itself goes in the dishwasher or hand wash with soap and hot water without staining.
In the Toys aisle
Shallow trays: Garden Design eTray $19.99, Mandala eTray $17.99, Waiting Dogs eTray $17.99, Mandala Softie eTray $19.99 with suction cups, Four Seasons eTray $19.99, Water Frog eTray $17.99.
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
Will a slow feeder eliminate all mealtime mess?
No. It reduces mess significantly, but a determined splasher will still make some mess. A mat underneath the tray catches the rest.
Do suction cups work on carpet or textured floors?
No. Suction cups only work on hard, smooth floors like tile or vinyl. On carpet or textured surfaces, the regular eTray without suction cups is a better choice.
Can I use a slow feeder tray on top of a feeding mat?
Yes. The tray sits perfectly on a mat. The mat catches overflow, and the tray contains what it can during eating.
Is a deep bowl better for messy eaters?
It depends on your dog. If your dog splashes up and out, a deep bowl contains more water. If your dog throws kibble, a shallow tray gives you more control. Try both to see which works better.
What if my dog lifts the tray and tosses it?
If your dog picks up the tray and tosses it, consider suction cups or a mat that anchors the tray in place. Some dogs learn to work with the tray after a few meals of using it.
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