Mikel Delgado, are mostly intended for cats and dogs who “eat too fast, maybe steal food from other pets, or ‘scarf and barf,’ as they say.” Since your pet has to work a little harder to get at their food, these puzzles will help prevent them from eating too much too quickly. Slow feeders generally look like more complex versions of regular food bowls and, according to cat-behavior consultant Dr. Puzzle food bowls can usually be classified as slow feeders, puzzle feeders, or hunting feeders. Their recommendations, below, include puzzles of varying difficulty.

We asked Coates, Satchu, Ward, and 12 other veterinarians, animal-behavior experts, and pet owners to share their favorite food puzzles for dogs and cats. Both vets agree it’s also important to rotate the food puzzles you use so your pet doesn’t get bored with the same one. Ernie Ward, a veterinarian and the founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, says, “Start simple, and you will graduate up” to puzzles of increasing complexity. Zay Satchu, co-founder and chief veterinary officer of Bond Vet, says the key to introducing a puzzle feeder is to find a “really high-value treat” that your pet is willing to work hard for, then start with an easy puzzle that doesn’t require much problem solving. To help solve these problems, veterinarians recommend puzzle feeders, which make pets work for their food by using their paws or noses to open a compartment, dig into a container, or navigate a maze. “We essentially take this job away from them when we provide them with food in bowls.” Along with causing your pet to gain weight if they’re overeating or not getting enough exercise, taking away the mental stimulation of hunting can cause behavioral issues that stem from boredom and separation anxiety. “Dogs and cats are designed to spend hours each day working for their food,” says Dr. As much as we love to spoil our dogs and cats with toys, treats, and even fancy rain gear, the easy life of a domesticated pet can have its downfalls - especially when it comes to meals.

Best dog slow feeder toy