Have you ever watched your pet gulp down their meal in seconds? While it might seem harmless, fast eating can actually lead to digestive issues, bloating, and even choking. That’s where slow feeders come in. These specially designed toys help pace your pet’s eating speed, turning a rushed routine into a calm and enriching experience. They’re not just about eating slower, they're about eating smarter.

In this article, we’ll explore what a slow feeder is, why your pet will benefit from it, address common questions, and introduce you to two stimulating slow feeders from Lunoji that make mealtimes more fun and fulfilling.

 

What is a Slow Feeder?

A slow feeder is a feeding tool, usually in the form of a bowl, mat, or toy, designed with ridges, obstacles, or patterns that force pets to eat at a slower pace. Unlike traditional flat-bottom bowls, slow feeders make your pet work around the design to access their food, preventing rapid gulping.

These feeders come in various shapes and textures, tailored to different pet breeds, eating styles, and food types. They’re suitable for both dry and wet food, and some even double as lick mats for enrichment and anxiety reduction.

Slow feeders are not only effective for dogs; they also work wonders for cats that tend to overeat or vomit due to rapid consumption. By encouraging more deliberate bites and slower licking, slow feeders transform mealtimes into mentally stimulating experiences that mirror natural foraging behaviour. 

 

The Benefits of Using a Slow Feeder

Using a slow feeder has multiple benefits for your pet’s health, happiness, and wellbeing. Here are some of the top reasons why this simple change can make a big difference:

• Improves Digestion: Slower eating allows time for proper chewing and saliva production, aiding digestion and reducing the chances of bloating and gas.
  

• Helps Reduce Choking and Vomiting: By limiting how much food your pet can take in at once, slow feeders lower the risk of choking and regurgitation, especially for pets that eat in a hurry.
  

• Supports Weight Management: When pets eat more slowly, they feel full faster, making them less likely to overeat. This helps with portion control and long-term weight regulation.
  

• Adds Mental Stimulation: The puzzle-like design of slow feeders challenges your pet’s mind, reducing boredom and promoting a more engaged mealtime.
  

• Reduces Anxiety and Food Aggression: Encouraging pets to take their time can create a calmer eating environment, especially in multi-pet households.
  

• Promotes Natural Foraging Behaviour: Slow feeders mimic the search-and-find aspect of foraging in the wild, which satisfies your pet’s instinctive curiosity and keeps them entertained.
  
  

Each of these benefits contributes to your pet’s overall health while making daily feeding more enjoyable. 

Lunoji Pebble: A Slow Feeder That Stimulates and Soothes

The Lunoji Pebble is more than just a toy, it’s a multi-functional enrichment tool designed to help your pet eat at a healthy pace while reducing anxiety. With curves and rounded edges, this slow feeder features textured surfaces and grooves that challenge your pet to work for their food.

Whether you smear on peanut butter, yoghurt, or fill it with kibble, the Pebble encourages licking, pawing, and sniffing that turns mealtime into an interactive experience. It slows down fast eaters, promotes calm behaviour, and supports digestive wellness.

Made from non-toxic, food-grade silicone, it’s freezer and dishwasher-safe, making preparation and clean-up easy. You can also freeze wet food like broth or canned meals inside Pebble for a longer-lasting reward, or use it to distract pets during grooming or vet visits.

The Lunoji Pebble is ideal for curious pets who need both physical and mental stimulation. It’s not just feeding, it’s enrichment with love.

 

FAQs About Pebble

Q: What is a slow feeder, and how does Pebble work?

A slow feeder is a feeding tool that helps pets eat at a slower pace through obstacles or puzzles. Pebble is designed with internal blockers to slow eating, and includes an optional Blocker to convert it into a treat-dispensing puzzle toy.

Q: Why should I use Pebble for my dog?

Pebble provides several benefits:

• Improves digestion by reducing rapid eating

• Helps manage weight and prevent overeating

• Stimulates your pet mentally during feeding

• Encourages calm behaviour when used as a slow feeder
  
  

Q: What is Pebble made of? Is it durable?

Pebble’s body is crafted from ultra-tough, BPA-free, phthalate-free, 100% recyclable TPE. The Blocker is made from food-grade silicone. While it's highly durable, always supervise your pets during use, and stop your pets from inappropriate chewing, shredding, or destructive behaviour.

Q: How much food can Pebble hold?

Pebble holds around 120ml (approximately 4.1oz) of liquid, or slightly more wet food. If freezing, do not fill over the max fill line.

Q: Can I freeze Pebble?

Yes, Pebble is freezer-safe. It’s perfect for frozen treats like broth, milk, or Trove Blend. Remember not to fill over the max fill line to accommodate expansion.

Q: Is there more than one Pebble size?

Pebble currently comes in a universal size (about 10.5cm x 6cm). It has been tested with dogs of all sizes, from small to large breeds. Always supervise and choose toys based on your pet’s play style.

Q: What kinds of food can I use with Pebble?

Pebble works with:

• Dry kibble, raw, wet, or fresh food as a slow feeder

• Pastes and purées (yoghurt, nut butter, etc.) on the ridged underside

• Freeze-friendly liquids for longer engagement

• When using the Blocker, it can dispense treats like freeze-dried bites or small kibbles (avoid using Blocker with wet food)
  
  

Q: How do I open Pebble? Is it difficult?

Pebble is tightly sealed to prevent pets from opening it. To open:

• Use the pad of your thumb on the taller fins and apply firm pressure

• Push directly on the Blocker if it’s inserted

• Slightly split Pebble, then pull both sides apart

• For ease, apply water around the edges
  
  

Q: How does Pebble function as both a puzzle toy and slow feeder?

To use as a puzzle toy, insert the Blocker and choose from three different hole sizes to challenge your pet. For slow feeding, remove the Blocker and serve food directly inside. Freezing is optional to increase difficulty.

Lunoji Twirl Lick Mat: A Treat for All the Senses

The Lunoji Twirl Lick Mat is designed to make treat time more engaging and therapeutic for pets. Its hypnotic swirl pattern not only looks beautiful but also encourages calm, repetitive licking that naturally reduces anxiety and hyperactivity.

Perfect for smearing wet foods like mashed banana, plain yoghurt, or Lunoji’s own organic nut butter, this lick mat helps slow down consumption and provides prolonged enjoyment. Licking also stimulates saliva production, which aids digestion and oral hygiene.

Crafted from durable, pet-safe material, the Twirl Lick Mat comes in a pair (including both pieces), and is easier to clean than traditional lick mats. It’s a great option for crate training, grooming sessions, or as a cooling treat mat when chilled in the fridge.

Whether you’re looking to ease your pet’s stress or slow down their eating, the Lunoji Twirl offers a soothing and satisfying solution.

 

FAQs About Twirl Lick Mat

Q: Does Twirl come in a pair? What if I have only one pet?

Yes, Twirl comes in a perfectly nesting pair for easy spreading of treats and fuss-free washing. Even if you have just one pet, you can set one aside for later, as Twirl is freezer-safe! Alternatively, you can serve both sides at once to extend treat time or offer varying textures.

Q: Does Twirl work with dogs (and cats) of all sizes?

Absolutely. Twirl has been tested with both cats and dogs ranging from toy breeds to large ones, and it works well across the board.

Q: What kind of food or treats can I use with Twirl?

Twirl is compatible with a wide variety of treats, including:

• Paste-like foods (e.g. nut butter, yoghurt, purées, pâté, baby food)

• Fresh ingredients that fit in grooves (e.g. minced meat, raw/scrambled eggs, smashed bananas)

• Commercial dog food (e.g. canned wet food, rehydrated freeze-dried patties)

• Powders (e.g. bone broth powder, instant treat mixes like Trove Blend)
  
  

Q: How long does Twirl last during feeding time?

It varies depending on treat quantity, texture, and your pet’s licking style. Generally, Twirl offers a similar lick-time to standard lick mats but with much easier preparation.

Q: How much can Twirl hold?

Each Twirl mat can hold approximately 120ml (4oz) of liquid, making it suitable for moderate treat portions or hydrating blends.

Lunoji Zen Bowl: Where Slow Feeding Meets Elegant Simplicity

The Lunoji Zen Bowl and Slow Feeder set is designed to turn everyday mealtimes into a calming, enriching ritual. Inspired by Zen gardens, its unique spiral design encourages pets to eat more slowly and mindfully, promoting better digestion and a more relaxed feeding experience.

Unlike conventional slow feeders with sharp corners or awkward shapes, the Zen Bowl prioritises a design that is less frustrating for pets, and easy to clean for humans. The channels are wide enough for a dog’s tongue, while their varying depths allow for a significant amount of food. The Zen Slow Feeder helps to reduce the risk of choking, bloating, and overeating.

Made with non-toxic, food-safe, and BPA-free silicone, the Zen Slow Feeder is both durable and gentle on sensitive snouts and tongues. It’s also microwave- and dishwasher-safe, making preparation and clean-up a breeze. You can even freeze treats or meals in the bowl for an extended licking challenge or cooling effect during hot days.

Perfect for dry, wet, raw, or fresh food, the Zen Bowl suits a wide variety of feeding styles. Its minimalist, modern design blends seamlessly into any home and brings a sense of tranquillity to feeding time, ideal for pets who benefit from a soothing, low-stress environment.

 

FAQs About Zen Bowl

Q: What sizes does the Zen Bowl come in, and how do I choose?

• Small Zen Bowl: Holds up to 600 ml (20 oz); dimensions: 17.5 cm diameter × 4.8 cm height.
  
  

• Large Zen Bowl: Holds up to 1100 ml (37 oz); dimensions: 20.5 cm diameter × 5.7 cm height.
  
  Generally, the small size suits cats and smaller dogs, while the large size works well for medium to larger dogs.
  
  

Q: Can I buy the bowl alone, or does it come as a set?

Currently, during the pre‑order phase, the Zen Bowl is sold only as part of sets, either the Zen Starter Kit or the Zen Premium Bundle. Individual purchases will become available after launch.

Q: When will Zen products be shipped?

Pre-orders that were placed in August will be shipped in waves starting from mid‑September 2025.

Summary: Why Slow Feeders Belong in Every Pet Home

Slow feeders are more than just trendy pet accessories. They address real health concerns, support mindful eating, and bring enrichment into your pet’s daily routine. From preventing overeating to turning meals into a sensory activity, the benefits are clear.

At Lunoji, we believe in making every bite count. Our carefully designed Pebble, Twirl Lick Mat, and Zen Bowl don’t just slow down mealtimes, they enhance the entire experience. Whether you're looking to promote digestion, reduce stress, or just bring a little more joy to your pet’s day, we’ve got you covered.

To find out more about the pet treats and supplements we also offer to pair with these feeders, click here. Let’s make every mealtime a moment of love, care, and connection, with us and our furry companions.