Lick mats, slow feeders & anti-gulp bowls for dogs

Let's eat it slow, slow, slow...

Do you have a dog that wolfs down its food like it’s its last meal ever? Or one that bounces when you shake a jar of peanut butter? Meet the heroes of the dog world: slow feeders and lick mats. These tools aren’t just a fad – they’re a game changer for your dog’s eating and wellness routine. At Shop with Marley’s, you’ll find a carefully selected range of sustainable slow feeders and lick mats for dogs, from top brands like Dogged and SodaPup. Smartly designed, safe and suitable for every day use, and fun to use too. And yes, they’re also good for your dog’s body and mind.

What are slow feeders anyway?

A slow feeder is a special food bowl with obstacles or patterns that challenges your dog to eat more slowly. Instead of gobbling up food, your dog has to puzzle, push, twist or even think a little to get his kibble or wet food out. It's like turning a fast food experience into a three-course meal - but in dog language. This type of food bowl is especially nice for dogs that often eat their food too quickly, get sick quickly, or suffer from flatulence or regurgitation. By slowing down the eating, the digestion process improves, your dog feels full for longer, and he also gets some mental challenge on his plate.

And what are lick mats?

Lick mats are flat silicone mats with ridges, patterns or nubs on which you apply spreadable food. Think of a lickable treat such as dog peanut butter, yoghurt or meat puree. Your dog then has to work hard - or better said: lick slowly - to get everything off. The nice thing about a lick mat? Licking has a calming effect. Ideal for dogs that are easily overstimulated, or during exciting moments such as a thunderstorm or a visit to the vet. It provides distraction, helps reduce stress and keeps your dog busy in a fun way. Oh, and it's also great for the teeth.

How do you use slow feeders and lick mats?

You can use a slow feeder or lick mat very simply instead of a normal food bowl or snack moment. Choose what you want to put in it - kibble, wet food, meat, mashed banana, a lick of peanut butter - and divide it over the pattern.

For slow feeders, almost anything works: dry food, wet food, BARF or a combination of these. And for lick mats, you want to choose soft ingredients that are easy to lick. You can even make layers or freeze them for an extra challenge.

Did you know that you can also play fun enrichment games with slow feeders? Hide pieces of snack in the corners or combine it with a snuffle mat. And a lick mat in the freezer is the perfect cooling treat on hot days. Do you use it as a distraction while brushing or clipping nails? Then simply spread some treats on it and let your dog lick quietly while you get to work.

Why are they so good for dogs?

Using slow feeders and lick mats not only has practical advantages, but also really contributes to your dog's well-being. Dogs that gobble have less chance of choking, have better digestion and eat more calmly. Licking, sniffing and puzzling also give your dog a mental challenge, which helps against boredom, stress and even behavioral problems.

Slow feeders are also ideal for puppies and young dogs. They learn to eat their food more calmly, gain positive experiences with food, and you prevent them from overeating or becoming restless. Older dogs benefit from the peace and enrichment aspect - especially when they become less active. And perhaps most importantly: you turn something as simple as eating into a moment of pleasure, challenge and relaxation. That is enrichment in its purest form.

Our favorite brands: Dogged & SodaPup

At Shop with Marley's, you'll only find slow feeders and lick mats that we're passionate about. Our favorites? Dogged and SodaPup – both sturdy, well-designed, and durable. Dogged is a Canadian brand that has turned slow feeding and licking into an art form. Their products are made of safe silicone, easy to clean, and look stylish. Bonus points for the creativity in design and functionality.

SodaPup is a US-based brand known for its robust designs. Think honeycomb-shaped lick mats, food mats that can withstand a beating, and enrichment trays that really make your dog work for their food. They are BPA-free, sustainably produced, and suitable for daily, intensive sniffing. Whether you have a mini dog or a big eater, both brands offer options for every type of dog.

What can you put on a lick mat or slow feeder?

Slow feeders & lick mats are more than gadgets

They may be fun to give, but that’s not the point. Slow feeders and lick mats are primarily tools for a healthier, happier dog life. They contribute to physical health (less gobbling, better digestion), but are also a powerful tool against boredom, hyperactivity and stress. In a world where dogs often have trouble getting rid of their energy, offering enrichment through food is one of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure balance. And with brands like Dogged and SodaPup, you can be sure that it’s done safely and thoughtfully.

Ready to pick up the pace?

Whether you have an enthusiastic glutton, a pup with focus issues or a senior who deserves an extra challenge: with a slow feeder or lick mat you give your dog not only food, but also an experience. Discover our selection of slow feeders and lick mats for dogs, all sustainable, tested and approved by Chief Snuffle Officer Marley and snack boss Raven. Because let's be honest: let's eat it slow, slow, slow - and above all with pleasure.