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Outward Hound Fun Feeder review: the slow bowl that stops the gulping
The Outward Hound Fun Feeder is the cheap fix for a dog that inhales its food: molded ridges turn a bowl into a maze the dog has to nose around, stretching a 30-second meal into several minutes. That slower pace helps with digestion and bloat risk. It is dishwasher-safe and comes in several sizes and difficulty patterns.
Quick answer
The Outward Hound Fun Feeder is the cheap fix for a dog that inhales its food: molded ridges turn a bowl into a maze the dog has to nose around, stretching a 30-second meal into several minutes. That slower pace helps with digestion and bloat risk. It is dishwasher-safe and comes in several sizes and difficulty patterns.
Outward Hound Fun Feeder
Best for
- Dogs that eat too fast
- Reducing bloat and gulping risk
- A cheap first slow-feeding step
Think twice if
- Flat-faced breeds that struggle with deep ridges
- You feed only wet food
- Your dog gives up and walks away
A dog that empties its bowl in half a minute is swallowing air and risking digestive trouble, and large deep-chested breeds face a real bloat risk from gulping. The Fun Feeder is the simplest, cheapest answer: ridges and channels that force the dog to work the kibble out slowly.
How it actually works
The bowl is molded with raised ridges in wave, flower or spiral patterns that scatter the kibble into pockets. The dog has to nose and lick around the maze instead of scooping a mouthful, which naturally slows eating. It comes in sizes and difficulty levels, and it is dishwasher-safe.
What reviewers and owners agree on
It works, and it is cheap. Owners report meals going from seconds to several minutes, and it is a staple recommendation for fast eaters and bloat-prone breeds. Pair it with a portion plan.
Where it frustrates people
Flat-faced breeds can struggle with the deeper patterns, so pick an easier one. A determined dog may flip it (a no-slip base or heavier size helps), and it is designed for dry kibble rather than wet.
How it compares
| Product | Job | Type | Tier | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PetSafe Smart Feed | Scheduled feeding | WiFi app feeder | Mid | App control + 2-pet splitter |
| Outward Hound Fun Feeder | Slow feeding | Ridged slow bowl | Very low | Fast eaters & bloat risk |
| PETLIBRO Dockstream Fountain | Hydration | Cordless fountain | Mid | Encouraging drinking |
| LickiMat Buddy | Calm + slow eating | Textured lick mat | Very low | Anxiety & slow licking |
| Nina Ottosson Dog Casino | Enrichment | Advanced puzzle | Low | Mental challenge |
| PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Mat | Foraging | Fabric sniff mat | Low | Slow eating & scent work |
| Vittles Vault | Food storage | Airtight container | Low | Keeping kibble fresh |
| Product | Does the job | Durability | Ease of use | Cleanability | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PetSafe Smart Feed | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Outward Hound Fun Feeder | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| PETLIBRO Dockstream Fountain | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| LickiMat Buddy | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Nina Ottosson Dog Casino | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Mat | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Vittles Vault | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Scoring reflects synthesized consensus from independent 2026 testing roundups and verified-owner feedback.
The short version
What works
- Genuinely slows fast eaters
- Very inexpensive
- Multiple sizes and difficulties
- Dishwasher-safe
- Helps reduce gulping and bloat risk
What to weigh
- Deep patterns hard for flat-faced breeds
- Can be flipped by determined dogs
- Best for dry food
- Some dogs give up at first
Who should buy it
Anyone with a dog that eats too fast, especially deep-chested breeds at higher bloat risk.
Who should skip it
For flat-faced breeds, choose an easier pattern; if you feed only wet food, a lick mat suits better.
Bottom line
The cheapest effective fix for a gulper. Match the difficulty to your dog's face shape and it just works.
Check price on AmazonFAQ
Do slow feeder bowls really work?
Yes. The ridges force a dog to nose food out gradually, typically stretching a meal from seconds to several minutes, which aids digestion and reduces gulping.
Is a slow feeder good for bloat?
Slower eating reduces air-gulping, a bloat risk factor in deep-chested breeds. It is a helpful tool, not a guarantee; discuss bloat risk with your vet.
What size Fun Feeder should I get?
Match it to your dog's size, and for flat-faced breeds pick a shallower pattern they can actually reach into.
How we assessed this. A research-based review drawing on independent 2026 testing roundups and verified-owner feedback. Not a paid placement and not a hands-on lab test. We do not copy customer reviews or display Amazon ratings; the score is our own editorial judgment.
Affiliate disclosure. As an Amazon Associate, MyNubs earns from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links; we may earn a commission if you buy, at no additional cost to you.
Specifications and availability current as of August 30, 2026. Confirm price, model, and current rating on the live Amazon listing before buying.