With so many pet feeding accessories on the market — slow feeders, lick mats, puzzle feeders, interactive toys — it can be hard to know where to start. Whether you have a dog, a cat, or both, this guide will help you understand the differences between each type of product and find the right fit for your pet's needs, size, and personality.
Why Feeding Accessories Matter
Feeding accessories aren't just fun extras — they serve real health and behavioral purposes. The right accessory can help your pet eat at a healthier pace, reduce anxiety, prevent digestive issues, and provide the mental stimulation that keeps them happy and out of trouble. Think of them as enrichment tools that happen to involve food.
Slow Feeder Bowls: Best for Fast Eaters
What they do: Slow feeder bowls have raised ridges, mazes, or patterns that force your pet to work around obstacles to reach their food, naturally slowing down their eating pace.
Best for:
- Dogs that gulp their food and are at risk of bloating or regurgitation
- Cats that eat too fast and vomit shortly after meals
- Pets that need portion control or weight management support
What to look for: BPA-free silicone or food-grade materials, a non-slip suction base, and a dishwasher-safe design. Match the maze complexity to your pet's size — simpler patterns for cats and small dogs, deeper mazes for larger breeds.
Price range: $26–$60
Lick Mats: Best for Anxiety and Calm Enrichment
What they do: Lick mats are flat, textured mats designed to hold soft foods like wet food, peanut butter, or yogurt. The repetitive licking action releases calming endorphins, making them a powerful tool for anxious or stressed pets.
Best for:
- Dogs and cats with separation anxiety or stress triggers (thunderstorms, vet visits, grooming)
- Pets that need low-intensity mental stimulation
- Senior pets or those recovering from surgery who can't exercise
- Keeping pets calm and distracted during baths or nail trims
What to look for: Food-grade silicone, a suction base that sticks to walls or floors, and a texture complexity suited to your pet. Freeze the mat with filling for longer-lasting enrichment.
Price range: $25–$65
Interactive Puzzle Toys: Best for High-Energy and Clever Pets
What they do: Interactive puzzle toys and feeders require your pet to solve a challenge — sliding panels, lifting covers, or navigating compartments — to access their food or treats. They provide the highest level of mental stimulation of the three.
Best for:
- Highly intelligent or high-energy dogs and cats that get bored easily
- Pets that have already mastered slow feeders and lick mats
- Rainy days or times when outdoor exercise isn't possible
- Reducing destructive behavior caused by boredom
What to look for: Durable, non-toxic materials, adjustable difficulty levels, and designs that are easy to clean. Start with beginner-level puzzles and work up as your pet gains confidence.
Price range: $20–$65
Which One Is Right for Your Pet?
Not sure where to start? Use this quick guide:
- My pet eats too fast → Start with a slow feeder bowl
- My pet is anxious or stressed → Try a lick mat
- My pet is bored or destructive → Go for an interactive puzzle toy
- My pet needs all-round enrichment → Combine all three and rotate them to keep things fresh
Many pet owners find that using a combination of these accessories — a slow feeder at mealtimes, a lick mat for calm-down sessions, and a puzzle toy for play — gives their pets the most well-rounded enrichment routine.
Key Features to Always Look For
Regardless of which type of accessory you choose, these features matter for every pet:
- BPA-free, food-grade materials — safe for your pet to eat from every day
- Dishwasher-safe — makes cleaning quick and hygienic
- Non-slip base or suction cups — keeps the accessory in place during use
- Right size for your pet — a toy designed for large dogs may be too challenging or too big for a cat or small breed
Shop Our Full Range
Whether you're just starting out or building a complete enrichment routine for your dog or cat, we have everything you need. Browse our full collection of slow feeders, lick mats, and interactive toys — designed with your pet's health and happiness in mind.