Best Slow Feeder for Dogs That Eat Too Fast? | LickiMat SlowMo XL Review
If your dog inhales meals in seconds, gulps air, gets gassy afterwards, or turns dinner into a frantic race, slow feeding can make a huge difference.
🐾 LickiMat SlowMo XL has officially become Bear’s calm-mealtime secret. He used to inhale breakfast in under 30 seconds. With the SlowMo XL, he spent over 50 minutes licking, foraging, and genuinely relaxing.
If your dog eats too fast, gets gassy, struggles to settle, or seems constantly “on the go”, this slow feeder can completely transform mealtimes into a calming daily ritual.
Watching Bear’s tail wag for nearly an hour while calmly working through his breakfast honestly made me appreciate how powerful enrichment can be when it’s done properly.
Why the LickiMat SlowMo XL Works
Unlike a normal bowl, the LickiMat SlowMo XL uses deep pockets and textured surfaces to naturally slow eating down.
That extra time encourages licking, sniffing, foraging, and problem-solving rather than frantic gulping. Rhythmic licking is naturally self-soothing for dogs and can help lower arousal levels after exciting walks, busy mornings, visitors, or general household chaos.
For dogs like Bear who would otherwise inhale meals in seconds, slowing things down can also help reduce:
Gulping and choking risk
Digestive discomfort
Regurgitation and vomiting
Post-meal hyperactivity
Frustration and boredom
The calming side is the part I love most. After nearly an hour of licking and foraging, Bear genuinely looked like he’d reached a little zen state.
How I Prepare Bear’s SlowMo XL
I start by soaking Bear’s kibble for around 10–15 minutes so it softens and becomes spreadable. I use Akela Dog Food, then create a little “smorgasbord” across the different sections.
I then spread the soaked kibble into the remaining sections before popping the whole thing into the freezer.
Frozen enrichment massively increases duration and challenge level. I expected maybe 10–15 minutes when I first tried this. Nearly an hour later, Bear was still calmly working away with his tail wagging.
One of the biggest mistakes owners make is assuming dogs only need physical exercise. Many dogs actually need more help learning how to calm down.
Rhythmic licking is naturally regulating for many dogs. It encourages slower breathing, calmer behaviour, and helps some dogs transition out of high arousal more easily. That’s why enrichment activities like this often help dogs settle far better than simply exercising them more.
Licking, chewing, sniffing, and foraging all help regulate the nervous system. That’s why frozen enrichment often helps with:
Puppy biting and mouthing
Demand barking
Over-arousal after walks
Restlessness and pacing
Difficulty settling
Attention-seeking behaviour
Boredom-related destruction
This is exactly why I’m such a big fan of activities like this before busy periods of the day, when guests visit, during warm weather, or while getting the kids ready for school.
If your dog struggles to settle generally, these articles may also help:
🧠 Promotes calm behaviour through rhythmic licking and foraging
🐾 Slows fast eaters down naturally
😮💨 May help digestion by reducing gulping and excess air swallowing
❄️ Perfect for frozen enrichment during warmer weather
🧼 Easy to clean and simple to prepare in advance
🐶 Provides mental stimulation without increasing physical arousal
Trainer Tips
⚖️ Measure meals first using digital scales so enrichment doesn’t accidentally increase calories.
🥶 Freeze for longer-lasting enrichment and extra challenge.
🍌 Rotate ingredients to keep things novel and exciting.
🐶 Supervise initially if your dog is likely to pick the mat up and chew it.
🚿 Rinse shortly after use so food doesn’t dry into the grooves.
Is the LickiMat SlowMo XL Worth It?
Honestly? For dogs like Bear, absolutely.
Turning a 30-second frantic gulp-fest into nearly an hour of calm licking, foraging, and relaxation is a massive welfare improvement in my eyes.
If your dog struggles to settle, inhales meals, or simply needs more calming enrichment in their life, the LickiMat SlowMo XL is probably one of my favourite slow feeders I’ve used.
FAQ
Can the LickiMat SlowMo XL help fast eaters?
Yes. The deep pockets and textured design naturally slow dogs down, encouraging licking and foraging rather than frantic gulping.
Can I freeze the LickiMat SlowMo XL?
Absolutely. Freezing massively increases duration and challenge level, making it ideal for enrichment and calming activities.
What can I put on a LickiMat SlowMo XL?
Common options include soaked kibble, wet food, yoghurt, dog-safe peanut butter, liver paste, fish paste, bone broth, banana, blueberries, and pumpkin powder.
Can licking activities help dogs calm down?
Yes. Rhythmic licking is naturally self-soothing for many dogs and can help lower arousal and promote calmer behaviour.
Can slow feeders help Labradors?
Yes. Labradors are well known for eating quickly, and many benefit hugely from slow feeders and frozen enrichment activities that encourage calmer eating habits.
