Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl Review & Verdict
Starting with a surprising consensus across platforms, the Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl (Medium, Turquoise) earns a strong 8.7/10 from verified buyers and community reviewers. Despite being a simple plastic bowl, users consistently report transformative changes in their dogs’ eating habits, with incidents of choking, vomiting, and bloating dropping sharply. The standout factor is the maze-like design, which, according to Reddit and Trustpilot feedback, extends mealtime by up to 10x for certain breeds and keeps even the most determined gulpers engaged.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy — excellent for fast eaters, but cleaning and sizing need consideration.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Significantly slows eating pace | Cleaning grooves can be tedious |
| Helps reduce bloating, choking, obesity | Some dogs frustrated by maze design |
| Non-slip base keeps bowl in place | May trap moisture with wet food |
| Durable BPA-free plastic | Size confusion in listings |
| Dishwasher safe (top rack) | Potential for chips/cracks over time |
| Engages dogs mentally during meals | Not ideal for extreme chewers |
Claims vs Reality
The manufacturer claims the Fun Feeder Slo Bowl “slows eating up to 10x” and “aids in proper digestion.” Digging into user reports, this claim holds true for the majority of cases. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “My golden retriever acts like he’s been starved… what took 10 seconds now takes 2-3 minutes. No more gagging.” This aligns with marketing promises, especially for dogs prone to inhaling food.
Another claim is “non-slip base prevents sliding and spillage.” While most agree it works well on standard kitchen floors, Reddit user feedback shows variance: “The suction is good but if you have a big dog, they will be able to scoot it around.” Owners of giant breeds like Great Danes confirm it remains stable, but high-energy eaters on smooth surfaces can still move it.
Finally, “dishwasher safe for easy cleaning” is technically accurate, but the grooves complicate the process. Trustpilot users mention it’s “a bit of a pill to clean with all the grooves… worth it, but use a small brush.” The convenience is there, but heavy use with wet food or oily kibble may require extra scrubbing.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
One recurring praise is its effectiveness at slowing down eating. Owners of everything from 3lb Chihuahuas to 100lb Labs report dramatic improvements. A Trustpilot reviewer shared: “We have a lab that eats super fast… now she takes about 10 minutes to eat.” The design doubles as mental stimulation, which Australian Shepherd owners appreciate for adding enrichment to mealtime.
Durability also wins praise. Even with daily use, many report months without wear. A verified Amazon buyer said: “We’ve had it for a couple months now and it’s holding up like new.” The BPA-, PVC-, and phthalate-free construction reassures health-conscious owners, especially those guided by vet recommendations.
The non-slip base is another high point for most. Smaller breeds benefit most — Reddit users note it “keeps the bowl in place while my pup eats,” reducing mess and frustration.
Common Complaints
Cleaning remains the chief frustration. While dishwasher-safe, the grooves trap debris. One Trustpilot comment reads: “Plastic gathers bacteria easier than stainless steel… wash at least once a day.” Wet food usage worsens this, with moisture lingering in crevices unless cleaned immediately.
Size confusion is another issue. Listings sometimes differ on capacity — while officially 2 cups for medium, some buyers found real-world capacity less accommodating for large dogs. “It’s super sturdy… however it’s super small!” wrote one reviewer who expected a larger volume.
Finally, wet food compatibility divides opinion. Some owners press canned food into ridges successfully, but others find it “traps moisture, making it difficult to clean and potentially leading to bacterial growth.”
Divisive Features
The challenge level of the maze patterns sparks debate. Certain dogs thrive, enjoying the “game” aspect, while others grow frustrated. “It may frustrate some dogs… my golden doodle was fine after a couple of times,” noted an Amazon buyer. Breed, snout length, and temperament influence the experience.
Durability under chewing is also split. Non-chewers see long life; however, owners of determined chewers warn of potential chips or cracks. Even careful use can result in rim damage over time, as one Trustpilot reviewer discovered.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot patterns show minimal scam concerns — most dissatisfaction relates to product expectations, not fraudulent activity. Long-term durability stories are encouraging: “She’s been using it for 6 months, still slows her down,” reported one owner. Reddit threads echo this, with multiple members owning several bowls to rotate during dishwasher cycles.
Failures typically occur from misuse — allowing dogs to play with the bowl or using it as a chew toy. The consensus: supervise during meals and remove afterward to prevent damage.
Alternatives
The only competitor mentioned in user discussions is ceramic slow feeders. While more resistant to bacteria and easier to clean, they’re pricier and heavier. One Amazon reviewer compared: “I was torn between this and a pricier ceramic… this was efficient and affordable, letting me buy multiples without strain.”
Flat-faced breed feeders also surface in discussions, offering shallower designs for easier access. However, for medium to long-snouted dogs, the Outward Hound’s deeper ridges provide greater slowing effect.
Price & Value
Current prices range from $10.48 on Amazon to $11.99–$20 on eBay, with occasional markdowns to $3.50 in clearance sales. Community advice leans toward buying multiples during sales: “We own 6 of these bowls… a brand new set just in case.” Resale value is negligible, as these are inexpensive and widely available.
For budget-conscious owners, the medium size offers strong ROI by improving digestion and reducing vet visits related to eating issues.
FAQ
Q: Does it really slow eating by 10x?
A: Most users see significant slowing — from seconds to minutes — though exact results vary by dog’s breed and temperament.
Q: Is it suitable for wet food?
A: It can work for wet food if pressed into ridges, but moisture can linger and requires thorough cleaning afterward.
Q: How do I clean it effectively?
A: Dishwasher works for most debris, but for stuck food use a small brush and rinse immediately after meals to prevent buildup.
Q: Will large dogs find the medium size too small?
A: Medium holds 2 cups comfortably; large dogs may need the 4-cup version for full meals.
Q: Can it help with bloating issues?
A: Many owners report reduced bloating episodes, especially when paired with portion control and feeding schedule adjustments.
Final Verdict
Buy if you have a small to medium dog that eats too quickly and you’re willing to clean grooves regularly. Avoid if you primarily feed wet food and dislike detailed cleaning. Pro tip from the community: own two bowls to swap during dishwasher cycles, ensuring consistent use without cleaning delays.
