Several breeds of dogs with flat faces, such as bulldogs, pugs, boxers, Boston terriers, Chow Chows, Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, are both popular and adorable. However, when it comes to mealtime, these brachycephalic dogs require special needs and that is why dog bowls designed for their flat faces are so important. As the owner of a rescued Frenchie, I learned quickly how high-risk these flat-faced dogs are for choking. In my case, our Frenchie would eat rapidly and then proceed to projectile vomit her entire meal. It was impressive and revolting all at the same time. I immediately consulted my vet and read reviews from owners of other brachycephalic breeds.
Characteristics To Consider When Searching For The Ideal Bowl For Flat-Faced Dogs
Using a shallow bowl or plate if you have a flat-faced dog will make it easier for them to reach their food. That being said, many reviewers have found that bowls that are rounded and tilted work best for flat-faced dogs, as gravity can aid in collecting the food in one accessible spot at the bottom.
It is important to consider that some brachycephalic breeds may find it difficult to breathe or bend down. To counteract this, a slow-feeder or elevated dog bowl can be beneficial. Whatever option is chosen, make sure it is strong, the right size for your pup, and constructed out of secure, effortless-to-clean materials.
Out Five Top Picks For Flat-Nosed Canines
Are you in a rush? Check out these top-notch bowls for brachycephalic dog breeds.
The Overall Best Tilted Dog Bowl: SUPER DESIGN Mess Free 15 Degree Slanted Bowl
The Best Slow Feeder: Leashboss Flat Face Feeder
The Best Elevated Dog Bowl: YML Wrought Iron Stand with Stainless Steel Feeder Bowl
The Best Feeder for Enrichment Outward Hound Challenge Slider Interactive Puzzle
The Best Food & Water Bowls Set: FOREYY Raised Pet Bowls
The Overall Best Tilted Dog Bowl
A tilted feeder, like this one from Super Design, can help. It has a sturdy melamine base and has a stainless steel bowl inside. The bowl sits on a slight 15-degree slant to help your dog eat dinner. Just note that if you have an eager eater, they may spill some food on the floor due to the slant. Still, it’s packed with plenty of anti-skid features, including a silicone slip on the bowl to prevent it from rotating while in use and four rubber feet on the stand to keep it from sliding around.
Advantages:
- Dishwasher-safe bowl and stand
- Non-skid feet
- Comes in various sizes and colors
Drawbacks:
- Only comes in single bowl
- Messier than other options
This feeder comes in six heights and bowl sizes to appeal to dogs of any height. The smallest option is 3.14 inches high and can hold up to 0.5 cups of food, while the largest is 8 inches tall and can hold up to 4 cups. It also comes in various colors, so you can pick one to match your decor and coordinate colors if you have multiple pets. When it’s time to clean up, simply place both the stand and the bowl into the dishwasher.
A reviewer commented, “My 29lb rescue bulldog is Frenchy sized.Her tiny palate makes it tough to eat without choking. I bought her an XL because I need a large bowl to spread the food out. At first I thought it was too tall but it’s actually perfect. Contrary to what sizing chart indicates. I would check the height of the ideal bowl for your dog before ordering. She didn’t take her at first- I had to put her old bowl inside for the first try but now she’s good.”
Dimensions: 5.9 x 5.5 x 3.14 inches (small), 7.47 x 7.07 x 3.93 inches (medium 1), 7.4 x 7.28 x 3.94 inches (medium 2), 9.04 x 8.65 x 5.5 inches (large 1), 9.06 x 9.06 x 5.51 inches (large 2), 11 x 11.5 x 8 inches (extra-large) | Bowl Material: Stainless steel
The Best Slow Feeder Bowl
The Leashboss Flat Face Feeder can be found on Amazon.com. This tilted dog bowl with a fun puzzle maze aids digestion and helps prevent overeating, gulping, bloat, choking, vomiting, and other unwanted effects from your dog devouring food too fast. This slanted dog bowl holds 1.5 cups of dry food, wet food, or raw food while challenging and engaging your dog’s interest every mealtime.
Advantages:
- Eating can be delayed by means of a maze-like design
- This design is shallow, raised, and tilted, particularly for flat-faced breeds
- A non-slip rubber grip keeps this slow feeder bowl in place
- Dishwasher Safe and BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free
Drawbacks:
- It only holds 1.5 cups of food so may not be ideal for larger breeds
Flat-faced dogs, like other breeds, may have the habit of eating too quickly, which could pose a choking hazard given their difficulty breathing. The Leashboss Flat Face Feeder has been designed specifically for shorter snouts, and its maze-like construction encourages slower eating with either dry or wet food. The bowl is shallow and the base is raised and tilted in order to be more manageable for these breeds. Additionally, it is non-slip, dishwasher-safe, and comes with a built-in handle for portability.
One reviewer commented “Slowed my English bulldog down on eating and allows for her flat-face to eat with out pushing food out of bowl”
This item has dimensions of 9.13 x 8.5 x 2.17 inches and a capacity of 1.5 cups. It is made out of plastic and is available in gray and blue.
The Best Elevated Dog Bowl
YML Wrought Iron Stand with Stainless Steel Feeder Bowl is available on Amazon. This rounded bowl allows flat-faced breeds to reach every last morsel.
Advantages:
- Due to it’s elevation, the pets maintain proper posture which promotes better digestion. Eating with proper posture encourages chewing more slowly and prevents many digestive issues. The dishes are hygienic stainless steel bowls that are for the safety and health of your pet.
- Easy snap in assembly with no tools required
- Dishwasher safe
- Available in 3 sizes [can hold up to 2.5 pounds each bowl]
Disadvantages:
- Not microwave safe
With its uniquely ornate design and extra depth, this stand will have your pet dining in style while minimizing messes at the same time.
Sturdy wrought-iron construction with nonslip feet stays put even when subjected to enthusiastic munching or gulping. Extra-deep stainless steel prevents splashes and spills. Both components are dishwasher-safe for effortless cleaning.
One review commented “I bought the 7in and 10in bowls for my two dogs. They’re not fast eaters, so the bowls weren’t loud and clanging, at least to us. They’re both the perfect height for each of my dogs. They’re getting older so they don’t have to bend all the way to the floor which has been nice. We’ve used them on wood and carpet and they stayed put. Definitely would recommend!”
The measurements starting at 10.25 x 10.25 x 9.75 inches; with the capacity to contain 2.5 cups. This product is made with stainless steel.
The Best Feeder for Enrichment
Did you know that 15 minutes of mental exercise equals 30 minutes of physical exercise for dogs? I have two dogs under the age of two and keeping them from being bored while we work from home is a constant challenge. Which is probably why we own most of the Outward Hound Puzzle line.
Advantages:
- There are four different designs available which have different levels of difficulty.
- It is made from strong BPA-free plastic.
- Easy to clean with warm water and soap between uses.
Cons:
- Not all the puzzles have replaceable parts [Most do]
- Our Frenchie was able to damage to the puzzle and we ended up replacing it, our shepherd mix enjoys
- Designed for treats or smaller dogs, larger dogs will require additional nutrition
- Hand washing is best
By putting your dog to work with a puzzle or game, you are focusing their attention and energy effectively, ultimately reducing boredom and destructive behaviors. Puzzles are also a great way to distract dogs from fireworks, thunderstorms and other situations where your dog may get anxious.
One review commented “My dogs love these puzzles. This one is still a bit difficult for them to solve, so we lower the difficulty by keeping all the locks pulled out. They still have to figure out how to maneuver all the sliding pieces on top to get to the treats or dog food we put inside.”
The measurements 14.7 x 14.7 x 1.9 inches; 1.5 Pounds; This product is made with stainless steel.
Best Food & Water Bowl Set
The FOREYY Raised Pet Bowls are available on Amazon.com.
This chic set tops our list for its attractive, heavy-duty bamboo construction that not only looks good, but also helps prevent spills and messes.
Advantages:
- Available in 4 sizes from 25 up to 65 ounces
- Keeps feeding area cleaner and easy to clean.
- Taking the best quality natural bamboo material, durable and non-deformation.
- Bowl insets takes inclined design which make the bowls are more stable.
- Anti-slip feet on bowl insets which eliminated the impact sound when pets are eating.
Drawbacks:
- Bamboo requires wiping to prevent water stains
- Some customers found the assembly challenging
This dog food stand is made from bamboo which have high water resistance properties. Bamboo is a magic natural plant, strong fiber material is high-strength, high tensile strength, good elasticity and low density. With its special delicate fragrance, your lovely pet will love this new feeder, and really enjoy the meal any time.
A reviewer commented, “I love the sturdiness, heaviness of the bowls as well as the stand. I watched the YouTube video, they were very simple to put together. I bought two, it took about 6 minutes to put both together. They’re very well built, my dogs couldn’t be happier. “
The dimensions start at 15.35 x 7.48 x 3.94 inches;. It has a capacity of 20 ounces and is made of stainless steel and bamboo.