Q: What is the difference between a slow feeder and a lick mat?
A: Both slow your pet down while eating, but a slow feeder is typically a bowl with deep compartments that's meant as a way to give your pet their meal, while a lick mat, while lick mats are usually used for enrichment and are shallower with more ridges and grooves that make getting to their food a mental puzzle.
There are broad slow feeders specifically for cats that still slow them down without forcing them to put their face into a bowl, which can cause whisker fatigue. A lick mat may be as a slow feeder for cats.
Q: Are silicone lick mats safe for cats and dogs?
A: Yes. The Minimal Animal Lick Mat is made from 100% food-grade, BPA and phthalate-free silicone that is safe for pets.
Q: Are silicone slow feeders safe for dogs?
A: Yes. Our Slow Feeder is made from 100% food-grade, BPA and phthalate-free silicone that is safe for pets.
Q: How is a lick mat good for cats?
A: Our Lick Mat is designed to provide mental enrichment, slow down eating and help calm anxious pets. It’s also a good way to supplement your pet's diet with new and interesting treats. Plus, it’s simply something fun for your cat to do.
Q: Can lick lats help prevent whisker fatigue in cats?
A: Yes. When your cat’s whiskers brush the side of a bowl, they receive constant sensory input (think of it like trying to study in a noisy room). Our Lick Mat keeps your cat’s whiskers above the surface of the design for a less stressful feeding experience.
Q: Are slow feeders good for dogs?
A: Yes. Slow Feeders are good for dogs both mentally and physically.
We don’t talk about “woofing” down food for no reason—many dogs are guilty eating too fast. The Slow Feeder’s compartmental design forces your dog to slow down while eating their meal, which keeps them from swallowing air along with their food, reducing gas and bloat. By encouraging your pup to chew their food, slow feeders also reduce the chances of choking or vomiting up what went down too fast.
In addition to the physical benefits, Slow Feeders offer mental stimulation.
Q: Are lick mats good for dogs?
A: Yes. Lick Mats are a great way to keep your active or anxious pup mentally engaged. The act of licking also helps calm anxious pets and relieve stress.
Soft and spreadable foods like peanut butter, cottage cheese, pumpkin and unsweetened applesauce are excellent options. Freezing the Lick Mat before you give it to your dog keeps them occupied even longer.
Q: What should I watch out for when using a slow feeder or lick mat?
A: When it comes to slow feeders and lick mats, softer materials like silicone are better for teeth than hard materials like plastic or ceramic, which can damage teeth.
Minimal Animal’s Slow Feeders are made of thick, durable silicone but there’s always a chance that they could become damaged through rough use. You should never let your pet used a slow feeder or lick mat unsupervised, and you should remove them entirely if they do become damaged.
Please check that the treats and spreads you choose have no ingredients that are harmful to pets, like xylitol (sweetener) or grapes. If you are uncertain, ask your vet. It's best to start with foods you know your dog likes and introduce new treats in small amounts.
Q: Who shouldn’t use a slow feeder or lick mat?
A: Lick Mats can be too much effort for picking eaters, who probably don’t need slowing down when it comes to their meals anyway.
Q: How do I clean a silicone slow feeder or lick mat?
A: The Minimal Animal Slow Feeder and Lick Mat are made of dishwasher-safe silicone, so cleaning is automatically easy.
If you don’t have a dishwasher just let the Slow Feeder or Lick Mat soak in a little warm soapy water in your sink, then rinse under and gentle stream. Remove any remaining bits with a small brush (like a toothbrush).
Q: Is a porcelain dish safe for pets?
A: Yes. Our porcelain is durable, antimicrobial, lead and cadmium-free, easy to clean and dishwasher and microwave safe.
The stepped design lets your pet eat in a more ergonomically correct position, while also adding weight and stability.
Q: How do I clean a porcelain pet dish?
A: Unlike plastic feeders that harbor bacteria, our non-porous, vitrified porcelain Dish is dishwasher safe and has a matte inner glaze that wipes clean easily.
Q: How can slow feeders and lick mats help when traveling with a pet?
A: Slow Feeder is an excellent travel bowl for dogs. A Lick Mat can help keep your dog or cat calm and occupied in a new environment that otherwise might be stressful or overstimulating for them.
