Best Treats for Slow Feeders: Fun, Enriching Snacks for Dogs & Cats
Slow feeders are a smart way to encourage our pets to slow down and savour their meals — but they’re not just for main meals. When used with the right treats, slow feeders can turn snacking into a fun, stimulating experience that also supports digestion and mental enrichment. Whether you're raising a snack-loving Labrador or a curious Ragdoll cat, here’s a guide to the best treats to pair with slow feeders, backed by our “We Get Pet” understanding of what keeps our cats purring and dogs tail-wagging.
Why Use Treats With Slow Feeders?
Slow feeders promote slower eating habits, reducing the risk of bloat in dogs and regurgitation in cats. They also offer mental enrichment by making pets “work” for their food — satisfying their natural foraging instincts. When you pair these feeders with the right kind of treats, you create moments of joy and challenge for your furry friend. Plus, treats delivered through puzzle-style slow bowls can support training goals and reduce boredom-related behaviours.
Best Treats For Dogs And Cats In Slow Feeders
When choosing treats for slow feeders, think semi-moist, spreadable or small-sized goodies that fit well into the feeder’s grooves. Here are our top categories:
- Soft & Chewy Treats: Ideal for puzzle feeders, these are easy for paws and tongues to fish out. Check out our range of soft dog treats and chewy cat treats.
- Peanut Butter Treats: A lickable, fun option especially for dogs. Brands like Mutt Butter are firm favourites for smearing into puzzle feeders.
- Freeze-dried Treats for dogs and cats: Lightweight and nutrient-packed, these treats fall into crevices and keep your pets sniffing and searching.
- Food Toppers: Wet-style toppers or pate-style mixes work wonders in slow feeders and treat mats — they also double as a tasty supplement for fussy eaters.
- Top-Rated Treats: Tried and tested by fellow pet parents across New Zealand, these all-stars are perfect for finicky pets or seasoned treat lovers.
Top NZ-Made Treats To Try
We love supporting local, and New Zealand-made treats are not only high-quality, but also formulated with local ingredients and pet wellbeing in mind.
- K9 Natural & Feline Natural: Freeze-dried treats bursting with natural meaty goodness, ideal for all life stages.
- Shop NZ Made: Discover even more locally made options across our full treat range.
Using Lick Mats And Puzzle Feeders
Slow feeders can go beyond traditional bowl shapes — think silicone Lickimats, treat-dispensing puzzles, and interactive toys. Use spreadable treats like Mutt Butter, wet food, or soft-baked treats that squish easily into crevices. For cats, options like Temptations creamy treats or mousse-style toppers provide a slow, satisfying snack that doubles as a bonding moment.
Not sure which feeder suits your pet best? Browse our full range of dog slow feeders or cat puzzle bowls to find the purr-fect match.
Enrichment Tips For Treat Time
Ready to level up treat time? Here are a few slow feeder enrichment ideas:
- Try freezing spreadable treats in your feeder or lick mat to make the fun last longer.
- Rotate between different feeders or puzzle toys to keep mealtime exciting.
- Mix kibble with wet food or treats for added texture and intrigue.
- Use functional treats and supplements for added health benefits, like joint care or dental support.
Every pet is different, which is why our team is always here to help you find tailored enrichment options that match your pet’s needs, whether they're a bounding puppy or a wise senior cat.
Make Treat Time Count With Petdirect
We’re here to support you at every tail wag and happy purr. From premium products to everyday must-haves, our Pet Perks loyalty programme and Autodeliver subscription service make it easy to treat your pet right — and earn rewards while doing it. Plus, you can earn Airpoints on every order.
Ready to find the perfect treats for your slow feeder? Browse our full dog and cat treat collection for tail-tapping favourites today!