Lick Mat vs Slow Feeder Module: Which to Add First
Sam's French Bulldog, Waffles, either gulped dinner in seconds or turned up her nose at it. Two small modules offered two different fixes.
Part of our modular dining station guide. See also: whisker fatigue in cats.
Lick Mat vs Slow Feeder Module: The Short Answer
Sam could not tell which module to buy first for Waffles. Both slot into the same base, and both make mealtime calmer, but they work differently.
The slow feeder module slows gulping with a raised maze. The lick mat module turns eating into slow, steady licking. The right first pick depends on how your pet eats.
What the Lick Mat Module Does
The Lick Mat Module has a textured surface that turns a rushed gulp into slow, steady licking. It slots directly into the Modular Pet Dining Station Base, it is easy to clean between uses and it is made from PLA, a plant-based bioplastic. It comes in Medium (125 x 125 mm) and Large (200 x 200 mm).
What the Slow Feeder Bowl Module Does
The Slow Feeder Bowl Module has an anti-gulp design that slows eating and reduces mess. It also slots straight into the base, is easy to clean and comes in Medium (125 x 125 mm) and Large (200 x 200 mm). It is made for pets who eat too quickly.
Lick Mat vs Slow Feeder Module Compared
A quick look at the two.
| Lick Mat Module | Slow Feeder Bowl Module | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Textured surface for slow, steady licking | Raised maze that slows gulping |
| Best for | Pets who enjoy licking | Pets who eat too fast |
| What it adds | A calmer mealtime with a little enrichment | Slower eating and less mess |
| Sizes | Medium 125 mm, Large 200 mm | Medium 125 mm, Large 200 mm |
Which to Add First
Watch how your pet eats. If dinner disappears in seconds, start with the slow feeder module. If your pet likes to lick and take their time, start with the lick mat. You can add the other later, since the base is designed to expand.
Not sure how to set up a shared feeding corner? Read the modular dining station guide, plan a dining station for multi-pet homes or see whisker fatigue in cats for cats. Our customizable slow feeder bowl guide covers standalone bowls.
Can I use a lick mat and a slow feeder on the same base? Yes. Both modules slot into the Modular Pet Dining Station Base, and you can rearrange them as your pet's needs change.
Which module should I start with? Start with the slow feeder if your pet eats too quickly, or the lick mat if your pet likes to take their time and lick.
Are the modules easy to clean? Both are easy to clean between uses.
Pick the module that fits how your pet eats, and add the next one when you are ready. Browse our Premium Petsun Designs to begin.
Related dining station guides
- Whisker fatigue in cats
- Modular dining station guide
- Dining station for multi-pet homes
- Customizable slow feeder bowl for dogs and cats
Shop the collection: Premium Petsun Designs
Let customers speak for us
Willow loves eating out of this leaf feeder! The construction is very good quality and feels solid/ not like it’s going to break. She is a picky eater and doesn’t normally eat full meals but will eat full meals out of this! Love the grippy bottom so it doesn’t slip. Nothing to complain about :)
Golden Luca is pretty and it has my name and phone number on the flip side.
I bought it for Bao Bei to help him eat slower, also have a unique feeding bowl
He is busy with it for hours and also I can fetch the toy when we want to spend time together
It made Sabar’s meal time more than double and I enjoy watching him eating from his unique bowl
My paw was eating too fast and this bowl helped me to fix this problem
It can keep my cat's busy for a long time, but it should be under supervised I think. Long time playing with it can make them tired!
Maki playing with her ball. 😀
I'm using this stuff to keep my puppy busy and happy everyday.
It keeps my puppy busy for more than 30 mins every time for a meal. and even after that she plays with it around as long as She get tired!
Fun "beginner level" toy. Works for cats too:)
Durable plastic, feels nice.
it is a bit hard on the walls but the cat just watches it. Does not interact with it. The ball works really well for what it is supposed to do.
If it was a bit softer the cat might enjoy it more.
I gave one to a neighbour who's dog loves it. She has a small dog so the size is just right.
Great bowl and such fun. Amazing the difference in time it now takes for my puppy to finish her meals. Much healthier for her! And she loves to play with it once it’s empty
Got this toy for my girl Archie and she absolutely loves it! It’s super durable, keeps her entertained for hours, and the treat dispenser is a fun bonus. Totally worth it
As soon as this ball comes out he gets very excited. The ball allows him to play by himself with the ball. His favourite toy by far.
