Finally, a solution that actually works for enthusiastic eaters
On this page
The Kitchen Chase Game Nobody Asked For
You know that moment when you put down your dog’s dinner, turn around to grab a tea towel, and hear the familiar scraping sound of ceramic against tiles? I swear my dog Poppy treats mealtimes like a hockey match sometimes. Her bowl starts under the kitchen island and somehow ends up by the back door, leaving a trail of (expensive) dry food like breadcrumbs.
If you’re nodding along thinking “yep, that’s my kitchen every single day,” you’re definitely not alone. The sliding dog bowl problem is one of those tiny frustrations that somehow manages to be both completely predictable and utterly maddening.
Why Do Dog Bowls Slide Around Anyway?
Before we dive into the fixes, let’s talk about what’s actually happening here. It’s not just that your dog is being dramatic (though mine definitely is). Most dog bowls are designed to be lightweight and easy to clean, which unfortunately makes them perfect for sliding around on smooth kitchen floors.
Add in an enthusiastic eater who approaches their food bowl like they’re tackling a rugby scrum, and you’ve got a recipe for the daily bowl chase. Poppy’s got this technique where she somehow manages to push her bowl backward while eating, which I’m convinced is some sort of canine physics I don’t understand.
The problem gets worse with:
- Smooth kitchen floors (tiles, laminate, or polished wood).
- Lightweight bowls (especially plastic ones).
- Dogs who eat quickly or push their food around.
- Raised feeders that aren’t properly weighted.
The Real Cost of Sliding Dog Bowls
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “it’s just a bowl sliding around, hardly the end of the world.” But here’s the thing: these little daily annoyances add up. You’re constantly moving the bowl back into position, cleaning up scattered food, and maybe even dealing with scratched floors or walls where the bowl’s been bumping into things.
For older dogs especially, chasing their food bowl around can be genuinely stressful. They want to eat in peace, not play musical chairs with their dinner. And let’s be honest, when you’re already juggling work, family, and everything else, the last thing you need is another tiny thing to fix multiple times a day.
Fix #1: The Ferplast Dog Bowl with Non-Slip Rubber Base
This is hands-down the simplest solution I’ve found. The Ferplast Dog Bowl with Non-Slip Rubber Base is exactly what it says on the tin – a proper dog bowl with a rubber grip that actually grips.
What makes it work so well is the rubber band around the bottom edge. It’s not just a token gesture; it’s a proper non-slip base that grips onto your floor surface. The bowl itself is wide and stable, so even if your dog approaches dinner like they’re trying to demolish something, it stays put.
I’ve been using this for Poppy for about six months now, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer. No more bowl hockey in the kitchen, no more scattered kibble trail, and no more me sighing dramatically while I move everything back into place.
And it’s still very light. It’s also got a little gap where you can easily pick it up and not risk dropping it. And I can put it in the microwave when I forget to defrost her frozen food. Again.
The best part? It’s not some fancy gadget that costs a fortune. It’s just a well-designed bowl that does exactly what you need it to do. Sometimes the simplest solutions really are the best ones.
Fix #2: Non-Slip Liner Under Any Bowl
Now, maybe you already have a food bowl that you love. Perhaps it matches your kitchen, or your dog’s particularly attached to it, or you’ve got one of those fancy slow-feeder designs. Fair enough. You don’t need to chuck it out and start over.
This is where a non-slip liner comes in handy. It’s basically a grippy mat that you can cut to size and place under whatever bowl you’re already using. The liner grips both the floor and the bottom of the bowl, creating a stable base that prevents sliding.
I actually tried this approach first, before I got the Ferplast bowl. It worked brilliantly with Poppy’s old ceramic bowl, especially on our kitchen tiles. You just cut a piece slightly larger than your bowl’s base, pop it underneath, and job done.
The liner is particularly useful if you’re dealing with different floor surfaces around your house. Maybe your dog eats in the kitchen during the week but moves to the conservatory at weekends. With a liner, you can make any bowl stable anywhere.
The reason I tried this first, is that we already had some. We use it a lot. In the caravan. Under chopping boards. On trays. I wouldn’t say that it’s got a million and one uses. But it’s got quite a few.
Which Solution Should You Choose?
Honestly, it depends on your situation. If you’re starting fresh or your current bowl is ready for retirement anyway, go with the Ferplast non-slip bowl. It’s purpose-built for the job and just works.
But if you’ve got a bowl you love, or you’re dealing with multiple bowls (food and water, or multiple dogs), the liner approach might be more practical. You can cut several pieces and use them wherever you need them.
For what it’s worth, I ended up using both. I am a belt and braces kind of girl. I wanted a new bowl anyway, as the ceramic one was a bit big and awkward to put down. And this bowl is the perfect size for both my hands and Poppy’s mouth.
A Few Extra Tips That Actually Help
While you’re sorting out the sliding bowl situation, here are a couple of other things that can make mealtimes smoother:
Consider your floor surface. If you’ve got particularly smooth tiles, even the best non-slip solution might need a bit of help. Sometimes just moving the feeding spot to a slightly different area with better grip can make all the difference.
Think about bowl height. If your dog’s straining to reach their food, they’re more likely to push the bowl around. For larger dogs or seniors, a slightly raised feeder (with a non-slip base, obviously) can be more comfortable.
Don’t go too small. Tiny bowls are more likely to slide around. A wider, slightly heavier bowl with a good grip will always be more stable than a dainty one.
The Bottom Line
Look, sliding dog bowls are one of those small problems that somehow manage to be disproportionately annoying. But the good news is they’re also really easy to fix. Whether you go for a proper non-slip bowl like the Ferplast, or add a liner under your current bowl, you’re looking at a quick fix that actually works.
Since sorting out Poppy’s bowl situation, mealtimes have become so much more peaceful. She eats. I don’t have to play fetch with her dinner bowl, and our kitchen floor stays clean. Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference to daily life.
What’s your biggest mealtime frustration with your dog? I’d love to hear about the tiny problems that drive you slightly mad! There’s probably a simple fix for those too!