Slow Feeders for Dogs with Carol Smeja on Your Natural Dog Podcast
Many dog owners are so focused on what to feed their dogs that they don’t think about how they’re feeding them. But the way we feed our dogs can have a major impact on their digestion, behavior, and overall health. In this episode, Carol Smeja shares the science behind how dogs eat, including what we can learn from watching wolves and wildcats. She explains why bowls are not the best way to feed your dog and breaks down the different things to look for in a dog feeder, from color to material to shape. Carol is the creator of Mine Pet Platter, a unique and science-backed solution to many of the common dog feeding issues.
The Original mine Pet Platter
Carol Smeja, creator of The Original mine Pet Platter, believes that HOW you feed your pet is just as important as WHAT you feed them. The mine Pet Platter is a lick mat for dogs, encouraging a relaxed and natural eating position for your dog. Spreading your dog’s food across the surface of the platter naturally slows food and air intake, making it a great option as a slow feeder for dogs. The platter’s surface also allows for instinctive exploration, which can help stimulate your dog’s appetite. The open surface also allows your dog a reassuring 360 degree view of their food, compared to a traditional dog food bowl which can block peripheral vision and raise their fear of food being taken away. Surface scoops and ridges in the mine Pet Platter’s design also offer the benefits of a lick mat for dogs, engaging the senses and encouraging positive licking, which releases endorphins that reward and relax.
Episode Recap:
- Many feeding problems in dogs come from not feeding them the way they’d eat in the wild (0:58)
- What are the benefits of the Mine Pet Platter? (6:04)
- Most dogs eat too fast, but changing the device we feed them from will help (11:25)
- Feeding on a platter can help picky eaters (14:42)
- Make sure the bowls or mats you’re using are made of safe, quality materials (22:24)
- The color you serve your dog on matters (31:05)
- How to learn more about Mine Pet Platter (32:42)
Episode Resources:
- Find out more about the platter on the Mine Pet Platter Website
- Follow Mine Pet Platter on Instagram and Facebook
- Get your Mine Pet Platter on the Your Natural Dog website for 20% off with discount code MINE20
- Have a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at support@yournaturaldog.com
- Sign up for 10% off your first purchase on the Your Natural Dog store
- CBD Dog Health
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About Angela Ardolino
Angela Ardolino is a holistic pet expert who has been caring for animals for over 20 years. Angela owns and operates Fire Flake Farm, her animal rescue farm, as well as two locations of a natural pet salon and shop, Beautify the Beast. She’s also the founder of CBD Dog Health, which offers high quality, all-natural cannabis health and wellness products. As well as the founder of MycoDog, a sustainable mushroom tincture line designed for dogs and Your Natural Dog where she hand-picks natural products alongside trusted vets for dog owners like you.
To see Angela on her rescue farm today, surrounded by animals, is to truly see her in her element. Looking at this furry, joyful family you would never suspect that Angela and her pets were once full of aches, pains and anxiety. Angela is the mother to Odie (15-year-old mini-schnauzer), Nina (10-year-old Doberman), Jolene (9-year-old mutt), Maza (9-year-old mutt), Rhemi (10-year-old poodle), multiple ducks, roosters, chickens and geese, plus pigs Ellie and Penelope, Brenda the one-legged pigeon, and the many dogs that she fosters from time-to-time at Fire Flake Farm.
About Carol Smeja
Carol Smeja, creator of The Original mine Pet Platter, got her start with a PhD in the area of psychology and sociology, and applied those to understanding the psychological and social dynamics of eating. More recently, she has applied her extensive research and diagnostic training in understanding the eating behaviors of dogs & cats by studying the natural and instinctive behaviors of their ancestral roots. Carol’s main interest is in the significant importance of how we feed our pets. She has conducted comprehensive ancestral reviews and integrated information from wildlife professionals, longitudinal and cross-sectional behavior projects and live and video observational feeding data. Additionally, she volunteers at zoos to further expand knowledge on pet’s dietary needs and feeding habits in addition to improving conservation efforts. Lecturing at both professional events and pet organizations, Carol seeks to educate pet parents on the importance of how you feed your pet to improve their health & wellbeing.
In addition, Carol is currently working on a publication highlighting the scientific foundation of how we feed our pets.