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 of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, we’re joined by Carol Smeja, creator of Mine Pet Platter, a unique and science-backed solution to many of the common dog feeding issues. Carol joins us to share the science behind how dogs eat, including what we can learn from watching wolves and wildcats. We’ll discuss why bowls are not the best way to feed your dog and break down what to look for in a slow feeder, from color to material to shape.
Episode Recap:
- How dogs eat in the wild
- Benefits of the Mine Pet Platter
- How slow feeders can help your dog
- Helpful for picky eaters
- Tips for using Mine Pet Platter
- What are your pet’s bowls made of?
- The color you serve your dog on matters
- How to learn more about Mine Pet Platter
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 Resources:
- Find out more about the platter on the Mine Pet Platter Website –
- Get 10% off your Mine Pet Platter with code CBDDOG
- Follow Mine Pet Platter on Instagram and Facebook
- Have a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at carter@yournaturaldog.com
- CBD Dog Health
Note: Like all discount codes, they don’t last furever!
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About Angela Ardolino
Angela Ardolino is a holistic pet expert and educator who has been caring for animals for over 20 years. Angela owns and operates Fire Flake Farm, an animal rescue. She’s also the founder and formulator of CBD Dog Health, which offers high quality, all-natural cannabis health and wellness products for pets; and MycoDog, which creates and produces high-quality medicinal mushroom and adaptogen tinctures specifically for pets.
Accordingly, she has used CBD Dog Health’s CBD for Dogs, and now MycoDog mushrooms for dogs, on all her pets at her rescue farm every day since 2016. Angela’s pack includes rescues Jolene, Maza and Rhemi. In addition, she has 4-10 more any time she is fostering or boarding. She is a member of the Society of Cannabis Clinicians and the Veterinary Cannabis Association. In fact, Angela has educated hundreds of medical doctors and veterinarians on the therapeutic uses of medical cannabis on animals.
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.