Winter Warmer Slow Feeder Recipes for Dogs

With temperatures getting lower and the dark nights making everything extra cosy, it’s only natural that we start craving warm, comforting food. Winter is the season of hearty dinners filled with mashed potatoes, rich gravies and a few extra treats enjoyed under a blanket on the sofa. And while our dogs can’t tuck into the same meals we do (no matter how convincing those puppy eyes are), that doesn’t mean they should miss out on a little seasonal comfort of their own.

That’s why every pup should try at least one of our slow feeder recipes for dogs that are perfect for these cosy winter months. They’re a simple, dog-safe way to turn everyday ingredients into something warming, enriching and deeply satisfying. Instead of gulping meals down in seconds, slow feeders encourage dogs to take their time, lick, sniff and work through their food, which is great for digestion and even better for their minds.

Winter is also a time when routines can shift. Walks might be shorter, the weather less inviting and energy levels a little lower, which makes enrichment even more important. Creating homemade slow feeder recipes for dogs is a lovely way to add variety, stimulation and a touch of indulgence to their day, without straying from what’s healthy and appropriate for them.

Below, we’re sharing some cosy, winter-inspired slow feeder recipes for dogs that are easy to make at home, use simple ingredients and are guaranteed to make them perk up in the same way you do when someone passes the Celebrations tin around.

Every dog has their own tastes, just like we do, and every kitchen cupboard looks a little different too. Whether you’re working with what you already have at home or picking up a few bits as a special treat, these slow feeder recipes for dogs are easy to adapt, mix and match.

What you’ll need:

• Furr Boost Beef, Broccoli & Blueberry - 400ml made with human-grade ingredients
• Coya Pork Freeze-Dried Raw Adult Dog Treats
• WOOOF Own Natural Pigs in Blankets

How to make it:

1. Start by placing a few Coya freeze-dried treats into the grooves of your slow feeder bowl.
2. Next, add a WOOOF Own pork & chicken dog chew (aka pigs in blankets).
3. If you’d like to bulk it out, you can add a small portion of your dog’s usual food or some dog-safe veggies.
4. Finally, gently pour over the Furr Boost 'gravy', letting it settle into all the pockets of the feeder for maximum flavour and enrichment.

If you want to save a little money and have a carefully curated enrichment bundle ready to go, explore our WOOOF Own Bundles that include everything you would need to create a slow feeder recipe with minimal effort.

Another proper winter warmer and a much-loved British classic, toad in the hole is the ultimate comfort food, so it felt only right to create a dog-friendly version your pup can enjoy too. This slow feeder recipe is hearty, satisfying and perfect for colder days when your dog deserves something a little more special.

This recipe works beautifully in a slow feeder bowl, but if you’re making a smaller portion or want something extra enriching, it’s just as good layered into a treat dispenser like the LickiMat Yoggie Pot.

What you’ll need:

• Furr Boost Pork, Sweet Potato & Apple
• Lily’s Kitchen Cracking Pork with Apple Sausages
• Cooked and mashed sweet potato
• Cooked dog-safe vegetables such as carrot or green bean

How to make it:

1. Start by spreading a layer of mashed sweet potato around the base of your slow feeder bowl or Yoggie Pot.
2. Slice the Lily’s Kitchen pork and apple sausages into bite-sized pieces and tuck them into the grooves or layers of the feeder.
3. Add a handful of cooked dog-safe vegetables for extra texture and goodness.
4. Finish by gently pouring the Furr Boost Pork, Sweet Potato & Apple gravy over the top, allowing it to settle into the pockets of the feeder.

What you’ll need:

• Furr Boost Salmon, Sweet Potato & Blueberry gravy
• Denzel's Salmon, Peanut Butter & Sweet Potato dried treat bites
• Gourmet Salmon Pâté
• Cooked and mashed sweet potato
• Optional dog-safe vegetables such as carrot or green beans

How to make it:

1. Start by spreading a layer of cooked and mashed sweet potato across the base of your slow feeder bowl.
2. Dollop small amounts of gourmet salmon pâté into the grooves or sections of the feeder.
3. Scatter a few of Denzel’s dried salmon bites on top to add texture and extra flavour.
4. If you’d like, add a handful of cooked dog-safe vegetables for extra nutrients and variety.
5. Gently pour over the Furr Boost Salmon, Sweet Potato & Blueberry gravy, letting it seep into all the nooks and crannies for maximum enrichment.

And finally, there’s nothing better in winter than the comforting aroma of warm apple crumble and with this slow feeder recipe for dogs, your pup can enjoy their own wholesome version. It’s lightly sweet, packed with texture and perfect for a cosy evening treat.

What you’ll need:

• 1 apple (cored and sliced)
• A handful of oats
• 1 tsp honey
• A sprinkle of cinnamon
• 1 spoonful of dog-friendly peanut butter

How to make it:

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C and use a small oven-safe dish or cast-iron skillet.
2. Slice the apple and arrange the pieces in the dish.
3. In a small bowl, mix the oats, honey and cinnamon together.
4. Sprinkle this mixture over the apple slices evenly.
5. Bake for around 10 minutes, just until the apples are soft and the oats are lightly toasted.
6. Once cooled, break the crumble into small pieces suitable for your slow feeder bowl.
7. Drizzle a little extra honey and spoonful of dog-friendly peanut butter over the top for added taste and enrichment.

Winter is the perfect time to spoil your pup with a little extra comfort and enrichment, and slow feeder recipes for dogs are a wonderful way to do just that. From hearty Christmas dinners to cosy fish pies and sweet apple crumbles, these recipes turn mealtime into a stimulating, enjoyable experience that keeps our pups happy and full even on the chilliest days.

At WOOOF, we have everything you need to stock your cupboards and your dog’s enrichment arsenal including slow feeder bowls and treat pastes to dog pates, dried biscuits, food toppers and much more so you can make every meal a delicious winter warmer for your furry friend.

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