The problem: dinner away from home

Hotel room, evening. You tip kibble into the bowl you packed and turn to hang up your coat. When you turn back, he has already swallowed it and is licking the carpet.

A Frenchie who gulps at home gulps harder in a strange place. And a plain travel bowl does nothing about it.

The fix: a soft bowl with bumps

This bowl folds down flat and clips onto your bag. Open it and it stands up by itself, with raised bumps on the floor of the bowl.

The food drops in between the bumps, so he has to pick it out piece by piece instead of taking one big mouthful. It is a speed bump for his dinner, in a bowl that fits in a coat pocket.

What you get

One soft piece, easy to rinse and easy to carry. It works for dry food, wet food and water. For wet food, press it down between the bumps with the back of a spoon, or he will lick it straight off.

Fill it on the floor, not in your hand. The walls are soft and give when you lift it full. Rinse it after each meal, and let it dry open before you fold it, or it can smell.

Clip the carabiner to a bag strap or belt loop, never to his collar or leash.

The measures were taken by hand, so allow a little either way.

Who it suits, and who it does not

It suits the Frenchie who eats too fast and the owner who takes him places: hotels, the car, long walks with water.

It will not stop a dog who has already beaten every slow feeder he has met. The bumps sit on the floor only, so this is a gentle slow-down, not a puzzle.

It is also light and soft. A Frenchie who pushes with his nose can slide it across tiles, so put a rubber pad under it or feed him in a corner.

And it is a bowl for eating from, not for chewing. If he starts on the rim, take it away.

Before you buy

Open it at home first and give him a small meal on a rug. A Frenchie does not like surprises at dinner, so let him get used to the shape before the trip.

If that sounds like your dog, pick your colour above and add it to the cart.