Find HS Code and trade information for dog puzzle feeder

Dog Puzzle Feeder

A dog puzzle feeder, also known as a slow feeder puzzle, is a toy designed to mentally stimulate dogs and slow down their eating speed. These devices require a dog to solve a problem—manipulating the feeder in a specific way—to access kibble or treats.

Material:

• Plastic: Commonly used for its durability and ease of manufacturing. Often BPA-free plastic is preferred.
• Wood: Provides a more natural aesthetic and can be more visually appealing to some owners. Requires careful cleaning to prevent bacterial growth.
• Rubber/Silicone: Offers flexibility and can be more resistant to chewing. Often used for softer puzzle elements.
• Metal: Typically stainless steel, known for its durability and hygiene.

Purpose:

• Slows Down Eating: Prevents rapid consumption of food, reducing the risk of bloat, indigestion, and vomiting.
• Mental Stimulation: Provides enrichment and combats boredom, potentially reducing destructive behaviors.
• Engages Natural Instincts: Taps into a dog’s foraging instincts, providing a satisfying activity.
• Portion Control: Some feeders allow for measured portions, assisting with weight management.

Function:

Dog puzzle feeders operate on various principles:

• Sliding Puzzles: Dogs must slide covers or components to reveal food.
• Rotating Puzzles: Require dogs to rotate sections to access treats.
• Hidden Compartments: Food is concealed within compartments that need to be opened or accessed.
• Dispensing Mechanisms: Food is released as the dog interacts with the feeder (e.g., by pushing a lever or rolling the feeder).
• Licking Mats: Food is spread on a textured surface, requiring the dog to lick it off, extending mealtime.

Usage Scenarios:

• Mealtime Replacement: Used as the primary food bowl, replacing standard bowls.
• Enrichment Activity: Offered as a supplemental activity to provide mental stimulation.
• Training Tool: Used to reward dogs for problem-solving and focus.
• Distraction: Can distract dogs during stressful situations (e.g., thunderstorms, vet visits).
• Post-Surgery/Recovery: Can be used to encourage slower eating after medical procedures.

Common Types:

• Level 1 (Beginner): Simple designs, easy to solve, suitable for puppies or dogs new to puzzle feeders.
• Level 2 (Intermediate): Require more manipulation and problem-solving skills.
• Level 3 (Advanced): Complex designs, challenging for experienced puzzle solvers.
• Slow Feed Bowls: Bowls with raised patterns or obstacles to slow down eating.
• Treat-Dispensing Balls: Balls that release treats as the dog rolls them.
• Lick Mats: Textured mats for spreading soft foods.
• Interactive Feeders: More complex feeders with multiple components and challenges.
• Snuffle Mats: Mats with fabric strips where food can be hidden, encouraging foraging.

Dog puzzle feeders fall under several potential classifications based on their material and function. Here's a breakdown of relevant HS codes based on the provided information:

• 4201003000: Saddlery and harness for any animal (including traces, leads, knee pads, muzzles, saddle cloths, saddle bags, dog coats and the like), of any material: Dog leashes, collars, muzzles, harnesses and similar dog equipment. While primarily for leashes and collars, this code could apply if the puzzle feeder incorporates harness-like features or is designed to be secured to the dog.

  • Chapter 42: Articles of leather or of composition leather, travel goods, handbags, wallets, etc.; articles of animal gut.
  • Heading 4201: Saddlery and harness for any animal.
  • Subheading 4201.00.30.00: Dog leashes, collars, muzzles, harnesses and similar dog equipment.

• 3926901600: Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914: Other: Pacifiers. If the puzzle feeder is constructed primarily of plastic and designed to dispense food slowly (similar to a pacifier dispensing liquid), this code may be applicable.

  • Chapter 39: Plastics and articles thereof.
  • Heading 3926: Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914.
  • Subheading 3926.90.16.00: Other: Pacifiers.

• 9503000071: Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar wheeled toys; dollsʼ carriages; dolls, other toys; reduced-scale (“scaleˮ) models and similar recreational models, working or not; puzzles of all kinds; parts and accessories thereof “Childrenʼs productsˮ as defined in 15 U.S.C. § 2052: Other: Labeled or determined by importer as intended for use by persons: Under 3 years of age. If the puzzle feeder is marketed as a toy for puppies (under 3 years of age), this code could be considered.

  • Chapter 95: Toys, games and sports equipment; miscellaneous manufactured articles.
  • Heading 9503: Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar wheeled toys.
  • Subheading 9503.00.00.71: Other: Labeled or determined by importer as intended for use by persons: Under 3 years of age.

• 9503000073: Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar wheeled toys; dollsʼ carriages; dolls, other toys; reduced-scale (“scaleˮ) models and similar recreational models, working or not; puzzles of all kinds; parts and accessories thereof “Childrenʼs productsˮ as defined in 15 U.S.C. § 2052: Other: Labeled or determined by importer as intended for use by persons: 3 to 12 years of age. If the puzzle feeder is marketed as a toy for dogs between 3 and 12 years of age, this code could be considered.

  • Chapter 95: Toys, games and sports equipment; miscellaneous manufactured articles.
  • Heading 9503: Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar wheeled toys.
  • Subheading 9503.00.00.73: Other: Labeled or determined by importer as intended for use by persons: 3 to 12 years of age.

It is important to note that the final HS code classification will depend on the specific materials used in the puzzle feeder's construction and its intended use. If the puzzle feeder is constructed of plastic, HS code 3926901600 may be the most appropriate. However, if it is marketed as a toy, HS codes 9503000071 or 9503000073 should also be considered.