A feeding apparatus includes a container for, in use, containing food for an animal. The container has a side wall through which a slot is defined, the slot extending between closed upper and lower ends of the slot. In use, a feeding restrictor rests on top of the food in the container. A retaining element is positioned outside the container and is movably engageable with an outer portion or surface of the container side wall. The feeding restrictor is coupled to the retaining element before the animal starts to feed, and moves downwardly, guided by the slot, as the animal eats the food. The feeding restrictor can then be uncoupled from the retaining element after the food is eaten, and withdrawn from the container to allow further food to be placed in the container.