A food retainer is adapted to receive food to be eaten of a domestic animal. The food retainer (1,9,13,16) comprises a base (2,10,15) and a number of protrusions (3,5,6,7,8) extending from the upper surface of the base of the food retainer in mutual distances from each other. At least some of the protrusions are substantially higher than the remainder of the food retainer. The structure of the food retainer forces the animal to struggle for the food. The thereby performed exercise keeps the animal healthy and active and stimulates the intelligence and physique of the animal.