How to get your dog to eat slower?

• Fast Eating is a Dog’s Habit
• The Risks of Eating Too Quickly
• Improve by Reviewing Meal Frequency and Feeding Methods
• Enhance the Feeding Environment
• When to Visit the Vet
• Summary

Fast eating is a natural habit for dogs

Not chewing properly and swallowing food whole is not merely a matter of poor manners but can be considered a natural instinct for dogs. The ancestors of domestic dogs, wolves, lived in packs and relied on teamwork to hunt and consume large prey.

If they ate slowly, they might end up without any food for themselves. Moreover, there was no certainty about when they would have another opportunity to hunt. This survival instinct to eat quickly has been passed down through generations and is still evident in domestic dogs toda

Addressing the Risks of Eating Too Quickly

Of course, just because it’s a natural instinct doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be addressed. Eating too quickly carries various risks.

Increased Risk of Obesity

When dogs eat too quickly, they may not feel full as quickly. This can lead them to look up at their owners with pleading eyes, as if asking for more food. Owners might then think their dog didn’t get enough and add more food to their bowl. This cycle can eventually lead to overeating and obesity.

Vomiting

Immediately after eating too quickly, dogs might vomit the food they just consumed. This is often not true vomiting but “regurgitation,” and if the dog remains lively and otherwise healthy, it’s usually not a major concern. However, frequent regurgitation can make it difficult for the dog to absorb nutrients and can put stress on the stomach.

Risk of Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV)

When dogs gulp down dry food quickly, they also swallow a lot of air. If they then drink a large amount of water, the stomach can fill with both air and liquid, leading to gastric dilatation. A swollen stomach is more prone to rotation, which increases the risk of gastric torsion, a very dangerous condition. Although the exact cause of GDV is not fully understood, rapid eating is believed to be a contributing factor. The risk is especially high after intense exercise right after eating.

Risk of Choking

Eating too quickly can also increase the risk of choking. This is a particular concern for older dogs or puppies, who may have weaker swallowing reflexes.

Review and Improve Meal Frequency and Feeding Methods

Check Meal Frequency and Amount

If you are feeding your dog only once a day, they may become too hungry. Try increasing to two meals per day. Puppies should be fed three to four times a day. Also, ensure that the amount of food is not too little by checking the feeding guidelines on the package.

Change the Dish or Use Toys

Consider switching to a slow feeder bowl. There are bowls with ridges designed to prevent fast eating. If you don’t want to buy a new bowl, you can scatter the food on a tray to slow down eating.

Another option is to use interactive toys that dispense food as the dog pushes them with its nose or paws. Toys like KONGs, which can be filled with food, not only help prevent fast eating but also alleviate boredom as they roll around.

Providing several toys and placing them around the room can turn mealtime into a treasure hunt game. Be mindful of the toy size—if it’s too small, the dog might swallow it. Always choose toys that are appropriate for your dog’s size.

Soften Dry Food

For dogs who eat too quickly and don’t feel full, try soaking the dry food in water. Soaked food can make your dog feel fuller and help reduce fast eating and overeating. It also helps prevent excessive drinking of water after eating.

Soaking food can also help older dogs who might not drink enough water, thus preventing dehydration. Keep in mind that soaked food spoils quickly, so be sure to clean up any leftovers promptly

Improve the Eating Environment

When dogs eat alongside other dogs, they can become competitive and eat rapidly. This can lead to issues like one dog trying to eat another dog’s food, which can create conflicts.

While it may be cute to see dogs eating together, it’s not ideal for their eating environment.

If you have multiple dogs or other animals like cats, it’s best to feed them in separate rooms or in their own crates or cages to allow them to eat calmly without distractions.

Some dogs are also sensitive to the presence of their owners or small children. If a dog becomes anxious or eats too quickly because someone is watching, try observing from a distance to help them eat more slowly.

When to Visit the Veterinarian!

Visit the Veterinarian if You Notice the Following Symptoms After Fast Eating:

• Excessive drooling
• Restlessness or inability to settle down
• Abdominal bloating
• Rapid or labored breathing
• Persistent attempts to vomit without producing anything

Additionally, if symptoms persist such as vomiting or lethargy despite improvements in eating habits, you should also consult a veterinarian.

Summary

Fast eating in dogs can lead not only to obesity but also to issues such as choking and gastric torsion. To address this, consider changing the environment to promote slower eating. This can include increasing the number of meals to twice a day, using different types of bowls or feeding methods, and feeding multiple dogs separately if you have more than one. By making these adjustments, you can help ensure your dog eats more slowly and safely.