How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Too Fast

It’s no secret that some dogs swallow their food faster than they can digest it. If given the option, they’ll keep going, which carries many health risks for your pooch, all of them best avoided.

For this reason, pet owners should slow the speed of their dog’s feed to alleviate these risks and develop better habits. Today, we’ll examine the reasons for this behavior and how you can stop your dogs from eating too fast.

Remember that these training methods are best done when your dog is a puppy, as they are more likely to stick.

Understanding Fast Eating In Dogs

There are many reasons why your dog eats so fast. It usually comes from their innate competitive nature: they don’t want other dogs eating their entire meal.

Thus, your dog swallows it more quickly so they don’t lose out. This is more common if your dog has been brought up with other dogs or shares their space with them. Their presence makes the habit more tangible.

As well as habit and fear, breed is another reason your dog eats so fast. Certain breeds have greater competitive natures; their wolf-like tendencies bring this out. But it’s also a survival instinct. The faster your dog swallows the food, the better their chance of survival.

Fast Eating: The Health Risks

The minor and temporary issues that arise from your dog eating too fast include bloating, vomiting, choking (not always minor), and others that can also trigger an underlying condition.

Of the scarier risks, your dog can get a serious condition called gastric dilatation, which is a greater risk for deep-chested dogs and can even be life-threatening.

Signs Your Dog is Eating Too Fast

The best way to tell is to observe your dog’s eating habits. If the moment you put the food bowl down, your dog will eat so fast that a pound of kibble is gone instantly, then yes, your dog is eating too fast.

If you’re not observing them, they can be bloated, or you will overhear them choking their dog food down, or they may vomit. All of these are signs of eating fast. It’s not good for your dog and needs to be addressed.

Slow Down Your Dog’s Eating With These Simple Strategies

Slow Feeder Bowls

A slow feeder bowl is built so your dog takes their food in smaller meals. They are designed so that your dog will forage rather than simply eat so that they not only eat slower but enjoy the process even more. That means positive reinforcement in the action itself.

Snuffle Mats

Another option is a snuffle mat. A snuffle mat is a non-slip mat with loops of fabric sewed onto it, which kibble can be hidden underneath. Then, your dog will forage thru the snuffle mat, using their nose to find pieces of kibble hidden between the loops of fabric.

In addition to slowing their eating, the snuffle mat also makes your dog’s mealtime into an enrichment experience.

Puzzle Feeders and Interactive Toys

Puzzle feeders tap into your dog’s mental enrichment. They solve the puzzle to get fed, resulting in smaller bites and more satisfaction in the meal. Interactive toys fulfill a similar function, often around the idea of routine.

Homemade Slow Feeder Options

If you love your DIY as much as your dogs, you can build your own slow-feeding system. It can be a thing you make out of oak, or it can be as simple as placing a tennis ball in your dog’s bowl so that they have to move it around to access their kibble. Though they might just take the ball out. Good boy!

Feeding Techniques and Practices

Hand Feeding

As a dog owner, hand-feeding your pooch is also available. Simply measure out the portions and hand them to your dog. This is also good for obedience training and will train your dog to be satisfied with the smaller portions.

Training and Behavioural Ideas

Regarding obedience training, it’s the best way to teach dogs mealtime manners. It’s essential to teach them these good habits when they are young, preferably as pups. Whatever your technique is, make sure that you reinforce the good behavior with praise, cuddles, or additional treats. Rewarding your dog is a skill in and of itself.

Encourage Slower Eating Habits

When your dogs become slow feeders or succeed in a slow feeding session, it’s fundamental to reinforce the behavior by making your dog feel good about it.

How you do this is relevant to your dog, their quirks, and what they enjoy most as a reward. But do it effectively, and your dog will quickly understand the sweet side of slow eating.

Monitoring and Supervision

Make sure to observe your dog and their single feeding, as you will need to reinforce the action during this, too. It’s very easy for your dog to slip back into old habits, and when this happens, they start to eat so fast that they are back at risk. So, watch your dog, reward them when they do it right, and give them all the love.

Is it Time for Din Dins Yet?

Using these tips and tricks and purchasing the occasional treat or toy is a surefire way to stop dogs from eating too fast. Through the process, you can bond with your pooch, improve their quality of life, and even turn mealtime into a fun activity your dog looks forward to. Is her tail wagging yet?

Check out our related posts about doggy life. The more informed you are as a dog owner, the better your relationship with your dog will become.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can fast eating lead to health problems?

Yes, fast eating can lead to a lot of unwanted health problems. There is a health condition called gastric dilatation, which is very unpleasant for your pet and is a direct cause of fast feeding. Train your dog to eat slower using snuffle mats, good training, and other tools, and alleviate the risk.

When should I seek professional help?

If your dog is vomiting and not taking interest in playtime and their usual pleasures, this is a cause for medical concern, and you should consult your local reputable veterinarian right away.