It is important to stop your dog from eating too fast. A dog who eats their food too quickly can choke. If your dog thinks that their food is going to disappear if they don’t eat it immediately, then you might have a problem. For some large dog breeds, this can be a very serious problem. It can even have deadly consequences.
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If you are looking for ways to train your dog to eat more slowly, then look elsewhere. There is no way to train your dog to eat slower, there are, however, ways you can physically slow down your dog’s eating. These include everything from hand-feeding your dog to using special dog bowls to prevent fast eating. Below you can figure out why your dog is eating so fast, problems caused by this habit, ways to slow down your dog’s eating, and reviews on products designed to stop fast-eating dogs and puppies.
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Why Do Dogs Eat So Fast?
Ancestry – Hundreds of years ago, a dog was a wild animal, most likely related to the wolf. They hunted in packs and only got to eat when they caught their prey, which wasn’t every day. Oftentimes, when they did catch prey, they had to share it with the pack. If they didn’t eat fast, they didn’t get to eat. Ever heard the phrase, “wolfing down your food?” That’s where it comes from. Eating quickly is in a dog’s DNA and even today, some dogs are born with the instinct to wolf down their food.
By the way, did you know that meat was not the primary food source for wolves? It’s true! Most wolves ate nuts and berries when meat wasn’t available. Dogs these days have access to a wider variety of foods including cereal, bread, vegetables, meat, and more.
Mistreatment – If you have a rescue dog, this may be the reason he or she eats their food so quickly. Dogs that were starved or malnourished will often scarf down their food because they don’t know when they are going to get to eat again. This is called resource guarding and is a harmful behavioral issue that should be addressed immediately.
Multi-Animal Home – This goes back to the ancestry with the wolf pack. If your dog is eating in a pack alongside other animals, their natural instinct may kick in and they will eat as fast as possible so the other animals can’t steal their food. They feel that the only way to keep their food safe is by eating it.
Problems Caused By Eating Too Fast
Many problems could occur when your dog or puppy eats too fast. Some of these problems are serious and will need medical treatment immediately. You must slow down your dog’s eating so they don’t end up in the emergency room or worse. Here are the common problems caused by quick eating in dogs:
Bloat – Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) or bloat is a life-threatening stomach problem caused when a dog sucks up too much air while eating. The air will fill up the stomach which will push on other organs. This can make it difficult for the dog to breathe and can also pinch off the blood supply to the stomach. Once the stomach dies, the dog will also die.
Bloat can kill a dog in a matter of hours and there is no home remedy. If you suspect that your dog has bloat, take him to the emergency vet immediately. While bloat is more common in larger breeds, smaller breeds are also susceptible. Dogs who eat rapidly are at a higher risk of developing bloat than dogs who eat slowly.
Choking – When your dog eats so quickly that they don’t have time to chew their food, it could get lodged in their throat. Eating bites too big to swallow could also cause choking.
Vomiting – When your dog eats too much food for their stomach to handle, they vomit. Dogs who eat too fast will eat faster than their stomachs can tell them to stop. Also, when a dog eats too much food that is not chewed up properly, the stomach can’t handle it and will start contracting rapidly. The dog will then vomit up the whole food. Vomiting too frequently may damage your dog’s esophagus. Older dogs are particularly prone to stomach problems.
Dental Problems – Dry dog food is designed to clean the dog’s teeth as he chews. A fast-eating dog that swallows his food before chewing it won’t get the benefits of having clean teeth and may develop dental problems in the future.
5 Ways to Stop Your Dog From Eating Too Fast
Hand Feeding
One of the best ways to get your dog to eat slower is to hand feed them. Let them eat a few bits of kibble out of your hand at a time. Your dog will be forced to eat at the pace you decide.
Unfortunately, this method has its drawbacks. First, your hand will probably get full of slobber and crumbs. There is also the risk of your dog biting your hand. Second, you have to stay with your dog the entire time they are eating. This may be a problem if you need to get ready for work or need to make supper while your dog enjoys their meal.
Put Something in Their Bowl
Some people have success placing large objects in the middle of their dog’s food bowl. This forces your dog to eat around the object and slows down their eating. Some ideas of objects to place in your dog’s food bowl include a large softball, a rock, or a smaller bowl placed upside down.
Separate Your Dogs
If the reason your dog eats fast is because they fear other animals stealing their food, then you may want to feed your dog in a separate room and away from other animals. When they don’t feel threatened, they may slow down their eating and enjoy their meal.
Buy or Make a Snuffle Mat
A snuffle mat looks kind of like a rug or shag carpet with pieces of fabric coming out every which way. When you put your dog’s food on the mat, the kibble gets lost in the fabric. Your dog has to use his sense of smell to find the food. It is a great way to slow your dog’s eating while encouraging natural foraging skills. It gives the dog a challenge and makes mealtime fun. Snuffle mats can be purchased on Amazon or you can make one yourself.
Food Bowls to Slow Dog Eating
A great way to slow down your dog’s eating is to buy them a special food bowl designed to stop dogs from eating too fast. These bowls often look like mazes where the food falls into the cracks. Your dog must use his nose to get the food out to eat it which slows down his eating. There are many different types of slow-feeder dog food bowls on the market. Read the reviews at the end of this article to find a good one for your dog.
Dog Food Dispenser Puzzle Toys
Similar to slow feeder bowls, a dog food dispenser works to slow down your dog’s eating by forcing your dog to work to get their food. One type is a ball that has holes and will drop the food out whenever your dog rolls the ball. Another type has hidden compartments that your dog must break into to get the food out. There are many different types of food and treat dispenser puzzle toys on the market. Keep reading to see the ones we recommend.
Slow Feeder Dog Bowls Reviews
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Dog Bowl
The Outward Hound Fun Feeder Dog Bowl claims to have solved the problem of fast eating. This bowl features ridges and mazes designed to keep your hound engaged for up to 10 times longer at mealtime. It improves their digestion while encouraging them to eat at a healthy pace.
There are 9 colors and designs to choose from as well as mini, medium, and regular sizes available. Each bowl contains a slip-resistant base to prevent the bowl from tipping over. The Outward Hound Fun Feeder Dog Bowls are dishwasher safe and are free of BPA, PVC & phthalate.
JASGOOD Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
The JASGOOD Slow Feeder Dog Bowl will encourage your dog to eat healthy and slowly which will prevent bloat, discomfort and other digestive problems. The bowl comes in many attractive colors and is well-made. It can hold enough food for a small to medium-size dog and is made with food-safe materials.
This bowl features a non-slip rubber mat to prevent spills and sliding while your dog eats. It is easy to clean as you can place it into the top rack of your dishwasher. If you are looking for an affordable dog bowl to stop your dog from eating too fast, then consider the JASGOOD Slow Feeder Dog Bowl.
The Slowdown Bowl
There are many reasons why dogs eat too fast but the The Slowdown Bowl will help slow your dog down. This mat can be used at home or on the go and it makes mealtime last longer. It is made from a flexible rubber that makes feeding time feel like playtime. It contains ridges that promote a healthy, safe eating pace.
The Slowdown Bowl is perfect for dogs with shorter snouts or dogs who can’t get their nose into traditional slow feeder bowls. This mat can fold up which makes it a good option for those who like to travel with their pooch. It is dishwasher and food-safe and comes in two sizes: small and medium.
Dog Food Dispenser Toy Reviews
LumoLeaf Interactive Dog Treat Food Dispensing Toy
The LumoLeaf Interactive Dog Treat Food Dispensing Toy gives your dog a way to get his food slowly while giving him a challenge. The ball can be used for dispensing food or it can be used as a regular bouncing chew ball. This toy is easy to use. Just fill the ball with your dog’s favorite food and it will fall out of the holes while your dog is playing with it.
The pattern on this toy is designed to help keep your dog’s teeth clean. It is made of durable nontoxic and odor-free Thermoplastic Rubber. It is 100% safe for the environment and your dog. If you are searching for a fun toy to dispense dog food, then consider the LumoLeaf Interactive Dog Treat Food Dispensing Toy.
Thilife Interactive Dog Treat Dispenser
The Thilife Interactive Dog Treat Dispenser is a fun way to get your dog to eat slower. After you fill the toy with food, it will sit upright until your dog uses his paw to wobble it. As it wobbles, spins, and rolls, it will dispense the food.
The unpredictable movement of the toy will provide a challenge for just about any dog. It is designed to be used as an alternative to a dog bowl to extend meal times and promote slow, steady eating. It will also provide exercise for dogs who need to lose weight.
Resources to Stop Your Dog From Eating Too Fast
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