Use our handy guide to better understand why pups are fast eaters and how to get them to slow down.
Many dogs race to finish their food, and you may wonder why, especially if they regularly eat. Dogs have a different relationship to food than humans, which can result in them gobbling down their meals at an unsafe speed.
While dog food may not look appetizing, some dogs just really like the taste of it, which could explain why they devour it. However, the behavior of eating too fast can often be attributed to other factors.
The type of dog food your dog eats does matter, and not all are created equal. Sometimes, your dog may eat quickly because their food lacks the necessary nutrients, making them hungrier. We have a guide on the different types of dog food out there and how to choose a proper one, but always check with your vet to ensure your dog is getting their needs met by their food.
Several illnesses can cause dogs to feel incredibly hungry, even with regular feedings. These can range from worms or parasites to Cushing’s disease and diabetes. If you notice an increase in appetite and other changes in behavior like excessive thirst, weight loss or gain, or lethargy, seek veterinary care immediately.
Some dogs carry over behaviors from their previous homes. If they lived in a shelter or had to forage for their food in the wild, dogs may scarf down their meal because they’re in fight or flight mode. In their minds, they’re protecting themselves by eating quickly because they’re unsure when the next meal will be.
In these cases, many dogs slow down as they get into their routine with their new family.
As puppies, dogs compete with their littermates for their mother’s milk. Sometimes, that competitive spirit can follow them into adulthood. While this behavior often applies to multi-dog households, dogs that are the only canine in the house can still exhibit this competitive nature toward their owners or other pets.
With fast eating can come fast consequences. Here are a few things that might happen as a result of your pup’s quick food intake:
GDV or bloat causes some of the most dangerous emergencies and requires immediate professional veterinary help to relieve the excess pressure on the abdomen, the vena cava within the abdomen, and the diaphragm. Pressure can reduce the ability to breathe well and eventually cause serious toxic shock-type syndrome. Some, if not all patients, require surgical intervention along with aggressive fluid and electrolyte therapy if unable to release the accumulated gas with a stomach tube.
Dr. Bruce Armstrong
Ways you can help your dog slow down
If your dog doesn’t have an underlying illness and their food is nutritionally balanced, eating quickly is more of a behavior than a symptom. In that case, there are several solutions you can try to help train your dog to eat slower.
As mentioned above, finding the root cause of your dog’s eating habits is essential. Is their quick eating due to a health issue? A nutritional one? Is it because of the other dogs in the house or perhaps from their life as a stray? Once you can narrow down the cause, you can find the appropriate solution.
Some pet owners have found creative solutions using things already in their kitchen. Dividing up your dog’s chow in a muffin tin will force them to pause between each bite. Additionally, hand-feeding your dog can be a good solution. You can also try adding a heavy rock to the center of a larger feed bowl that your pup must push around to access the food when the dog is eating or spreading the dry food on a cookie sheet can slow ravenous eaters too.
Turn mealtime into a game. “Hide” different amounts of your dog’s food around your house and let them sniff it out.
Using a slow feeder is a good idea for pups who are speed-eaters. Puzzle feeders also slow dogs down and even help engage their brains. A snuffle mat is a similar device that engages your dog’s foraging instincts and allows them to root around for their food.
Many feeders on the market,including this option from WOpet, can be programmed to release smaller amounts of food at various points throughout the day. For tech-minded pet parents, some automatic feeders can be controlled from a smartphone.
If you have competitive dogs, try having them eat in different rooms to help prevent food guarding. This can also be helpful even if you don’t have multiple dogs, as other pets and kids can sometimes be seen as competition and lead to eating too fast.
Consider spreading out meal times and serving smaller portions throughout the day. This can help limit the amount of food they eat during a sitting and, over time, train them to slow down during mealtime.
Both puppies and adult dogs can be hand-fed (Trusted Source), which can help reduce food aggression and encourage them to slow down. Hand-feeding your dog is simple: make a fist around dry kibble and hold it out to your dog. Only offer your dog the food once they stop licking or pawing at your hand.
Most often, a dog’s eating quickly can be boiled down to a general behavior issue, but it’s incredibly important to rule out any underlying medical issues that may cause quick eating. Once that’s ruled out, try out some of the different ways that can slow them down, and consult with your vet if you have any additional questions or recommendations.
Food guarding is a natural behavior for dogs since food is a valuable (and delicious!) resource.
Yes, eating too quickly can lead to unnecessary health risks, including choking, diarrhea, and bloat.
When your dog has trouble slowing down during mealtime, you can try scattering dry food in muffin pans, playing kibble hide-and-seek, and bonding with your dog over hand-feeding.
Slow-feed bowls, snuffle mats, and puzzle toys can encourage slow eating. A timed feeding dish and offering smaller meals throughout the day can also help.
Your dog may have vomited after eating for many reasons, including excess air intake due to eating too quickly. However, if your dog vomits regularly after eating, you should talk to your vet.
