Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Dominik Feichtner and by How.com.vn staff writer, Hunter Rising. Dominik Feichtner is a Professional Dog Trainer and Behaviorist and the Owner of The Dog Behaviorist NYC out of New York, New York. With over eight years of experience working with dogs, Dominik specializes in general obedience, behavior modification, and puppy training. His commitment to a balanced, common-sense approach led to his recognition as one of the “Best Dog Trainers in Brooklyn” and one of the “Best Dog Trainers in NYC” by Pooch and Harmony in 2020.
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Does your dog gulp down all of its food as soon as you fill up its bowl? Even though it's instinct for dogs to gobble up their food without chewing, eating too fast could still make your dog cough, choke, or vomit. Whether your dog eats fast due to learned behavior or an underlying condition, there's so much you can do to slow your dog down while it eats. Keep reading for a comprehensive guide on the best ways you can make your dog stop rushing through mealtime!
Steps
Expert Q&A
- QuestionHow do I stop my dog from gulping its food?
Dominik FeichtnerDominik Feichtner is a Professional Dog Trainer and Behaviorist and the Owner of The Dog Behaviorist NYC out of New York, New York. With over eight years of experience working with dogs, Dominik specializes in general obedience, behavior modification, and puppy training. His commitment to a balanced, common-sense approach led to his recognition as one of the “Best Dog Trainers in Brooklyn” and one of the “Best Dog Trainers in NYC” by Pooch and Harmony in 2020.
Dog Trainer & BehavioristYou can either try feeding your dog by hand or by putting the food into a slow feeder bowl. - QuestionWhy is my dog always looking for food?
Pippa Elliott, MRCVSDr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
VeterinarianMany dogs don't have an "on-off" switch when it comes to appetite (Labradors spring to mind!). These dogs will act as if they are starving hungry, even though they've just eaten. If your dog has always been greedy, then it's likely that's just part of who they are. To be on the safe side, check the dog isn't under weight (a vet tech will happily weigh the dog and advise you), and deworm them. - QuestionEven when I give my dog a single piece of food she swallows it whole. What should I do?Pippa Elliott, MRCVSDr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
VeterinarianIf you are worried about her choking, then consider using a puzzle feeder such as a Kong. Put her wet food inside the Kong, so she has to lick the food out rather than swallow it in one lump. For extra effect, freeze the Kong so it takes longer for her to lick. You can also feed a combination of kibble and wet food this way, by mixing the kibble with the wet food.
Tips
- Even if you’re worried that a dog or puppy isn’t chewing its food, it’s normal for dogs to swallow kibble pieces whole.[14]Thanks
- Maintain a regular feeding schedule and routine for your dog to help it get used to eating at specific times.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/worms-in-dogs-prevention-diagnosis-treatment/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/L5i1smIYiJQ?t=57
- ↑ https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/bloat-dogs-gastric-dilatation-and-volvulus-gdv
- ↑ Dominik Feichtner. Dog Trainer & Behaviorist. Expert Interview. 18 March 2021
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/4-ways-to-slow-your-dogs-eating/
- ↑ https://www.petmd.com/blogs/nutritionnuggets/dr-coates/2015/august/how-get-dogs-eat-slower-33018
- ↑ https://www.petmd.com/blogs/nutritionnuggets/dr-coates/2015/july/are-you-feeding-your-dog-right-amount-32905
- ↑ https://spcanevada.org/services/pet-education/pet-guardian-tips-tricks/creative-ways-to-feed-your-pet/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/4-ways-to-slow-your-dogs-eating/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/4-ways-to-slow-your-dogs-eating/
- ↑ Dominik Feichtner. Dog Trainer & Behaviorist. Expert Interview. 18 March 2021
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/4-ways-to-slow-your-dogs-eating/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/DYYTOTBQZbs?t=397
- ↑ https://indianapublicmedia.org/amomentofscience/dogs-eat.php
About This Article
To keep a dog from eating too fast, put a large rock or an upside down bowl in the middle of its food dish and pour the food around it so the dog has to work around it to get food. Alternatively, put the food in several small dishes around the room to make the dog stop eating and move somewhere else after it finishes each bowl. If that doesn’t work, try putting the food in a muffin tin so the dog will have to pause between eating the food in each section. For tips from our Veterinary reviewer on how to tell if your dog is eating too fast, read on!
Reader Success Stories
"I appreciated the tips on how to slow down my dog's eating. Really sweet little guy, but he doesn't chew. It's frustrating and frightening to watch. I have two other dogs that I've raised from pups and it was never an issue."..." more
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