“Don’t eat so fast, it’s bad for you!” How many times have you heard this from your parents or grandparents? Well, now it’s your turn to say it to your pet because eating too quickly can be just as harmful to them.
Not all dogs have this problem. Just like humans, each dog is different. Some eat slowly and in reasonable amounts, others eat slowly but would devour all the food in your house if given the chance, and some eat so fast they might accidentally eat their bowl if they’re not careful!
Why Do Some Dogs Eat Like There’s No Tomorrow?
In nature, eating quickly can serve an important biological purpose. Animal species are often organized hierarchically, with the strongest members at the top and weaker ones at the bottom. The dominant animals eat first, while less dominant ones eat afterward.
Naturally, there’s intense competition among the latter group, so eating quickly helps ensure they get enough food. During times of food scarcity, this behavior could mean the difference between survival and starvation. After all, while eating too fast can cause serious problems, dying from malnutrition is far worse.
However, our pet dogs no longer face these survival challenges. We control their diet and provide regular meals, trying to give them the best nutrition possible. This fast-eating behavior is no longer as useful as it might be in nature.
Yet there is one period in a dog’s life when they might fiercely compete for food. Can you guess when? That’s right – during nursing. This is when the fast-eating behavior can develop. Weaker puppies must eat quickly, or they might not get enough milk. Unfortunately, even after they no longer face competition for food, something remains within them that makes them continue eating this way.
Other Causes
Of course, there can be other reasons why your pet eats so quickly. These causes are often related to nutritional deficiencies. Let’s look at two main categories that could explain this behavior.
Medical Conditions
Parasitic diseases could be one cause. The parasite consumes part of the dog’s energy, and to compensate for these losses, the dog eats more food in less time. It’s as if their body is saying, “Hey, I’m not getting the energy I need. Eat now… and fast!”
Poor Nutrition
If you’re feeding your dog low-quality food, they might not be getting the nutrients their body needs to function properly. Their body would send the same signals as with parasitic infections.
Why Is Fast Eating Dangerous?
The main problem is the air dogs swallow when eating too quickly. When a dog eats rapidly, they take in large amounts of air along with their food. This air accumulates in the stomach (which is essentially a bag controlled by two valves – the cardiac and pyloric sphincters) and causes it to expand.
Consider that there’s a mixture of food, fluids, and air (plus other gases) forming a foam that takes up considerable volume. When the stomach dilates this way, it can lead to what’s known as volvulus – the stomach twisting on itself.
This condition, known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is extremely dangerous for the animal. Food can’t move into the intestines, blood circulation to abdominal organs is interrupted, and the stomach wall can rupture. The animal can quickly go into shock and die.
Additionally, dogs that eat too quickly can choke, which could lead to death by suffocation, vomiting, and excessive gas (mainly flatulence).
Solutions for Fast Eating
While you should consult a veterinarian or animal behaviorist to address the root cause of this behavior, here are some effective methods to slow down your dog’s eating.
1. More Frequent, Smaller Meals
Instead of feeding your dog twice a day, divide the same daily amount into more frequent meals (for example, four or five). This prevents the dog from consuming too much food at once. However, this might not be practical if you’re away from home during the day.
2. Use a Slow-Feed Bowl
These special bowls have ridges or protrusions in their base that prevent the dog from gulping down their food. The dog has to “fish out” the food from between these obstacles, which naturally slows down their eating pace and reduces the amount they can grab at once.
3. Place a Large Toy in the Food Bowl
Using a large toy (big enough that it can’t be swallowed) in the food bowl creates an obstacle that forces your dog to eat around it, naturally slowing their eating pace.
4. Use Food-Dispensing Toys
These toys require your dog to work for their food, combining play with mealtime. The dog must interact with the toy to get the food out, which significantly slows down their eating pace while providing mental stimulation.
Conclusion
If your dog eats faster than an Olympic sprinter, it’s time to take action, as this behavior can have serious health consequences. While I’ve provided several solutions, feel free to use your imagination and develop other methods to help your dog eat more slowly.
Remember that what works well for one dog might not work for another. The key is to experiment and find what works best for your pet. As always, consulting with your veterinarian is the best option for receiving personalized advice that’s most effective for your particular pet.
If you found this article helpful, please share it with others who might be dealing with the same issue!
Featured image by mattycoulton
