How to get your dog to not eat so fast

Does your dog rush to eat his food? Does he or she practically inhale the food rather then chew and swallow?

If it only takes a few seconds for your dog to woof down his dinner each night, there are ways to slow him down so he is not as at risk of bloat  — a condition where a dog’s stomach dilates and then rotates or twists and can be fatal. Large dogs and barrel-chested dogs are most at risk, but any dog who inhales their food could benefit from eating a slower pace.

Here are a few things to try.

• Add a little water to your dog’s dry food. It’s hard to chew and slurp at the same time.
• Add a ball or toy that is small enough for the food bowl, but large enough that it can’t be swallowed by your dog. Your dog will have to eat around the toys, which will slow his pace.
• Flip a smaller bowl upside down into the larger food bowl, then add the food, which is now confined to the narrow space between the bowls. Your dog will have to take smaller bites.
• Another way to do these last two things is to purchase a slow-feeding bowl. Bows like the BrakeFast Bowl, the Pet SkidStop Slow Feed Pet Bowl and the Slow Fedder Pet Bowl all compartmentalize and separate food to slow down rapid eaters. It’s amazing how well these bowls work to slow down fast eaters.
• Put half of your dog’s food in the bowl and half in a Kong so that your dog has to work for some of his dinner. It’s good for your dog’s mental health to solve problems.

Pet Pundit Pet Tip: Fast-eating dogs are often aggressive around their food, so also train him to be patient around his food dish. Check out this post for more information on how to do just that.

Send your pet tips, stories and questions to cathy@petpundit.com.