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Have you noticed that your dog seems to swallow all his food and not chew? That's when you wonder, ‘Why does my dog eat so fast?’
Most humans tend to savor every bite of their favorite meal. However, it's not the same for dogs.
But keep in mind that not all dogs are fast eaters. Some also take their time, chew every little piece, and enjoy each bite.
So what's wrong with eating fast? Well, this has many downsides, such as choking or vomiting.
As pet owners, we must ensure our dog's safety and that they are eating the right food with the right nutrients.
This blog will discuss why dogs eat fast and give tips on how to slow it down.
If your dog is like a vacuum cleaner, inhaling his food as fast as possible, you better scroll down!
So, why do dogs eat so fast?
6 Reasons Why Do Dogs Eat So Fast
Competition or Threatened By Other Animals
If you own multiple dogs and one of your dogs seems like a faster eater than others, they must eat quickly to keep other dogs from snatching their food.
It can also be because when they were puppies, they had to compete with their litter mates.
Their sense of competition can also be instinctual. Your dog can view other pets, such as cats or family members, as competition.
Some small dogs feel that they need to eat faster than other animals. This behavior can be inherited from their wild ancestors.
Even if you provide different food bowls and have enough dog food at home, some dogs will still feel threatened by eating leisurely with other competitors.
Out of Habit
A simple habit can also cause this behavior. Dogs have evolved from their wild ancestors to sweet domestic and affectionate companions.
Similar to their wolf ancestors, dogs are instinctively competitive animals. And they might try to finish their meal quickly because they'll feel like there are limited resources for food.
In the wild, animals eat their prey as fast as possible, fearing other animals might steal it. It becomes a survival instinct for them, which can be why your dog eats too fast.
Irregular Meal Timing
If you've recently adopted a new dog from the shelter, your new pup might also eat quickly.
One reason is that their previous owner did not have a regular feeding schedule.
There are a lot of benefits when it comes to feeding your pup on a regular schedule. For instance, it can prevent weight gain due to overeating.
It also prevents digestive problems as it helps the dog's digestive system time to adjust and process the food properly.
Furthermore, dogs generally thrive on routines like a regular feeding schedule. A routine means they can predict what will happen next, which helps them avoid feeling anxious.
Poor Nutrition
Sometimes, poor nutrition can also be the cause of why your dog is eating too fast. Low-quality dog foods don't have the right balanced diet for dogs.
Consult with your vet or an online pet nutritionist to get the most out of your dog.
These professionals can help advise you on what food has the right nutrients and minerals to maintain your dog's health.
Underlying Disease
Unfortunately, it's also possible that an underlying disease is causing your dog to eat fast since they are excessively hungry.
For example, your pup may be suffering from Diabetes Mellitus, Cushing's Disease, or other illnesses that can cause an artificial increase in appetite.
Monitor your pup if he is experiencing other symptoms, such as excessive panting and urination, increased thirst, lethargy, or an enlarged abdomen.
If you've noticed these symptoms, contact your vet immediately. Diabetes and Cushing's Disease are illnesses that should not be taken lightly.
Intestinal Parasite Infection
Lastly, dogs eat too fast if they have intestinal parasites like roundworms, ringworms, heartworms, hookworms, and other parasites common in dogs.
Your dog can obtain these parasites from feces, food, dirt, polluted water, and sometimes, licking their fur.
Intestinal parasite infection can affect your dog's appetite. They can lose their appetite or suddenly increase, leading to them gobbling down their meals.
Dogs with parasite infections eat their meals fast because they are hungry. These parasites are the ones benefiting from your dog's eating.
Monitor your pet and take him to the vet as soon as possible for proper treatment.
How to Stop a Dog From Eating Too Fast
If your dog tends to devour his meals every feeding time, there are plenty of ways to slow it down.
Remember that this behavior is unhealthy and can have some negative effects down the road (which will be discussed later on).
Here are tips to stop a dog from eating too fast:
Slow Feeder
First, you can buy slow-feed dog bowls designed for dogs that eat too fast. It has built-in obstacles that cause dogs to eat more slowly.
You can try Outward Hound's Fun Feeder Slo Bowl. The Outward Hound Kyjen Slo-Bowl Slow Feeder is available in two sizes.
The mini size holds up to 2 cups of food, and the regular size fits up to 4 cups.
Check out the below video for your reference of a dog using the slow feeder bowl.
Puzzle Feeder
Like slow feeder bowls, food puzzle toys are another excellent way to slow your dog's eating.
It is also similar to slow feeders, built in different ways for your dog's food to fit into, where it'll make it impossible for your dog to gobble up his food right away.
There are many types of puzzle feeder toys today. For instance, there are puzzle toys where it will automatically dispense food while your dog plays with it.
Check out DR CATCH Dog Puzzle Toy as an example. It is a fun interactive puppy puzzle toy that encourages pets to eat at a slower speed.
Cookie Sheet or Muffin Pan
Moreover, you can also use a cookie sheet or a muffin pan to help slow your dog's fast eating habits.
A cookie sheet can spread your dog's food, forcing them to take smaller bites and eat more slowly. Try spreading the food in a thin layer on the cookie sheet and encourage your dog to eat there.
With a muffin pan, you can control the portion size and slow your dog's eating by forcing them to take smaller bites.
Also, the individual cups in a muffin pan can help prevent your dog from eating too quickly and make them feel more satisfied with their meal.
Hand Feeding
Last on our tips is we have hand feeding. Hand feeding is another option for slowing down a dog's fast eating habits.
In this method, you'll feed your dog one piece of kibble or a small amount of food at a time, either from your hand or a small bowl.
Hand feeding will help you control the pace at which they eat and ensure that they are chewing their food properly.
Hand feeding can also be used as a training tool. For instance, you can use hand feeding to teach your dog to sit, stay, or come when called.
Is It Safe For A Dog To Eat So Fast?
“My dog eats too fast, so what?” Well, you should know that it's dangerous for dogs to eat fast.
For all you pet owners, it is unsafe for a dog or a cat to eat too fast. When they eat quickly, they can swallow large pieces of food without chewing, leading to various health problems.
For instance, if Fido munches down his food quickly, large pieces of food can get stuck in their throat, causing them to choke.
It can also lead to vomiting since their stomach will not have enough time to digest the food properly.
When a dog eats too fast, he can miss out on getting enough nutrients to maintain his health and development. Chewing their food helps with digestion and assimilation.
Also, eating quickly can cause a dog to ingest too much air, leading to bloating, gas, and other gastrointestinal problems.
Lastly, dogs that eat too quickly are at a higher risk of becoming obese, as they may not feel full and continue to overeat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my dog vomits after eating too fast?
If your dog vomits after eating too fast, monitoring them closely and ensuring they do not show any signs of distress is essential.
If the vomiting persists, contact your veterinarian for further advice.
Your dog may need medical attention to prevent dehydration or other complications in severe cases.
How many times should a dog eat a day?
The number of times a dog should eat daily depends on several factors, including age, size, and activity level.
For instance, puppies will require more frequent meals than adult dogs. Puppies should be fed at least thrice a day from weaning through four to six months.
On the other hand, adult dogs should be fed at least twice a day, with about 12 hours between meals.
Do dogs get bored of their food?
Some dogs can get bored with their food, just like humans. They'll get bored with their food's smell, flavor, and texture.
Change out one ingredient once in a while. For instance, try out fish or lamb instead of feeding them their usual chicken-based food.
Why Does My Dog Eat So Fast: Summary
Is your dog devouring its food as soon as you put down its bowl? Maybe you're asking yourself, “Why does my dog eat so fast?”.
Well, there are numerous reasons why they are eating quickly. It can be as simple as a habit, or your pup suffers from an underlying disease.
If your dog is always hungry, they'll probably gobble up their meals as fast as possible. But remember to monitor your pup.
If there are other symptoms, such as increased urination, excessive thirst, panting, or an enlarged abdomen, your pup might be suffering from diabetes, Cushing's disease, or other diseases that can cause an abnormal increase in their appetite.
Dogs eating fast might also feel threatened by other animals or people near them, or they can also be in competition with other pets.
Other causes include irregular meal timing and poor nutrition.
Hopefully, this blog can help you manage your dog's eating habits and prevent them from eating too fast.
