How to Stop a Dog From Eating too Fast

Dogs may develop a tendency to eat fast. The reasons behind this behavior may be linked to how dogs cohabitat or other factors in the home. Many times, in multidog households, there is much competition over food, or dogs simply may feel stressed and compelled to eat fast because they are surrounded by people coming and going or children playing. This stress during mealtimes may cause a dog to eat too fast and gulp down a lot of air, which can lead to some flatulence or a full-blown case of bloat, a potentially deadly disease observed mostly in large, deep-chested dog breeds. Preventing your dog from eating quickly can help keep him healthy.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Food dish
• Large, smooth river stones

1. Provide a spot away from the hustle and bustle of your home. It is vital to provide a quiet environment in which the dog can eat peacefully and quietly. A quiet room, a secluded corner or even a crate may help the dog relax and feel less compelled to eat fast.

2. Hand-feed your dog one kibble at a time. Some owners have also found it beneficial to spread the food on the floor in a trail so the dog will have to eat a kibble every few steps.

3. Add large stones that are too big to be swallowed to the dish. It may help the dog slow down while eating. However, if your dog tends to eat stones, she should be monitored carefully.

4. Buy a special food bowl that is made for fast eaters from online retailers or specialty stores. These bowls specifically address the issue of dealing with dogs that gulp down their food. They have special features that force the dog to eat slowly. See References for an example of one type of specialty bowl.

Tips & Warnings

• If no large, smooth rocks are available, try using washable rubber balls that are large enough to not be swallowed Feeding two meals a day instead of one can slow down a dog because he is less hungry.
• Make sure the stones you add to the food bowl are large enough to not be swallowed. In multidog households, keep dogs separated to prevent food aggression and eating too fast.

Resources

• Break-Fast Dog Food Bowl