Some dogs finish a bowl of food in under a minute. It is often a habit and nothing to worry about, but it helps to know why it happens, what it can lead to and what you can do about it.
If you are ready to choose a slow feeder, our guide to slow feeders compares the types and which suits which dog. This article covers the reasons behind fast eating.
Why do dogs eat too fast?
- Competition. Dogs in multi-pet homes, or dogs that learned to eat quickly in a litter or kennel, often gulp to make sure nobody else gets their food.
- Feeling rushed. A noisy kitchen or other pets nearby can make a dog eat faster.
- Hunger. Long gaps between meals, or portions that are too small, can make a dog eat in a hurry.
- Habit. A bowl of open food makes gulping easy, and a dog that has always eaten this way will carry on.
- Health. A sudden change in eating speed or appetite can point to something medical, such as parasites or a hormone problem. If it is new for your dog, speak to your vet.
What can fast eating lead to?
Dogs that gulp often swallow air and large mouthfuls. Common results are bringing the food back up soon after a meal, gagging and wind. Some dogs choke on pieces of kibble that have not been chewed.
Bloat
Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus, or GDV) is an emergency where the stomach fills with gas and can twist. Large, deep-chested breeds are at higher risk. Vets discuss eating speed as one of several possible factors, and the causes are not fully understood. A slow feeder should not be relied on to prevent it, so ask your vet about your own dog's risk.
Call a vet straight away if your dog has any of these signs:
- retching without bringing anything up
- a swollen or hard belly
- restlessness or pacing
- heavy drooling or laboured breathing
- pale gums
What can slowing down meals do?
- Meals take longer, and your dog takes smaller mouthfuls.
- Some owners notice less bringing food back up after meals.
- Sniffing, licking and working out how to reach the food gives your dog something to think about.
It does not suit every dog. Some get frustrated by a feeder that is too hard, so start with an easy one. A slow feeder is a feeding tool, not a treatment for a medical problem.
Ways to slow a fast eater
- Use a slow feeder bowl or lick mat.
- Feed part of the meal from a treat dispenser or puzzle toy.
- Scatter the food across the garden or a snuffle mat.
- Split the daily food into two or three smaller meals.
- Feed dogs in separate spaces, and keep mealtimes calm and predictable.
Chewing and licking are also settling activities for many dogs. Our natural dog chews work well after a meal. Check the age and size guidance on each one, and count chews as part of your dog's daily food allowance.
Fast eating: your questions answered
How long should a meal take?
There is no set time. If a meal is gone in under a minute and your dog gulps, gags or brings it back up, it is worth slowing things down.
Can slow feeders help an overweight dog?
Slower meals do not change how much your dog needs to eat. Weigh portions, and ask your vet for a target weight and feeding plan.
Are slow feeders suitable for puppies?
Yes, if you choose a simple, shallow design. Supervise meals and stop if your puppy starts chewing the feeder.
Can a slow feeder help with food guarding?
It can make mealtimes calmer, but food guarding needs help from a qualified behaviourist.
Are there alternatives to a slow feeder?
Yes. Scatter feeding, snuffle mats, hiding portions around the house and splitting meals all slow a dog down without any special equipment.
To compare the types and find one that suits your dog, read Are Slow Feeders Good for Dogs?