When I was in practice, we affectionately referred to dogs and cats who ate their meals in under 60 seconds as “hoovering” (as in the vacuum cleaner.) Although we chuckled, this is a very unhealthy way for your pet to consume his or her meals. Hopefully, I can give you some real life solutions to this challenge.
Eating a large amount of food quickly causes swallowing of air, which can lead to distention of stomach which can twist on itself, called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), or bloat. This is seen primarily in large breed dogs (German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, etc.) and is often life-threatening.
Dogs who eat too quickly may swallow chunks of food without chewing them adequately, leading to choking.
Rapid eating can trigger vomiting or regurgitation and indigestion which are uncomfortable and unpleasant experiences for the do.
As in people, eating more slowly can help a dog feel more satisfied with less food, supporting healthier weight. It can also provide mental enrichment and encourage more natural eating behaviors.
Fast eaters may be more anxious pre- or restless post-meal, which can effect their general behavior. Feeding more slowly can help alleviate this by turning mealtime(s) into a calmer, more relaxed activity.
There are several ways you can slow down your fast-eating pooch. There are several slow feeding bowls on the market, various sizes and shapes. You can feed your doggo by putting his kibble spread out on a cookie sheet, or by putting the kibbles or soft food in a muffin tin. There are also food puzzles available, which are fun for you AND your pooch! I was reading an article the other day that I wanted to share with you! The link is below:
How to Help Your Dog Eat More Slowly
The last way to slow your dog’s eating is by providing small meals several times daily. For those of us who work, this can be difficult. The solution is an automatic feeder, featured on www.PreciousPetsEssentials.com By doing so, you eliminate all the risks of fast eating and over eating listed above. Once your pupper gets used to the schedule, she has something to look forward to and it removes the “feeding at a certain time” responsibility from you! Here is the link below for the Automatic Feeder:
NPET 4L Automatic smart pet feeder for cats dogs Customize healthy food 1-9 portions
You can certainly use this feeder for your over-eating or fast-eating kitty, as well.
I wish you all the best going forward in your efforts to slow down your pet’s eating!!
