How to Get Your Pet to Slow Down at Mealtimes and Why It’s Important

It’s not uncommon to see dogs gobbling down their dinners, is it? It’s even quite characteristic of some breeds like labs and pugs. At the moment, it’s quite amusing to see a doggo wolfing down a meal with obvious enjoyment but are there any unfavourable side effects? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. 

Here’s what you should watch out for: 

- What often happens when a dog eats too quickly is regurgitation. This is different from vomiting. With regurgitation, the food that has just been ingested and hasn’t reached too far down the digestive system yet. So, it’s expelled from the oesophagus or the food pipe.  This usually happens without any warning or regurgitating sounds and the food is accompanied by mucous and slime. 

- When a dog eats too fast, they also gulp down a lot of air, leading to a build-up of gas. Some of this trapped air is released by burping but air that is confined to the tummy could lead to ‘bloat.’

‘Bloat’ is the everyday name given to two specific conditions that can occur in dogs due to excessive trapped gas. One is Gastric dilation, and the other is gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV). In the first condition, the tummy expands with gas and in the second, the tummy is distended or swollen and twists around causing an obstruction. It’s a very painful condition and both can be fatal. 

Is the tendency to gobble down dinner specific to certain breeds?

Some breeds have a tendency to be highly food motivated but individual variations also play a role in this behaviour. For example, you may notice that a lot of labs, pugs and beagles (among other breeds) share the behavioural characteristic of gobbling down dinner. 

But a dog’s individual experiences could also contribute to this behaviour. For example, if a dog experiences a lot of competition for food (or did so in the past) they are more likely to wolf down their meals as a developed behaviour. There could be other reasons for this as well, it’s best to consult a behaviourist to understand this better for individual pets.

So how can you slow it down?

Slow feeders are bowls that are designed specifically to encourage dogs to – you guessed it – eat slower. Usually, the bowl has a maze-like pattern into which you fill their dinner. Your dog doesn’t need to solve the maze to get to the food but they won’t be able to grab large mouthfuls. Slow feeders work for both dry and wet dog food.

There is a variation of slow feeders known as interactive feeders and these are designed to be more like puzzles. Before the dog gets to the food, they need to first solve the puzzle so it definitely slows down the speed at which they eat. There are a wide variety of puzzles and depending on the one you choose, it may or may not be able to hold an entire meal. Some prefer to use interactive feeders as a recreational activity for mental enrichment rather than prompting a hungry dog to solve a puzzle to get his or her food. 

Tips to choose an interactive feeder for your dog

Slow feeders are available in a range of sizes and patterns. To start with, consider what kind of food you serve your pet. Slow feeders that are made with plastic work for dry kibble and they’re also suitable for wet food or fresh, home-cooked food.  

You could also take into account the pattern on the slow feeder. Some dogs are able to slow down sufficiently just with a simple pattern in the middle. But for others, a more elaborate spiral or a maze pattern would work better. 

Another variation of the slow feeder is a feeding mat. Depending on the material it is made from, it can be used for dry or wet food. Snuffle mats are an option as well. However, these are meant for dry food or treats. The idea is to hide the food between the fluffiness of a mat, prompting the dog to slow down and find the kibble.  

How Can Elevated Bowls and Slow Feeders Work Together for Your Dog’s Mealtime Comfort?

Elevated bowls reduce strain for senior or large dogs by bringing food closer to their mouths, making mealtime more comfortable. When paired with slow feeders, they create an ideal setup by not only easing physical discomfort but also promoting a healthier eating pace, helping prevent issues like bloat and ensuring better digestion.

Are there other ways to slow down fast eaters?

This could really depend on the reason your dog is eating too fast. Suppose it stems from a resource-guarding tendency, you could also consider changing up the way you feed your dog. Rather than in a room with other pets, give them a separate, safe space. And consult a behaviourist on how you could make them feel safe enough that they don’t need to gobble down their food.