Some dogs finish a full bowl before you have put the bag away. Fast eating is common, especially in dogs that grew up competing for food with littermates or other pets. The good news is that a few small changes to how you serve meals can make dinner last longer and feel calmer.
Why some dogs eat so fast
Many fast eaters are simply excited about food. Others learned to eat quickly because another dog was nearby, or because meals felt unpredictable. Eating fast can mean your dog swallows a lot of air, and some dogs bring food back up soon after a meal. If your dog often vomits, seems uncomfortable after eating or has a swollen belly, talk to your vet, because those signs need a professional opinion.
1. Use a slow feeder bowl
A slow feeder bowl has raised ridges or a maze in the middle, so your dog has to eat around the shapes instead of taking huge mouthfuls. It is the easiest change to make because you serve the same food in the same place. Our Anti-Gulp Slow Feeder Bowl and Slow Feeder Dog Bowl both work this way. Start with a pattern that is not too hard, so your dog does not get frustrated and give up.
2. Try a puzzle feeder
Puzzle feeders hide food in compartments that your dog has to nudge, spin or lift open. They work well for dry food and treats, and they turn part of the meal into a game. The 4-Layer Puzzle Feeder has layers that turn to uncover the food, and the Dog Puzzle Feeder Bowl uses a maze. Stay nearby the first few times so you can show your dog how it works.
3. Spread wet food on a lick mat
Licking is slower than gulping. Spread wet food, plain yogurt or a dog-safe spread thinly across a textured mat and your dog has to lick it off bit by bit. Try the Dog Lick Mat with Suction Cups or the Silicone Licking Pad. A lick mat is also handy during baths and nail trims.
4. Let your dog sniff for food
A snuffle toy has fabric pockets where you can hide kibble, so your dog has to use its nose to find each piece. The Snake Snuffle Toy works well for part of a meal or for treats. Scattering a handful of kibble on a clean floor or lawn does the same thing for free.
5. Split meals and feed dogs apart
Two or three smaller meals a day instead of one big one can help. If you have more than one pet, feed them in different rooms or at least a few metres apart, so nobody feels they have to race.
Quick checklist
- Serve meals in a slow feeder or puzzle feeder.
- Use a lick mat for wet food.
- Hide some kibble in a snuffle toy.
- Split the daily amount into smaller meals.
- Feed pets apart.
- Ask your vet if fast eating comes with vomiting or discomfort.
You can find all of these in our Feeding collection.