CAN A DOG REALLY EAT TOO FAST?
There is probably no clear answer to this, as it is simply the dog’s instinct. However, I prefer that my two dogs take the time to eat their food.
When you have two dogs like me – a Labrador who doesn’t like food very much and a little Cavalier who gobbles everything up at lightning speed – we have some reservations about what they eat.
The little cavalier eats inside, and our labrador eats outside. That way, we give our labrador Totte peace and quiet to eat his food alone. She often takes her time and can even take a break during dinner to sit down and have a bite to eat or go for a walk in the garden.
Our little cavalier on the other hand, she behaves almost like a vacuum cleaner and she thinks every meal is the last! So, as I said, she’s cut off from disturbing and putting pressure on our labrador. And by having them separated, we avoid her eating the Labrador’s food too.
WHAT CAN THE DOG’S FOOD BOWL MEAN?
In addition, we have given the little cavalier a bowl, which makes it difficult for her to eat quickly. There are simply three big pigeons in it, so she can’t just stick her head in the bowl and immediately suck up the food. Now work must be done to get the pills up.
For our little dog, this has had a really good effect and it has extended her eating time by several minutes.
MORE WAYS TO FEED YOUR DOG
Another really good solution is to throw the dog’s food on the lawn, and then let it search and find its food. Unfortunately, I can not use that solution because we have two dogs – but if you only have one dog, then it is also an excellent solution. This solution also requires your dog to use its nose and head, so you can feed and stimulate your dog at the same time.
A third solution might be to use an activity ball for your dog. There are many types (ask at your pet store). Fill the ball with the dog’s food, and then he has to roll the ball around to get his food out. As with the solution where the food is thrown on the grass, you again manage to both reduce the speed of ingestion, and at the same time your dog must use his head to get his food. There are now several really good solutions, so you avoid your dog swallowing the food and where it has to use its head at the same time. Talk to the expert at your local pet shop – there’s bound to be some good advice and ideas.
And now the focus here is on finding solutions for the dogs that eat very fast. But all solutions are equally good for dogs that eat quietly, precisely because treat balls, food on the grass or something completely third and stimulates and strengthens your dog.
So welcome to your dog!
