Chow Hounds

Eating too fast. Gulping large quantities of food (and air) in seconds. This is a problem that I have not had to deal with for any of my dogs. I have always had “regular” eaters, some even picky. Food gulping was not a problem. Then we adopted Purl the Greyhound.

We failed Fostering 101 and adopted “Purl” the Greyhound four years ago. She, like Argos, had a very ravenous appetite when she arrived, and we had to remove all extra temptations of food on tables or counters.

She inhaled everything.

Unlike Argos, she did not slow down her eating after she learned she would be fed ample amounts twice daily.

She was a little underweight when we adopted her. We added few pounds to her frame back then, and she is at a healthy weight today. Her appetite is still very good. However, the quick food intake has the potential to be a health problem. If lots of air is swallowed with food, it may lead to bloat, flatulence (gas), vomiting or discomfort.

For pets prone to putting on pounds, calories add up quickly, too. It is hard to resist that “wow they are really hungry I should give them more” feeling.

Ways to Slow Down Food Intake

Here are a few ideas to slow down eating. Every dog is different – what works great for one dog will frustrate or bore another. Try out a new technique or consult a dog training professional for ideas/products that resonate with your dog.

1) Small meals throughout the day

Hopefully reducing the over-anticipation. Also reducing amount of food for the body process at one time.

You could divide the portions further to 4-5 servings a day if that works with your schedule.

This worked great for Argos. He was fed three times a day for the first few weeks. He completely calmed down around mealtime, including laying down until he gets the signal that his dish is ready. He is a very deliberate eater now.

2) Interactive food toy

I purchased a Kibble Nibble Dog Toy prior to adopting Purl. This was for Sophie and Argos, both moderate eaters at the time. Neither one not needing to slow down or lose weight, but something to engage them and keep them busy.

There are many other toys like this on the market. Some are food-dispensing puzzles, some are designed to slowly release food with activity, similar to the Kibble Nibble.

For the food dispensing toys, the entire day’s ration can be put inside, releasing the ‘meal’ over several hours.

3) Human treat dispenser

Veterinary Behaviorist Sophia Yin DVM MS advocated the “learn to earn” method of training.

In a nutshell:

“For the fastest training dogs should earn their meal throughout the day when you are home. That means no food in the food bowl. Instead, you’ll carry food around with you in your pockets or bait bag or have it available in easily accessible containers in throughout the house. Then throughout the day, when you are home, you’ll reward appropriate behavior.”

From The Learn To Earn Program (PDF)

With three hungry dog mouths to feed, this would take more time than I have in my day. So I opted for…

4) Brake-Fast® Pet Food Bowl

I learned about this dish a few years ago from my friend (also a veterinarian) who has Labs. And we all know how Labs love to eat! It was more of an amusement at that time since I did not have a need for this bowl for my dogs.

Until now.

After three full weeks of fostering Purl with no food slow-down in sight, Purl needed help. At first, I turned one bowl upside down in her regular bowl to add an obstacle. That worked for a few feedings until she figured out how to flip out the extra bowl.

We purchased the Brake-Fast® bowl on a Saturday, and by Tuesday she was eating slower than the other dogs, the last to finish. More importantly, she is calmer about approaching her food and eating.

I recommend this type of bowl to help stretch out meal times for those overly food-enthusiastic dogs. 

Please note: this article has been provided for informational purposes only. If your pet is showing any signs of illness, please consult a veterinarian as quickly as possible.