My Dog Eats So Fast! Is That Normal?

So as most of us are aware, not every dog eats the same way. We have the grazer dogs, where you can leave a few cups of food down all day and they eat when they want to. And on the complete opposite side of the spectrum, we have the dogs that inhale their food so fast, you know there is no way they are chewing or even breathing. There really is no common pattern on what types of dogs eat this way. I have seen many different breeds and even older dogs do this. It is important to know that a dog eating this fast can potentially be very dangerous!

What can happen if my dog eats too fast?

Not only can they possibly choke because they aren’t chewing their food down enough but there is also a possibility that the dog can bloat. This bloat is much different than how us humans feel bloated and uncomfortable after eating a huge meal. Bloat (or gastric dilatation-volvulus) is when a dog’s stomach fills with air, gas or fluids, then expands and can possibly cause their stomach to flip. If this occurs, it cuts off their blood flow eventually sending the dog into shock. If this is left untreated, it unfortunately will lead to death. This commonly occurs when they eat so fast that they are gulping up too much air at the same time. It can also occur when a dog eats fast and gulps a lot of water right before or after, causing the food to expand very quickly in their stomach.

What are the signs of bloat?

I know this sounds terrifying! If your dog has eaten his/her food or drank water quickly and you had no time to stop them, signs to look for are:

-salivation

-restlessness

-an enlarged abdomen

-retching

They don’t usually ever vomit up food because they are unable to, but they will try to vomit. They might also walk around back and forth looking very uncomfortable and distressed.

Certain breeds are more prone to bloat than others. Dogs with a deeper, narrow chest such as great danes, weimaraners, standard poodles, boxers and so on, are more likely to bloat.

How can I prevent bloat from occurring?

1. If your dog typically eats fast, is anxious, very active, and/or fearful, it is recommended that you separate this dog from other dogs or animals you have in the house while they eat. This can help reduce their stress or anxiety.
2. Use a slow feeder bowl! I highly recommend this and personally use it on my dog (and it works). They are bowls with either a puzzle shape or pegs inside the bowl to force your dog to take a longer time to eat the food. This can slow them down a lot and help with them gulping down their food in seconds.
3. You can also try hand feeding. This allows them to eat only as fast as you hand them their food. This can also be a good way to work on training and patience with your pup.
4. Feed your dog at least 2 meals throughout the day- if not more. Giving them one large meal can put them at a higher risk for bloat.
5. Don’t let your dog rough play right before or after a meal
6. Watch their water intake. Make sure they don’t gulp down a ton of water, especially when they are eating their food
7. Put their bowls on the ground instead of the raised bowls since this reduces the chance of them intaking as much air as they eat.

I hope this information has helped because it can be a very life-threatening disorder and is super important to know! Of course, if you notice any of these symptoms or you are concerned about it happening, please go see your trusted vet! Has this happened to anyone or anyone you know? Share your stories or experiences!