When your puppy eats too fast, it can feel a little alarming and almost like they are starving! Even if you do feed them an adequate amount.
This post will give you so many ideas for making dinner time less adrenaline-filled for you and your puppy.
You'll learn so many creative ways to slow your puppy down emotionally and physically (and tire them out!)
***This post does not replace veterinary advice. Please consult your veterinarian with any concerns regarding your puppy's health**
Puppy Eats Too Fast
Why does my puppy eat so fast like he's starving?
Dogs are programmed to love food! Food is an essential part of a dog's survival. Your puppy eating fast and enthusiastically isn't a bad thing- it just means they have a really high food drive.
However, it's important to slow your puppy down so that they don't choke, vomit or bloat.
Having a high food drive makes training and motivating your dog much easier, though it does make regulating your dog's weight a bit more tedious.
If you're concerned about your dog's appetite, give a call to the veterinarian. A ravenous appetite could be a symptom of intestinal parasites or other illness.
In order to diagnose intestinal parasites, your veterinarian will need a fecal sample to test. You won't be able to see most parasites without a high power microscope. If you are seeing worms in the stool that look like spaghetti or rice, let your veterinarian know when you drop off the fecal sample.
My puppy eats too fast and throws up
Another reason your puppy may be extra enthusiastic about meals may be due to a nutrition deficit.
Chat with your veterinarian or certified professional canine nutritionist about your puppy's nutritional needs.
Puppy's needs are slightly different than a dog's needs, but reviewing this guide is a great place to start with your dog!
Raw Dog Food for Beginners: A Guide for Getting Started Improving Your Dog's Health
Dog eating too fast symptoms
It can be pretty obvious when your dog eats too fast. Food seems like it barely touches the bowl! Your dog may even jump up and down, circle or do zoomies before they get food.
Related: 21 Best Toys Your Dog Can’t Destroy in 5 Minutes
Your dog may be able to finish a bowl of food in a few seconds. This can result in hiccups or even vomiting if the food is consumed too fast.
If it appears your dog is choking or unable to breath, it is important to contact a veterinary professional as soon as possible.
Puppy eats too fast hiccups
Puppies get hiccups- a LOT. It is completely normal. Even if you're thinking, "no, my puppy hiccups all the time!" It's almost certainly absolutely normal.
If you're concerned, or there are other symptoms like coughing, vomiting, lethargy or lack of appetite, those are all reasons to seek medical attention for your dog.
How do I get my puppy to stop eating so fast?
Once medical reasons have been ruled out, you can start to work on slowing your dog down mentally and physically during meals.
The best way to do this is to teach your dog calmness and security around food so they mentally slow down.
You can also physically slow a dog down- like making the food harder to eat.
This post will go over ways you can physically and mentally slow your dog down.
Here are our favorite ways to slow your puppy down physcially!
1. Slow Feeder
A slow feeder is probably the easiest and least time consuming way to slow your dog down. Personally, we like the ones that have separate compartments like this one for extra time-consuming meals!
2. DIY Slow Feeder
Instead of purchasing the regular slow feeder, there are so many options around your house that you can use to help slow your puppy down (that can also double as a toy!)
Plus, so many dogs just end up flipping the slow feeder over so that all the food spills out anyway.
How to slow puppy down when eating
Here are some ways to help your dog think- which will help mentally slow them down when they're eating.
3. Busy Buddy Food Ball
This ball is great because it's not round, therefore, lasting slightly longer than a round ball. There are also food balls that are weighted, which offer even more of a challenge for your dog! This one will last anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on your dog!
4. Kong Treat Dispenser
An upgrade to the egg shaped food ball! This provides a challenge and 10 minutes to an hour of work for your dog!
5. Pet Geek Food Dispenser
Did you know you can get your dog to walk up to a mile in their own home? This Pet Geek Dispenser allows you to move the button up to 164 feet away from the dispenser, requiring your dog to move from the button to the treat, then back to the button!
6. Tug-a-Jug Food Dispenser
Get ready for a challenge! The Tug-A-Jug far out performs any of the basic lever puzzles. It'll really - eat up - some time on this one!
Puppy eats too fast and doesn't chew
7. Training
This is the ultimate bonding for your dog! Instead of an inanimate object being the thing that feeds them, you get to provide food for them for them following your leadership! You can't use this strategy enough with your dog.
8. Snuffle Mat
A snuffle mat requires a dog to use their nose and engage in some primitive rooting behaviors. Many dogs (especially hounds) love these!
9. Grass or Snow
The original snuffle mat! Be aware of the attention you may draw from outdoor critters if your dog doesn't find all the kibble.
Puppy Eats Too Fast Reddit
10. Hand feed your dog
Set the pace for your dog while also utilizing a great bonding exercise that can really work well to prevent resource guarding. Teaching your dog that you are the one providing the food, rather than the inanimate object on the ground, is a really useful tool, and will absolutely slow any dog down.
11. Blankets or Towels
Roll your dog's treats or kibble into a towel or blankets. You can utilize as many of these as you want! A simple rolled towel can last your dog up to 10 minutes- but you can get really creative with this!
12. Cardboard Box Level 1
Take a regular old cardboard box, and put your dog's kibble in it! You can choose big, medium or small, tall or short, closed or open, upright, upside down or on it's side. Use a level where your dog is challenged but still successful.
13. Cardboard Box Level 2
You can make this as difficult as you want to make it! Add in plastic bottles, tape, paper bags, other cardboard, toys anything to make your dog challenged- but still successful.
