Some dogs eat their food without chewing. This can cause health problems if they are ingesting air while they gulp down their food, or if they are having a hard time digesting their food. Some dogs are more at risk for bloating if they eat too quickly. Dogs start this behavior for many reasons but it is usually simple to overcome. The dog needs to form new habits and feel comfortable eating.
Things You'll Need
- Separate room or crate
- A bowl specially designed to slow dogs down (ex. Brake-Fast bowl)
Instructions
Feed your dog in a separate room, or his crate if he's crate-trained. Feed him somewhere quiet where he will not be disturbed by people, other dogs or other pets if a crate is unavailable. Many dogs gulp their food down because they don't want to risk it being eaten by anyone else. Eating should not be a competitive sport.
Feed your dog in a special bowl designed to separate food so that a dog can't eat it all at once. These bowls can help teach your dog to slow down and enjoy his food. Another option is to feed your dog with a treat ball that your dog pushes with his nose. As he moves the ball around, food comes out.
Add water to your dog's food to bring out the food's aroma so that he may enjoy it better. Dogs may play with their food a little, and may find it harder to eat as quickly. Wet food is also easier on dogs' kidneys than dehydrated kibble.