Animals with large appetites may experience behavioral problems when eating.
The reason for this may be competition with other animals in the household, a habit of finishing food quickly, an expectation of more food, or simply a primal survival instinct — a behavior that is linked to a hidden "memory" of group life.
Despite time and countless generations, such behavior is still deeply ingrained in some breeds.
What are the risks of eating too fast?
If a dog chews food quickly and insufficiently, a large amount of air enters the stomach, which can cause digestive disorders.
This may be accompanied by periodic vomiting and stomach distension, which also increases the risk of gastric torsion and bloat in some breeds.
How to get a dog to eat slowly
Changing the habits of an adult dog that have been formed over the years is not easy.
First, you should calm your dog down with a calm voice before filling the bowl. Wait until he is calm before presenting the food — this will reduce overexcitement before eating.
Sometimes choosing the right type of food can also help. For example, appropriately sized kibble helps your dog eat more slowly.
There are also special, so-called slow-feeding bowls. Their grooves and barriers force the dog to take food more slowly and chew it better.
If your dog still has difficulty slowing down, divide the daily ration into two or three meals. This is especially important for large dogs, who are at risk of bloat.
There are also two things you should not do: do not take away the bowl during feeding and do not show impatience. It is better to leave the dog alone while feeding. Also consider its past - dogs living in shelters or kennels often have a habit of eating quickly due to competition for food. Such animals have experience of constant competition with other animals and may return to old behavior in a new home.
