Increased speed of eating can predispose our pets to:
- Excessive food intake resulting in obesity
- Poor digestion and vomiting
- Increased risk of swallowing air leading to bloating and abdominal discomfort
- Increased risk of GDV in dogs (gastric dilatation and volvulus: bloating and twisting of the stomach – a surgical emergency)
Reducing the speed in which our pets eat can help improve their digestion and help reduce the risk of some of the negative side effects associated with fast eating. Various methods are available, not all methods are appropriate for every pet. Based on your pets personality and eating style one or more of these options may be helpful in slowing down their eating speed. Your veterinarian will be able to help you choose the right solution for your pet.
- Spread food over a cookie tray or the ground
- Put a coffee cup in the middle of your pet’s bowl
- Purchase a slow feeder or maze bowl
- Use a puzzle toy to slow feeding