Is Your Dog Eating Too Fast? How to Slow Gulping

Does your beloved pup gobble down their food in seconds? Many dogs eat too fast, and while it might seem like a minor quirk, quick eating habits can sometimes be dangerous if left unchecked.

We want to help you make mealtime a positive and healthy experience for your furry friend. Let's explore why some dogs eat so fast and, more importantly, what you can do to slow down your dog’s eating and promote better digestion.

Understanding Why Dogs Eat Too Fast

Why does your dog eat so fast? Several factors might be at play:

• Competition for resources – especially in multi-dog households where they might fear another dog stealing their food.

• Previous experiences – perhaps from being a stray and needing to eat quickly to survive.

• Instinct or habit – some dogs simply prefer to gobble their food.

If you know your dog's history, understanding the reason behind their eating habits can be helpful in choosing the most effective way to slow them down.

The Risks of Fast Eating

When your dog eats too fast, they're not just being greedy; they could be putting themselves at risk. One of the most significant dangers is bloat, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).

GDV is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood supply. The American Kennel Club recognizes GDV as a serious issue, particularly in large, deep-chested breeds like:

• Great Danes

• Irish Wolfhounds

• Saint Bernards

• German Shepherds

• Mastiffs

• Boxers

• Greyhounds

Vomiting, choking, and gastric upset are also common consequences when a dog swallows food too quickly. And let’s be honest—you pay a lot for your dog's food, and we'd all prefer if it stayed in their stomach!

Identifying a Dog Who Eats Too Fast

It’s usually easy to tell if your dog is a fast eater. Signs include:

• Finishing their food in under a minute

• Vomiting or choking after eating

• Gulping food and acting hungry again soon after

• Swallowing lots of air while eating, leading to gas or bloating

If you see these behaviors, it’s time to take steps to help your dog eat slower. And always consult with your veterinarian if you’re concerned.

How to Slow Down Your Dog’s Eating (With Tips for Every Food Type)

Slowing your dog’s eating doesn’t have to mean completely changing their diet—you just need the right tools and techniques for the type of food they eat. Below is a combined list of products and at-home methods, along with the formats they work best for.

1. Slow Feeder Bowls

Best for: Kibble, freeze-dried, dehydrated (rehydrated), fresh cooked

These bowls have ridges, mazes, or raised patterns that make your dog work around obstacles to get their food. They come in plastic, stainless steel, and ceramic, and in designs for different snout shapes (flat-faced breeds included).

2. Puzzle Feeders & Food-Dispensing Toys

Best for: Kibble, freeze-dried, dehydrated

These make your dog “earn” each bite. Examples include rolling treat balls, wobble toys, or more complex puzzles where dogs slide pieces to uncover food. They slow eating while also providing mental stimulation.

3. Lick Mats

Image Credit: SodaPup

Best for: Fresh, raw, rehydrated freeze-dried, soft cooked foods

These flat mats have grooves that hold soft food. Spreading the meal out forces your dog to lick rather than gulp, making mealtime longer and more calming. Freeze for an extra challenge.

4. Snuffle Mats or Plush Stuff Toys

Best for: Kibble, small freeze-dried pieces

A fabric mat with long strips or “grass-like” layers where you hide the food or a plush toy with fillers (like above). Your dog must sniff and dig to find each piece, slowing their eating while tapping into foraging instincts.

5. West Paw Toppl or Similar Treat Toys

Best for: Kibble (mixed with soft food), soft fresh food, rehydrated freeze-dried

A cup-shaped toy that can be stuffed with a mix of your dog’s meal and other safe add-ins. Freeze it for extra difficulty and a longer eating time.

6. Scatter Feeding

Best for: Kibble, dry freeze-dried

Simply toss your dog’s meal across a clean floor or yard so they must “hunt” for each piece. Great for active dogs, but not ideal for wet, fresh, or raw food.

7. Rolling Food in a Towel

Best for: Kibble, dry freeze-dried

Spread the meal along the length of a towel, roll it up, and let your dog unroll it to get to the food. A quick, low-cost puzzle feeder you can make in seconds. To make this more challenging for your dog, you can tie the towel in a knot. Always supervise your dog to ensure they don't ingest any post of the towel itself.

8. Tennis Ball in the Bowl

Image Credit: AKC Pet Insurance

Best for: Kibble, dry freeze-dried

Place one or more clean tennis balls in your dog’s bowl to make them eat around the obstruction. Works best for medium-to-large dogs—smaller breeds might find the ball too cumbersome.

9. Large Edible Chews or Bones (for raw feeders)

Best for: Raw diets

Feeding large, safe raw meaty bones or cartilage-rich pieces naturally slows eating because your dog must chew and tear before swallowing. Always supervise and choose bones appropriate for your dog’s size and chewing style.

💡 Pro Tip from Black Dog Barkery: We carry a variety of canine nutritionist-approved diets as well as slow-feeding products that make mealtime safer and more enriching.

Conclusion: Keep Your Dog Eating More Slowly

Helping your dog eat more slowly is essential for their health and well-being. By understanding the risks of fast eating and using techniques tailored to their food type, you can help prevent bloat, gastric upset, and other digestive issues.

Whether you choose a slow feeder bowl, a puzzle toy, or a creative at-home method, the effort you invest in slowing your dog’s eating will pay off with a healthier, happier pup.

At Black Dog Barkery, we believe mealtime should be joyful and safe. Slowing things down not only prevents potential health problems but also adds mental stimulation to your dog’s day. Observe their eating habits, make adjustments as needed, and enjoy seeing your pup savor every bite at a safer pace.