Is My Dog Eating Too Fast? Signs and Simple Fixes

Some dogs eat like it's a race. It can look funny, but gulping food can lead to coughing, gagging or bringing the meal back up. Here's how to tell if your dog eats too fast and what you can do about it.

Signs your dog is eating too fast

• A full bowl is empty in well under a minute
• Coughing, gagging or choking noises while eating
• Vomiting or regurgitating undigested food soon after meals
• Lots of burping or gas
• Guarding the bowl or eating while watching other pets

Simple fixes

Use a slow feeder bowl

A slow feeder bowl has raised ridges that break the food up, so your dog has to work around them instead of scooping big mouthfuls. Time a normal meal before and after; many owners see the same meal take several times longer.

Split meals

Two or three smaller meals a day are easier on a fast eater than one big one.

Scatter or puzzle-feed

Spreading kibble on a flat tray, a snuffle mat or a puzzle toy turns dinner into a search, which naturally slows things down.

Feed pets apart

Dogs who eat near other pets often speed up to protect their food. Feed them in separate rooms.

Calm before dinner

Ask for a sit and wait a moment before putting the bowl down, rather than feeding a dog who is already frantic.

When to call your vet

A slow feeder helps with eating speed, but it isn't a medical treatment. If your dog vomits often, loses weight, has a swollen or hard belly, or tries to vomit without bringing anything up, contact your vet right away. That last sign can be an emergency.