Why Do Dogs Eat So Fast?

If you have a dog, you’ve probably asked, “Why do dogs eat so fast?” Okay, they’re not savoring a gourmet tasting menu in a Michelin-starred restaurant but they, pardon the pun, wolf down their dinner, gobble up their treats, and basically inhale anything edible.

It’s a scene repeated in households worldwide: the eager anticipation, the lightning-fast consumption, and before you know it, the food bowl is empty. It almost seems like dogs are meant to eat fast.

But, why the rush? Why do dogs always eat like they’re starving? This article is here to help discuss why your dog eats so fast, ask if it can cause problems, and explore strategies to ensure your dog’s mealtime manners are healthy and harmonious.

Why does my dog eat so fast?

Thera are a few possible reasons why your dog eats quickly.

A Less Particular Palate

Dogs have fewer taste buds than humans, which is one reason dogs eat so quickly.

A dog’s tongue is only equipped with about 1,700 taste buds, while human tongues have approximately 9,000. ¹. Humans take time to chew and relish each bite (sometimes) but dogs don’t experience the taste of food the same way. Suddenly, those curious backyard snacks your dog loves make a bit more sense.

For dogs, it’s more about fueling up rather than indulging in a gourmet dining experience. However, despite their fewer taste buds, dogs can still detect all five main taste categories: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and savory. So, even though they may not savor their meals as we do, they certainly still enjoy eating.

Competition 

If you have more than one pet, your dog might see others as competition for food and gobble down their meal before someone else does. Even if your dog is the only pet, competition could still be a factor. They might have had competition with their litter as a pup or it could be an instinctual habit. ² 

They may view other members of the household, including cats and people, as competition. Even if you don’t make a habit of getting down on all fours and eating dog food.

Irregular meal time

If your dog was adopted or had previous pet parents before you, they might have been accustomed to an irregular feeding schedule. This is especially true for dogs who were strays, as they may have constantly worried about when their next meal would come, or if they would even get one. 

Likewise, if you’re free-feeding your dog or don’t have a consistent feeding routine, they might gulp down their meals quickly as a way to stock up on fuel, unsure of when or if the next meal will be available.

Does my dog have poor nutrition?

If your dog is eating too fast and acting as if they are always hungry, they could be lacking nutrients in their diet.

You might want to ask yourself if you’re feeding your dog enough and if your dog is eating the right type of food. Usually, there will be other signs of poor nutrition such as poor skin and coat, a poor digestive system, or if your dog is constantly begging.

Moreover, if your dog’s diet is particularly nutrient-dense but low in carbohydrates and fiber, they’ll only require a small portion of food to supply their daily requirements. This small portion will be gobbled up in seconds, leaving your dog hungry and unsatisfied. 

For some dogs, it’s worth switching diets to something with higher fiber and more carbohydrates so that a larger portion of food can be fed, or switching to wet food, as this is less concentrated and contains around 70-80% water.

There’s no harm in evaluating your dog’s diet and considering whether your dog is receiving the correct amount of food that is suitable for their breed, age, and lifestyle. You can talk to a qualified nutritionist about this or perhaps your regular vet.

Health-related issues/underlying health issues

While most dogs eat quickly and it’s generally a normal habit, it could signify a serious health concern. Parasites can rob a dog of nutrition and make them insatiably hungry. ³ Cushing’s Syndrome or Cushing’s Disease is another condition that could result in your dog eating quicker than usual. 

If you notice your dog’s eating becoming faster and more frantic than usual, take them to the vet for a check-up.

Can eating too fast cause problems for dogs?

Can dogs vomit from eating too fast? Can dogs eating quickly cause diarrhea and digestive issues? Is a dog eating too fast dangerous? These are all common questions and, unfortunately, a dog not chewing enough can suffer problems, including:

Digestive issues

Digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, and discomfort can result from rapid eating. When food is not adequately chewed and broken down in the mouth, it can enter the digestive tract in larger pieces, leading to fermentation, gas buildup, and gastrointestinal upset.

This can often lead to diarrhea, constipation, or more chronic digestive issues contributing to serious conditions like gastritis, pancreatitis, or inflammatory bowel disease if left untreated.

Bloating

When a dog eats too quickly, they swallow air along with their food which leads to a bloat. The stomach expands because gasses build up to the point that the stomach can twist within the dog’s abdomen, preventing the gasses from escaping.

In the worst-case scenario, circulation can be cut off to the stomach and other organs. This can be a serious condition for dogs and requires immediate medical attention if you suspect it.

Vomiting 

Your dog may vomit after eating too fast and probably eat the regurgitated food then too – yum! Food consumed too quickly may irritate the stomach lining or trigger an overactive gag reflex, causing the dog to regurgitate partially digested food.

While occasional vomiting may not be a cause for concern, frequent vomiting could indicate underlying health issues such as gastritis, intestinal blockages, or food intolerances. It’s essential to monitor your dog’s vomiting patterns and seek veterinary attention if vomiting becomes frequent or severe.

Choking

Choking can occur when a dog swallows food or objects too quickly, causing them to become lodged in the throat and obstruct the airway. This can lead to difficulty breathing, coughing, gagging, and in severe cases, suffocation. Immediate intervention may be required to dislodge the blockage and prevent further complications. 

How do I get my dog to eat slower?

To help your dog eat slower, consider these tips:

• Use specialized bowls designed to slow down eating.
• Invest in a snuffle mat or spread food over a lick mat to encourage foraging behavior.
• Try a feeder toy that dispenses food slowly.
• Establish a reliable feeding schedule to create consistency.
• Create a safe and secure feeding environment free from distractions.
• Feed your pets separately to avoid competition.
• Serve smaller meals more frequently throughout the day.
• Set up various feeding stations around the house to encourage movement and engagement.
• Use kibble for training and interactive games to make mealtime more enjoyable and mentally stimulating for your dog.