Ever wondered why your dog gulps its food down like it's starving, yet they are well fed? Unlike their owners, if your dog isn't savoring their food, and is instead racing to eat, you might want to see if one of these reasons could be causing it...
1. Poor nutritional food could be the answer. Although the good news is it's an easy fix! Be sure to check the nutritional value of your dog's food, and if in doubt speak to your vet about what your dog should be getting.
Many food specialist can recommend you a specific food based on your dog's breed, size, age, and level of activity. We use the Essentials Food, which is high quality dog food tailored to what Olive needs.
It's also important to ensure your dog is eating fresh fruit and vegetables each day. Cancer is hugely prevalent in dogs, and feeding them a healthy, high-quality meal each day is essential to good health.
2. If you have more than one dog, or pet such as a cat, your dog may be fighting for its food. To stop them doing this make sure they eat in a quiet space, away from other animals and people, and do not distract them whilst eating. By creating a calm space, they are less likely to snatch or gulp down their food.
3. A regular meal time will help train your dog so that it knows exactly when it's next meal is arriving. This is good for you as they are more likely to eat it if they know it's coming as they will be conditioned to eat at the same time each day. (Pavlov anyone?! - Pavlov showed that dogs could be conditioned to salivate at the sound of a bell if that sound was repeatedly presented at the same time that they were given food. )
Whether you are one, two, or three meals a day, make sure they are the same (or as close as possible) each day.
4. Your dog may be excessively hungry if it has an illness affecting its metabolism. Don't immediately panic, if your dog is not eating or eating too much you should always discuss this with you vet.