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My puppy eats too fast! How can I get him to slow down and chew?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 4 months and 1 day old

I have a 4 month old boston terrier/border collie mix puppy that always acts like hes hungary and when I feed him his meal he will eat his food whole. He is up to date on his puppy shots and will sit and wait until I put the food down. But will down his food in less than 30 seconds what can I do to help him slow down and chew his food?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Christina Kellogg, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 16th, 2017

Hello, It is not uncommon for dogs to be very excited about food and therefore eat it up very quickly. But it is better for digestion if we can get them to eat slower, just like it is for us. They actually make special bowls designed to slow dogs down when eating. You should be able to find one at any pet retailer or search online stores for "slow feeder dog bowls". Best of luck!

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    This is a common problem among certain dogs! Things you can do to slow them down include feeding from a puzzle feeder which requires the dog to knock the toy around to get the food out, or feeding from a special bowl designed to slow eating. These can be found at most larger pet stores now and online. Here is an example- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L3O4JI6/ref=asc_df_B00L3O4JI64987064/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=394997&creativeASIN=B00L3O4JI6&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167141013968&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7823485689977178203&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9022590&hvtargid=pla-306669570633

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 24th, 2018

    Some dogs are quite the chowhounds – literally. Fortunately, there are some simple modifications that you can make to your dog’s mealtime routine that may help them to actually chew their kibble. Dig through your baking supplies and pull out a baking sheet or muffin tin. Spreading kibble over one of these pans will cause your dog to work to pick up each mouthful. Other options include forgoing a bowl or dish altogether and feeding your dog their entire meal out of a food dispensing toy, or using specific slow feeder bowls from the pet store that force the dog to work harder to eat.

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    133Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 23rd, 2017

    Some dogs will always do this can it can lead to bloat and an upset stomach. They make special bowls and puzzles to hide the food in that will slow them down and help. You can also give smaller meal for frequently to help her not ingest so much at a time

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