Why Do Dogs Swallow Their Food Without Chewing?

April 11, 2022

The bowl is empty and your puppy is probably looking at you, wondering when the second course is coming up.

All you can do is stare and ask yourself, why do dogs swallow their food without chewing?

The answer is simple: they don't need to take time to chew their food. Their environment may also have something to do with it, but it's to a lesser degree. Please let me explain.

There's a lot of ground to cover, so let's see why dogs swallow their food without chewing and what can you do about it.

3 Reasons Why Dogs Swallow Their Food Without Chewing.

1. Dog's Digestive Systems

When we eat, digestion starts with chewing and saliva breaking down the food. Dog's saliva only moves the food down the throat and into the stomach, where digestion begins.

2. Fear of Losing Out On A Meal

Theirs is a social aspect to this "problem". Rescued dogs or dogs that live with other animals are more likely to gobble up their dinner quickly. Otherwise, someone will eat their share first.

3. Learned Behavior Or Genetic Instinct.

Dogs in the wild would have to eat their food fast because other predators come after them or dogs from their own pack may steal their food.

Is Eating Too Fast Bad For Dogs?

It can be. Eating too fast may lead to an

Upset stomach
Bloating
Vomiting
Choking

Bloating is very painful for your puppy, while vomiting can cause many gastric issues and damage teeth.

If you don't practice strict portion control, the pup will overeat. VCA Animal hospital mentions,

Overweight dogs are at risk in developing

Diabetes
Hypertension
Heart disease
Cancer

Overeating can also lead to gastroenteritis, which is bad for young pups.

How Can I Teach My Dog To Chew His Food More?

As noted by Heather Hoffmann, DVM for PetMD, dogs chew wet food more. You can try to spray some water on the kibble to moisten it, include more wet food in their diet, or switch completely.

Sudden changes in diet can be harmful, so make sure you're doing it gradually.

If the brand of pet food you're using offers larger kibble with the same nutrition and ingredients, switch to that. The dog will have to chew those, but you should monitor your dog to make sure everything is okay.

However, chewing is not as big of a problem compared to the speed of eating. It's a lot more important to address that issue first.

What Is A Slow Feeder Dog Bowl Or Dog Food Puzzle?

Slow feeder dog bowls are special vessels that prevent your dog from eating too fast. They are also called dog food puzzles because they force the pup to figure out how to get to the food.

How Does A Slow Feed Dog Bowl Work?

They say those who don't work, do not get to eat. Similarly, a slow dog feeder makes your puppy work for their food.

Types of obstacles depend on the design, but they all prevent your dog from gobbling up its meal.

They either make it difficult to get to the food or to open the mouth wide to pick up huge mouthfuls. Some scatter the food around the bowl, so the dog has to take smaller bites.

How To Know If Your Dog Needs A Slow Feeder?

Does your dog take less time eating their meals than it takes you to put the kibble/dry food away? Then maybe your dog needs a slow feeder. The same goes for pups who often choke on their food, or vomit from overeating.

If your dog is lethargic but otherwise healthy, he may have tummy issues because he ate too fast.

However, your dog doesn't need bad eating habits to benefit from this bowl. Senior dogs with delicate digestion systems may need this bowl as well.

Can You Put Wet Dog Food In A Slow Feeder Bowl?

Yes, but it depends on the shape and design. And it will be more difficult to clean.

Avoid anything with obstacles that are too close together. It will be difficult for the pup to get to every morsel, and you will have extra work at the kitchen sink.

Why Are Slow Feeders Good For Dogs?

Besides preventing them from taking huge mouthfuls of food, slow feeders are also fun. Maybe not so fun when someone's belly is empty but definitely good for brain health.

Most people are wrong when they think dogs only need to run around for exercise. Just like cats, they also need puzzles to challenge their problem-solving skills.

Can A Puppy Use A Slow Feeder Bowl?

Yes, especially because they can't do this.

All joking aside, puppies may benefit more from using slow feeder bowls compared to mature dogs.

They will allow them to develop healthier eating habits early. They may continue eating at a moderate pace even when they switch to a regular bowl.

Watch out for size, though. Adult bowls are not challenging to tiny mouths.

What Can I Put In My Dog's Bowl To Slow Down Eating?

Any obstacle you add to the bowl will make it more difficult for the dog to devour the food.

One of the more popular hacks is to put a ball into the bowl, so the pup has to eat around it. Other objects will work as well, as long as their size matches the bowl. Ideally, it needs to take up about one-quarter of the space.

How To Slow Down The Dog When Eating Wet Food?

Do you have a muffin pan? Then, you have the solution. Replace the dog's bowl with this pan every time they're eating wet food.

This works because each cup is pretty small and doesn't allow the dog to open their jaws wide. This means they will have to take smaller mouthfuls.

The muffin pan is also suitable for dry food, but I have better options below.

How To Make A Slow Feeder Bowl? Creative Dog Bowl Alternatives

No, you don't have to take up pottery or buy a 3D printer. Here are a few simple methods to turn any bowl into a slow feeder.

5 Dog Bowl Tips/Games To Help Slow Down Eating

1.Put A Ball In The Bowl.

Place a ball in the dog's bowl before adding kibble. Simple as that.

However, you can't use any ball that comes to mind. If it's too light, the dog will easily push it out. Good size ball should something like this is a better choice.

2.Turn The Bowl Upside Down.

Dog-Bowl-Tips-Games-To-Help-Slow-Dow-Eating

Most dog bowls have the same shape and if you flip yours, it will have a crease. Put the food there and the pup will have to move around to get to it.

3.Add Peanut Butter.

Almost all dogs love peanut butter. Spreading it over the bottom of the bowl becomes a treat for all good boys and girls, and a way to slow down their eating. A dog will stop between mouthfuls to smack their lips because of stickiness.

4.Use A Bundt Pan.

The idea is the same one as flipping the doggy bowl over. Only this time, it's more suitable for larger dogs since they can handle big portions.

5.Balls And Muffin Pans.

I mentioned above muffin pans as a great solution for wet food. If it didn't work out for you, let's try to make it a bit more challenging.

Place a few balls over the cups to cover them. The pup will have to remove them one by one to get to the food.

How To Train Your Dog To Eat From A Bowl?

Young puppies often need to learn how to eat from a bowl. Older dogs may need time to get used to a switch from a regular to a slow feeder bowl. In both cases, it takes a bit of time and patience.

Don't jump straight away to purchasing a slow feeder. For now, concentrate on teaching the pup to eat around the obstacle, and the ball in bowl trick is perfect for it.

Add the ball into the doggie bowl, followed by kibble. No matter if the dog eats or sits there trying to figure out what's going on, keep the ball in for 2 to 3 minutes. Each day, increase the time by a minute.

By doing this, you are slowly teaching your pup that the obstacle is a part of their eating experience.

If you just leave the ball in the bowl, they may try to get it out to get to the last pieces of kibble. Gradual change is the key here.

By the end, the dog will get used to eating around the ball, instead of trying to push it out to get to the food.

Also, chances are that the ball-in bowl trick works so well that you don't have to buy a slow feeder.

Conclusion

Now you know several reasons why dogs do not chew their food. I hope this article helped you with how changes in your dog’s food or bow can help.

I encourage you to try the simple hacks provided above or buy a special slow feeder bowl to improve your pup’s eating habits and prevent digestive problems and other health issues.

Why Do Dogs Swallow Their Food Without Chewing?

The bowl is empty and your puppy is probably looking at you, wondering when the second course is coming up.

All you can do is stare and ask yourself, why do dogs swallow their food without chewing?

The answer is simple: they don't need to take time to chew their food. Their environment may also have something to do with it, but it's to a lesser degree. Please let me explain.

There's a lot of ground to cover, so let's see why dogs swallow their food without chewing and what can you do about it.

3 Reasons Why Dogs Swallow Their Food Without Chewing.

1. Dog's Digestive Systems

When we eat, digestion starts with chewing and saliva breaking down the food. Dog's saliva only moves the food down the throat and into the stomach, where digestion begins.

2. Fear of Losing Out On A Meal

Theirs is a social aspect to this "problem". Rescued dogs or dogs that live with other animals are more likely to gobble up their dinner quickly. Otherwise, someone will eat their share first.

3. Learned Behavior Or Genetic Instinct.

Dogs in the wild would have to eat their food fast because other predators come after them or dogs from their own pack may steal their food.

Is Eating Too Fast Bad For Dogs?

It can be. Eating too fast may lead to an

Upset stomach
Bloating
Vomiting
Choking

Bloating is very painful for your puppy, while vomiting can cause many gastric issues and damage teeth.

If you don't practice strict portion control, the pup will overeat. VCA Animal hospital mentions,

Overweight dogs are at risk in developing

Diabetes
Hypertension
Heart disease
Cancer

Overeating can also lead to gastroenteritis, which is bad for young pups.

How Can I Teach My Dog To Chew His Food More?

As noted by Heather Hoffmann, DVM for PetMD, dogs chew wet food more. You can try to spray some water on the kibble to moisten it, include more wet food in their diet, or switch completely.

Sudden changes in diet can be harmful, so make sure you're doing it gradually.

If the brand of pet food you're using offers larger kibble with the same nutrition and ingredients, switch to that. The dog will have to chew those, but you should monitor your dog to make sure everything is okay.

However, chewing is not as big of a problem compared to the speed of eating. It's a lot more important to address that issue first.

What Is A Slow Feeder Dog Bowl Or Dog Food Puzzle?

Slow feeder dog bowls are special vessels that prevent your dog from eating too fast. They are also called dog food puzzles because they force the pup to figure out how to get to the food.

How Does A Slow Feed Dog Bowl Work?

They say those who don't work, do not get to eat. Similarly, a slow dog feeder makes your puppy work for their food.

Types of obstacles depend on the design, but they all prevent your dog from gobbling up its meal.

They either make it difficult to get to the food or to open the mouth wide to pick up huge mouthfuls. Some scatter the food around the bowl, so the dog has to take smaller bites.

How To Know If Your Dog Needs A Slow Feeder?

Does your dog take less time eating their meals than it takes you to put the kibble/dry food away? Then maybe your dog needs a slow feeder. The same goes for pups who often choke on their food, or vomit from overeating.

If your dog is lethargic but otherwise healthy, he may have tummy issues because he ate too fast.

However, your dog doesn't need bad eating habits to benefit from this bowl. Senior dogs with delicate digestion systems may need this bowl as well.

Can You Put Wet Dog Food In A Slow Feeder Bowl?

Yes, but it depends on the shape and design. And it will be more difficult to clean.

Avoid anything with obstacles that are too close together. It will be difficult for the pup to get to every morsel, and you will have extra work at the kitchen sink.

Why Are Slow Feeders Good For Dogs?

Besides preventing them from taking huge mouthfuls of food, slow feeders are also fun. Maybe not so fun when someone's belly is empty but definitely good for brain health.

Most people are wrong when they think dogs only need to run around for exercise. Just like cats, they also need puzzles to challenge their problem-solving skills.

Can A Puppy Use A Slow Feeder Bowl?

Yes, especially because they can't do this.

All joking aside, puppies may benefit more from using slow feeder bowls compared to mature dogs.

They will allow them to develop healthier eating habits early. They may continue eating at a moderate pace even when they switch to a regular bowl.

Watch out for size, though. Adult bowls are not challenging to tiny mouths.

What Can I Put In My Dog's Bowl To Slow Down Eating?

Any obstacle you add to the bowl will make it more difficult for the dog to devour the food.

One of the more popular hacks is to put a ball into the bowl, so the pup has to eat around it. Other objects will work as well, as long as their size matches the bowl. Ideally, it needs to take up about one-quarter of the space.

How To Slow Down The Dog When Eating Wet Food?

Do you have a muffin pan? Then, you have the solution. Replace the dog's bowl with this pan every time they're eating wet food.

This works because each cup is pretty small and doesn't allow the dog to open their jaws wide. This means they will have to take smaller mouthfuls.

The muffin pan is also suitable for dry food, but I have better options below.

How To Make A Slow Feeder Bowl? Creative Dog Bowl Alternatives

No, you don't have to take up pottery or buy a 3D printer. Here are a few simple methods to turn any bowl into a slow feeder.

5 Dog Bowl Tips/Games To Help Slow Down Eating

1.Put A Ball In The Bowl.

Place a ball in the dog's bowl before adding kibble. Simple as that.

However, you can't use any ball that comes to mind. If it's too light, the dog will easily push it out. Good size ball should something like this is a better choice.

2.Turn The Bowl Upside Down.

Most dog bowls have the same shape and if you flip yours, it will have a crease. Put the food there and the pup will have to move around to get to it.

3.Add Peanut Butter.

Almost all dogs love peanut butter. Spreading it over the bottom of the bowl becomes a treat for all good boys and girls, and a way to slow down their eating. A dog will stop between mouthfuls to smack their lips because of stickiness.

4.Use A Bundt Pan.

The idea is the same one as flipping the doggy bowl over. Only this time, it's more suitable for larger dogs since they can handle big portions.

5.Balls And Muffin Pans.

I mentioned above muffin pans as a great solution for wet food. If it didn't work out for you, let's try to make it a bit more challenging.

Place a few balls over the cups to cover them. The pup will have to remove them one by one to get to the food.

How To Train Your Dog To Eat From A Bowl?

Young puppies often need to learn how to eat from a bowl. Older dogs may need time to get used to a switch from a regular to a slow feeder bowl. In both cases, it takes a bit of time and patience.

Don't jump straight away to purchasing a slow feeder. For now, concentrate on teaching the pup to eat around the obstacle, and the ball in bowl trick is perfect for it.

Add the ball into the doggie bowl, followed by kibble. No matter if the dog eats or sits there trying to figure out what's going on, keep the ball in for 2 to 3 minutes. Each day, increase the time by a minute.

By doing this, you are slowly teaching your pup that the obstacle is a part of their eating experience.

If you just leave the ball in the bowl, they may try to get it out to get to the last pieces of kibble. Gradual change is the key here.

By the end, the dog will get used to eating around the ball, instead of trying to push it out to get to the food.

Also, chances are that the ball-in bowl trick works so well that you don't have to buy a slow feeder.

Conclusion

Now you know several reasons why dogs do not chew their food. I hope this article helped you with how changes in your dog’s food or bow can help.

I encourage you to try the simple hacks provided above or buy a special slow feeder bowl to improve your pup’s eating habits and prevent digestive problems and other health issues.

Back to blog

The bowl is empty and your puppy is probably looking at you, wondering when the second course is coming up.

All you can do is stare and ask yourself, why do dogs swallow their food without chewing?

The answer is simple: they don't need to take time to chew their food. Their environment may also have something to do with it, but it's to a lesser degree. Please let me explain.

Table of contents

There's a lot of ground to cover, so let's see why dogs swallow their food without chewing and what can you do about it.

3 Reasons Why Dogs Swallow Their Food Without Chewing.

1. Dog's Digestive Systems

When we eat, digestion starts with chewing and saliva breaking down the food. Dog's saliva only moves the food down the throat and into the stomach, where digestion begins.

2. Fear of Losing Out On A Meal

Theirs is a social aspect to this "problem". Rescued dogs or dogs that live with other animals are more likely to gobble up their dinner quickly. Otherwise, someone will eat their share first.

3. Learned Behavior Or Genetic Instinct.

Dogs in the wild would have to eat their food fast because other predators come after them or dogs from their own pack may steal their food.

Is Eating Too Fast Bad For Dogs?

It can be. Eating too fast may lead to an

Bloating is very painful for your puppy, while vomiting can cause many gastric issues and damage teeth.

If you don't practice strict portion control, the pup will overeat. VCA Animal hospital mentions,

Overweight dogs are at risk in developing

Overeating can also lead to gastroenteritis, which is bad for young pups.

How Can I Teach My Dog To Chew His Food More?

As noted by Heather Hoffmann, DVM for PetMD, dogs chew wet food more. You can try to spray some water on the kibble to moisten it, include more wet food in their diet, or switch completely.

Sudden changes in diet can be harmful, so make sure you're doing it gradually.

If the brand of pet food you're using offers larger kibble with the same nutrition and ingredients, switch to that. The dog will have to chew those, but you should monitor your dog to make sure everything is okay.

However, chewing is not as big of a problem compared to the speed of eating. It's a lot more important to address that issue first.

What Is A Slow Feeder Dog Bowl Or Dog Food Puzzle?

Slow feeder dog bowls are special vessels that prevent your dog from eating too fast. They are also called dog food puzzles because they force the pup to figure out how to get to the food.

How Does A Slow Feed Dog Bowl Work?

They say those who don't work, do not get to eat. Similarly, a slow dog feeder makes your puppy work for their food.

Types of obstacles depend on the design, but they all prevent your dog from gobbling up its meal.

They either make it difficult to get to the food or to open the mouth wide to pick up huge mouthfuls. Some scatter the food around the bowl, so the dog has to take smaller bites.

How To Know If Your Dog Needs A Slow Feeder?

Does your dog take less time eating their meals than it takes you to put the kibble/dry food away? Then maybe your dog needs a slow feeder. The same goes for pups who often choke on their food, or vomit from overeating.

If your dog is lethargic but otherwise healthy, he may have tummy issues because he ate too fast.

However, your dog doesn't need bad eating habits to benefit from this bowl. Senior dogs with delicate digestion systems may need this bowl as well.

Can You Put Wet Dog Food In A Slow Feeder Bowl?

Yes, but it depends on the shape and design. And it will be more difficult to clean.

Avoid anything with obstacles that are too close together. It will be difficult for the pup to get to every morsel, and you will have extra work at the kitchen sink.

Why Are Slow Feeders Good For Dogs?

Besides preventing them from taking huge mouthfuls of food, slow feeders are also fun. Maybe not so fun when someone's belly is empty but definitely good for brain health.

Most people are wrong when they think dogs only need to run around for exercise. Just like cats, they also need puzzles to challenge their problem-solving skills.

Can A Puppy Use A Slow Feeder Bowl?

Yes, especially because they can't do this.

All joking aside, puppies may benefit more from using slow feeder bowls compared to mature dogs.

They will allow them to develop healthier eating habits early. They may continue eating at a moderate pace even when they switch to a regular bowl.

Watch out for size, though. Adult bowls are not challenging to tiny mouths.

What Can I Put In My Dog's Bowl To Slow Down Eating?

Any obstacle you add to the bowl will make it more difficult for the dog to devour the food.

One of the more popular hacks is to put a ball into the bowl, so the pup has to eat around it. Other objects will work as well, as long as their size matches the bowl. Ideally, it needs to take up about one-quarter of the space.

How To Slow Down The Dog When Eating Wet Food?

Do you have a muffin pan? Then, you have the solution. Replace the dog's bowl with this pan every time they're eating wet food.

This works because each cup is pretty small and doesn't allow the dog to open their jaws wide. This means they will have to take smaller mouthfuls.

The muffin pan is also suitable for dry food, but I have better options below.

How To Make A Slow Feeder Bowl? Creative Dog Bowl Alternatives

No, you don't have to take up pottery or buy a 3D printer. Here are a few simple methods to turn any bowl into a slow feeder.

5 Dog Bowl Tips/Games To Help Slow Down Eating

1.Put A Ball In The Bowl.

Place a ball in the dog's bowl before adding kibble. Simple as that.

However, you can't use any ball that comes to mind. If it's too light, the dog will easily push it out. Good size ball should something like this is a better choice.

2.Turn The Bowl Upside Down.

Most dog bowls have the same shape and if you flip yours, it will have a crease. Put the food there and the pup will have to move around to get to it.

3.Add Peanut Butter.

Almost all dogs love peanut butter. Spreading it over the bottom of the bowl becomes a treat for all good boys and girls, and a way to slow down their eating. A dog will stop between mouthfuls to smack their lips because of stickiness.

4.Use A Bundt Pan.

The idea is the same one as flipping the doggy bowl over. Only this time, it's more suitable for larger dogs since they can handle big portions.

5.Balls And Muffin Pans.

I mentioned above muffin pans as a great solution for wet food. If it didn't work out for you, let's try to make it a bit more challenging.

Place a few balls over the cups to cover them. The pup will have to remove them one by one to get to the food.

How To Train Your Dog To Eat From A Bowl?

Young puppies often need to learn how to eat from a bowl. Older dogs may need time to get used to a switch from a regular to a slow feeder bowl. In both cases, it takes a bit of time and patience.

Don't jump straight away to purchasing a slow feeder. For now, concentrate on teaching the pup to eat around the obstacle, and the ball in bowl trick is perfect for it.

Add the ball into the doggie bowl, followed by kibble. No matter if the dog eats or sits there trying to figure out what's going on, keep the ball in for 2 to 3 minutes. Each day, increase the time by a minute.

By doing this, you are slowly teaching your pup that the obstacle is a part of their eating experience.

If you just leave the ball in the bowl, they may try to get it out to get to the last pieces of kibble. Gradual change is the key here.

By the end, the dog will get used to eating around the ball, instead of trying to push it out to get to the food.

Also, chances are that the ball-in bowl trick works so well that you don't have to buy a slow feeder.

Conclusion

Now you know several reasons why dogs do not chew their food. I hope this article helped you with how changes in your dog’s food or bow can help.

I encourage you to try the simple hacks provided above or buy a special slow feeder bowl to improve your pup’s eating habits and prevent digestive problems and other health issues.

The bowl is empty and your puppy is probably looking at you, wondering when the second course is coming up.

All you can do is stare and ask yourself, why do dogs swallow their food without chewing?

The answer is simple: they don't need to take time to chew their food. Their environment may also have something to do with it, but it's to a lesser degree. Please let me explain.