Ways to Slow Down a Fast Eater

Eating too fast is a common dog problem that can be solved in a multitude of ways. From fancy gadgets to extremely lazy low-tech methods, there is a solution out there for every food-inhaler.

The Outward Hound Fun Feeder makes eating a slow process.

1. Use kibble as training treats instead of putting it in a bowl. Split up meals into several training sessions each day.

2. Take a scoop of kibble and fling it as far as you can across the yard. The dog can spend the rest of the day finding it one piece at a time.

3. Hide your dog's daily meal in various places around the house before you leave for work.

4. Use food-dispensing puzzle toys instead of a food bowl to make your dog think and put in some effort to get their meal.

5. Stuff canned, raw, or soaked dry food in a Kong toy and freeze. It will take them a while to empty it out.

6. Use a cookie sheet instead of a bowl. Try to spread the food out as much as possible. This works well for canned food and rehydrated foods like Honest Kitchen.

7. Put something in the bowl so they have to eat around it. There are a number of products out there for this purpose, from doodads that suction to the bottom to stainless steel and ceramic balls. This led me to wonder if a dog had ever managed to swallow one of those things. A cheaper way to try this method out is by dropping a tennis ball or two in the bowl. Some dogs just learn to pick the ball up and move it before slurping up their dinner.

8. Put the food in a slow-feeder bowl like the Outward Hound Fun Feeder. These have permanent obstacles that the dog must eat around.