Piggy Puppy

[Mirg8101992]

AJ is now 5 months and, so far, hes been a great pup. Theres just one problem, its really hard to feed him. If i just put the food in with him and leave, he eats too fast and barfs it all up and chokes. Ive had this problem with a horse before and all you do with horses is spread the feed out on the bottom of a bucket. That doesnt work with dogs, horses pick up food with their lips, not their tounges. First, i tried hand-feeding AJ. That was ok, but it took an hour to get him fed. So, now ive just been sitting in the room with him while he eats so that when he starts to eat to fast or choke, i will take the food away for a few minutes. I do not know why he does this, I have never starved him. Should i keep doing what im doing, or does someone else have a better solution? Tips for feeding dogs are also wanted! Thanx!

 

[Zoom]

You could try putting something in the bowl like a ball or Kong so he has to slow down and eat around it, or feed him a bit at a time...say if he's getting 1cup total, divide it up into fourths and do it that way.

I've also just taken to spreading one of my dog's food out on the kitchen floor in a fairly wide pattern, so it takes her a bit to hoover it all up.

 

[Mirg8101992]

Oh, ok, that helps a lot!! Thanx!!

 

[Saje]

You could try wetting it with water, putting it in a puzzle toy so it falls out while she plays with it, feed her smaller meals throughout the day, give her several small feedings at a time, feed her in different locations sort of life a scavenger hunt lol...

 

[Mirg8101992]

Lol ok, those are very helpful too! Thanx!

 

[Mordy]

You can definitely try feeding from a flat surface, such as for example a cookie sheet. While it's true that horses will have an easier time picking up food like that, it's not going to harm your dog to work harder on picking up the pieces.

Puzzle toys are also great, especially since they slow the dog down to ingesting just a couple pieces at a time. The Tricky Treat Ball from Omega Paw works especially well and is not noisy at all even on hard floors.
http://www.ourdogsonline.com/index.php?section=31

The behavior isn't anything abnormal though, dogs are gulpers by nature, some just more than others.

 

[Mirg8101992]

Ok, thanx Mordy! I just have one question, Mal-Mart has puzzle-balls, but, how many times do you have to refill it for your dog to get a full meal?

 

[Mordy]

Depends on your dog's daily feeding amounts and the size of the toy I'd say. The one I linked to holds about a cup of kibble, more if you really stuff it full, but then it falls out too easily.

 

[Mirg8101992]

Oh, ok, thanx!! Next time we go into town ill buy one then!

 

[Mirg8101992]

Ok, i tried a few things for his dinner and breakfast. I found the one that works best with him is putting a tennis ball in middle of all the food so he cant take large bites. Im still going to get a puzzle ball so he has different ways of eating so he doesnt get bored. Thanx everyone!!!