Voracious Eater

[Barrie]

Originally Posted by RottsNScotts

One thing that used to work with our horses was to put a brick or two in their manger that they had to work around. On a dog-size scale, a large rock - no smaller than 2 fists - or two would give her an "obstacle" course to eat around.

And, as you have started to notice, she may slow down as she becomes more comfortable in her new surroundings.

Are you suggesting to put a rock in the bowl?

Because if that's the case my dog would eat the rock...

[GWFJR]

After observing this dog for 3 months I have come to the conclusion this dog has a bit of an OCD concerning eating. If not involved in some other activity she will root through the yard for rabbit droppings or chew on some grass or snarf the driveway for dead earthworms. She plays, swims, runs, and sleeps all out but in her spare moments she is lookin' for something to snack on. And I feed her 4 cups of Purina Pro Plan Chicken and Rice Formula. 2 cups morning and evening. With some snacks near midday. I'm not noticing gas or digestion problems. She's very regular and produces firm stool. I just think her metabolism is higher than most and reason for her compulsion. I'm not to worried about it at this point. Just took some getting used to after previous experiences.

[Static'sMum]

When Static was a pup he used to inhale his biscuits as though he hadnt seen food before, and we were concerned as he used to make a choking sound every few mouthfuls - not to mention his whole body would tense up and the crazy eyes would start!! We put this down to him being fed with his 12 brothers and sisters and him being the runt - he really had to fight for his meal!
But he gradually calmed down, we used to talk to him when he was eating - we stilll do. When we talk to him, he wags his tail and looks at us, which originally helped cause if he was looking at us, he was chewing the food he already had in his mouth, not cramming more and more in!! Now he is really quite good, and he tends to graze. If he has 'guests' over, such as his cousin Max the Kelpie, he will eat his fill then let Max eat the rest!! I would prefer he didnt, but it means he isn't being possessive!!
These days he knows the drill, food comes out (he starts drooling and licking his lips!!) he sits whilst we put it in his outside bowl, he waits until we tell him to come, he gives us a hi-five then he eats when we say 'Good boy'. If he really likes his dinner, he will stop eating to give you a kiss if you are nearby (which is lovely i'm sure, but depends on what he is eating!!)
I'm sure that once you have had your girl for a while, and she realizes that no-one is going to jump out and steal her food, she will calm down.

Static has just gone out now to finish off the last few mouthfuls of his breakfast that i gave him over two hours ago!!

I suppose it is the same as humans - my boyf. eats three times faster than me - whilst my dad used to eat about ten times slower ... to each their own!!

[RottsNScotts]

Originally Posted by Barrie

Are you suggesting to put a rock in the bowl?

Because if that's the case my dog would eat the rock...

Not if it is a BIG rock!

[blisscodisco]

I use an exta large bowl, big enough so the food just lines the bottom of the dish and a small amount of warm water and it helps. I personally like to see my dogs polish off there food. I would worry if it wasn't gone quickly as they have always eaten pretty good but my boy was slower before we added the second dog. He now eats with gusto.

[bolt94]

Our 10-month old foster girlie eats like it's going out of style -- pig-like noises and all!

She doesn't seem to have any digestions problems so I never interrupt her, unless it's to drop a tasty treat in her bowl.

[Barrie]

Originally Posted by RottsNScotts

Not if it is a BIG rock!

He's going into my garden and retrieving the bordering rocks (two fists in size, as per your suggestion) and using them as his personal chew toys.He even throws them up in the air.

I would get close to him to stop him, but I am afraid he'd accidentally hit me with the suckers, so I have to yell at him from inside to stop it. Better than his old habit of chewing the bricks in our house I suppose.

The only size rock he probably wouldn't chew would be soccer ball size, but I don't have a bowl that would hold that...

I'll just let him eat fast, then...