Gobbling Food issues

Today I wanted to talk a little bit about an issue we've been working with both doggies on, Gobbling or literally inhaling their food. 
It's to be expected this is an issue as one is from a place where food was inconsistent and the other where if you didn't eat it fast, you didn't get it at all!

The Problem:
When a dog or a cat gulps their food down, they are not chewing the food first.  It can lead to upset tummies, gas, or even become a choking hazard.  Not only that but becoming so paranoid at getting to the food first, the behavior can lead to aggressive manners when food is taken away or someone gets too close. gastric dilatation-volvulus
If it's a large breed dog, gulping food can cause gastric dilatation-volvulus which is a fancy terms for a twisted stomach.  Air, fluid, and food goes into the stomach and intestines, causes swelling and then can twist around as the animal moves.  This can lead to severe complications and even death.

How do we fix it?

Basically we need to figure out a way to get them to sloooooow down!

We could sit there with them and give them small handfuls of food twice a day, but that would take a lot of time with two hungry pups.  We can also wet down their food so they cant suck it up, but that leaves them drooling in front of the counters while it gets mushy.

Our solution has been very simple!

I went online to Dr. Foster and Smith and found the best invention yet! Gobble Stoppers!!





These little plastic bones suction on to your existing dog bowls and create a sort of obstacle course for your dog to eat around.  They have to work to get their food a little bit, thus actually having a break in between bites. They'll cost you under $4 and save your nose from nasty upset tummy dog
farts LOL

Not only have the dogs slowed down because of these but I've also noticed that they're taking more time in general as well.  I think they've realized that their food isn't going anywhere and it's ok.  But I don't know how long that would have taken had we not had to "force" them to slow down. 

I hope this helps someone out there who may be dealing with a gulper and doesn't know how to help fix it.  This may not be the answer for large dogs, as I don't think they come in bigger sizes, but it definitely is something to try with small/medium dogs. They are made out of plastic so you need to be sure to wash it after feeding so no bacteria gets in there.

And of course I had to leave you with a couple shots of the girls :)