Question:
I have a 6-month-old border collie/rat terrier mix puppy. I adopted her when she was three months old. She is very smart and a good dog. She is housebroken and loves to play with her toys. The thing that bothers me is her very ravenous eating habits. She acts like she's starving every time she eats. I'm giving her the recommended amount of food as stated on the dog food bag. She eats so fast and barely chews her food. Her vet recommended that I change her food to a brand that she doesn't like as well, but I don't want to change brands because the food that I'm giving her now seems to agree with her well. Do you have any suggestions on how to slow down her eating, or do you think she might outgrow this behavior?.
S.J., Roseville, MN Mar 27, 2005
Answer:
Since your young dog enjoys her food and it agrees with her, I find it absurd for anyone to suggest that you feed her "a brand that she doesn't like as well." The basic question is does the food have all the right ingredients to meet her growth and activity needs? Some dogs are ravenous because there are certain nutrients lacking in their diet. Many dogs "inhale" their meals, which sometimes causes gastric upset. In large breeds, fast eating may contribute to bloat, an often fatal condition. If your dog isn't getting overweight she may need more food, especially since she is a young, active and still-growing animal. She may do better on four small meals a day. I presume you are feeding her twice a day -- once is not enough. The veterinarian should have checked her out for worms and other intestinal parasites that can rob animals of essential nutrients and cause constant hunger. This should be done at no charge if it has not yet been done, especially after the attending veterinarian gave such stupid advice.
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