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Why does my dog eat too fast and throw up? Wet food or slow feeder?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 4 years and 1 month old | 55 lbs

Why does my dog not chew his food? We have the special bowl that slows him down, but still throws up whole meals every now and then. Great quality food... no reason for why he gets sick. Should we switch to wet food?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on February 7th, 2019

Many dogs gulp or bolt their food. It’s a common issue. Continue to use the special feeder. You could also look for kibble that is disc shaped or has a hole in the center as this will slow Zeke down as well as force him to chew more. You could also switch from a bowl to a food ball dispenser. He will have to roll the ball around the get the kibble to come out and this will definitely slow things down.
Canned food may help because he has to lick rather than grab. Every dog is different. Some dogs do great on canned food while others don’t. Just make sure to slowly switch the diet and to feed he proper amount.
I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on November 11th, 2017
Hi, thanks for using PetCoach!

If you feel that Hitch is regurgitating because he is eating too quickly and swallowing the food whole then I recommend trying the Kong Wobbler (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=24877). You can put his whole meal in there and let him hit it with his nose to get a few piece of food out at a time. Then you can do other things.

If Hitch is regurgitating water or spontaneously when not eating I would have him looked at by your Vet.

I hope this helps and I wish Hitch the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Daniela Jessen, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 27th, 2018
Hi,
If the problem is that he is eating fast that may lead to him bringing up the food undigested , whole kibbles right after the meal. If that is the case I would recommend a slow down bowl. The bawls come in many shapes but I would get a stainless steel over plastic (some pets can have a reaction to plastic). If the vomiting was not as described above I would monitor closely for any more vomiting or diarrhea and if present take the dog to the vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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