My Dog Gorged on Dry Food: 3 Dangers & What To Do

Hey there, fellow dog parents! Today, let’s talk about a concern that I’ve personally faced as a dog owner: my pup gorging on dry food. Trust me, it’s not something to ignore. Let’s dive in and talk about the dangers and what you can do if you find yourself in a similar situation.

The 3 Dangers of Overeating Dry Food

Let’s run through the main reasons behind overeating dry dog food, or any dry food for that matter. It’s important we understand the risks behind what seem like regular behavior.

And yes, if your dog is overeating, then we do recommend to do something about it and not let this behavior slide! Here’s why:

Gut Issues

First up, gastrointestinal problems. Overeating can cause an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea. Your dog’s tummy is not made to handle a lot of food at once. Think of it like you eating three pizzas in one go. Not comfy, right?

Weight Gain

Then there’s the risk of obesity. Eating too much can lead to weight gain. And we all know obesity is a big no-no. It comes with other health issues like joint pain and diabetes.

Bloat

Lastly, and most importantly, is bloat. It’s a serious condition. The stomach fills with gas and twists. This is an emergency. Your dog will need surgery right away. According to PetMD, bloat is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate attention. Some extra info from Canine Journal.

4 Reasons Why Your Dog Is Overeating

Let’s run through what drives your dog to engage in overreating. To really understand the cause you’ll need to take everything into context. Consider your dog’s general behavior, breed, daily routine, and recent events to pin point the cause for your situation.

It’s in Their DNA

Ever wonder why your pup acts like every meal is their last? Well, it’s not just them being overly dramatic. It’s actually deep-rooted in their DNA. You see, dogs’ ancestors had to scavenge and hunt for food. They didn’t know when their next meal would come.

Vet Focus goes into more detail about this.

Feast or Famine

Back in the day, it was a feast-or-famine world for dogs. When they found food, they ate as much as they could. It was a survival thing. They needed to store energy for times when food was hard to find.

Modern-Day Behavior

Fast forward to today, and our pets have regular meal times and snacks. But those old instincts don’t just go away. That’s why some dogs act like they’re starving even when they eat regularly. They’re wired to think, “Better eat this now, who knows when I’ll get more!”

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Adaptation

Understanding this can help you adapt how you feed your dog. It’s not just about filling the bowl. It’s about working with their natural behavior to make sure they’re eating the right amount at the right pace.

What To Do If Your Dog Overeats: 4 Steps To Take

Now let’s explain what owners can do if their dog is gorging on food. As we’ve explain this can be a serious issue with serious consequences, so follow the steps below to get your dog back on track.

Keep Calm

The first thing you need to do is stay calm. Yes, it’s scary. But freaking out won’t help your dog. Take a deep breath.

Check for Signs of Bloat

Look for symptoms of bloat. These include a hard belly, drooling, and pacing. If you see any of these signs, go to the vet right away. This is an emergency.

Limit Activity

Next, limit your dog’s activity. Too much moving around can make things worse. Make sure your dog stays as calm as possible.

Call Your Vet

Lastly, call your vet. Even if your dog seems fine, it’s good to check in. Your vet can tell you what to look out for and when to bring your dog in for a check-up.

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Preventing Future Incidents

Prevention is better than cure, so take a look at the following tips to prevent this issue from happening again in the future. Some of the tips are very simple and effective, like the first one!

Store Food Properly

Now, prevention is key. Make sure to store the dry food where your dog can’t get to it. Use containers with lids. Out of sight, out of mind, right?

Use a Slow Feeder

Consider getting a slow feeder bowl. These bowls make your dog eat slower. It gives their tummy time to send the “I’m full” signal to their brain.

Monitor Meal Times

Lastly, monitor meal times. Make sure you’re following the feeding guidelines on the dog food package or what your vet suggests. Don’t leave food out where your dog can eat whenever they want.

Final Thoughts

Our dogs are like family. We want to keep them safe and healthy. So if your pup goes to town on a bag of dry food, know the risks and what steps to take. And hey, prevention is better than cure. Keep that food locked up and stick to a meal schedule. Your doggy will thank you for it.