Dogs that do not chew their food pose a greater risk for choking, gagging and dental problems than those who do so it’s essential that dog owners understand why this happens and how they can minimize its occurrence.
Wild dogs ingest food quickly before it becomes dangerous – an instinctual behavior which has carried over to domestic dogs as well.
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Humans are natural gulpers
As you observe your dog eating, you may be amazed to witness them take large bites out of their food without much or any chewing at all. While this behavior is quite common and could be the result of many different triggers; it could even result in health complications like dental pain or choking if left unchecked.
Dogs evolved hunting and eating prey that did not require extensive chewing, while their teeth are designed for tearing and crushing rather than mastication. Chewing food takes too long, which may interfere with their instinct to quickly consume food when predators or pack members are near; fast eating puts dogs at risk of gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). There are ways you can encourage your pup to chew its food slowly though!
Dogs are natural hunters
Have you witnessed your dog eating without chewing first, without apparent digestive distress or vomiting of entire food pieces? This behavior should not be normalized and must be corrected.
Domesticated dogs have become accustomed to consuming both commercial pet food and table scraps from their families as foodstuffs that require minimal chewing compared to the natural prey eaten by wild canines.
Canine teeth aren’t built for chewing – their molars feature sharp edges meant for shearing rather than flat surfaces for grinding – meaning their throat can expand to swallow large pieces at once without risking choking. Humans cannot do this.
Dogs have a limited range of motion in their jaw
Dogs have limited jaw movement, making grinding food much more difficult for them than humans can. Their sharp molars were made for shearing rather than grinding food; therefore they are natural gulpers who do not chew for pleasure but simply to fill up their stomach quickly; an instinctive behavior which helps ensure survival in the wild.
Dog owners should regularly inspect their canines’ mouths for signs of dental problems, such as discolored teeth and bad breath. Such symptoms could signal that there is something amiss that needs immediate attention.
Extreme or inappropriate chewing behavior could be a telltale sign of separation anxiety, stress or boredom in your dog. If this behavior has become problematic for them, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible for best results.
Dogs are natural scavengers
Dogs are descendants of wolves, and their natural instinct is to consume food quickly in order to prevent other animals or pack members from taking it away from them. Therefore, dogs tend to swallow their meals rather than chew it properly.
However, this eating behavior may lead to choking or other health complications for your pet. If this concerns you, there are ways you can modify its habits.
Place an additional large bowl beside their regular one so your pup has to go around it to access its food, or use a slow feeder with treats so he/she has time to chew its meals – chewing is important because it maintains dental health, strengthens jaw muscles and can remove plaque and tartar build-up on teeth.
Dogs have a natural pack mentality
Dogs are pack animals that rely on having a clear-cut leader (the alpha). Therefore, it’s crucial that you teach your pup to obey you as its leader early in your relationship; otherwise he or she may assume this role themselves and become overbearing and disruptive.
Chewing can be a natural way for dogs to explore their environment and discover new things, but it’s essential that they’re chewing only appropriate items – otherwise teething, boredom or anxiety may lead them astray.
Puppies who are teething will chew on anything they can get their puppy teeth into, which may include toys and furniture. Anxiety and boredom may lead them to chew or destroy objects as a form of relief; inappropriate chewing patterns could be a telltale sign that something else may be amiss – including gastroesophageal issues.
