Dog ate chocolate?

ask a vet

My dog eats too fast.

Species: Dog
Breed: Chocolate Lab
Age: 1-2 years
My dog eats too fast. He occasionally gags a bit or throws up shortly after eating, without digesting his food. I mean inhales. Since he is a large dog, I have his food and water bowls elevated on a food stand for large dogs.

My question: Is it better to have him eat out of his elevated bowl and just allow him to inhale his food, or is it better if I put his meals in a rubber Kong and let him work a bit (which slows him down) to eat. I'm just concerned since the Kong is on the ground and i heard it's not health for large dogs to bend so far over while eating.

Any advice?

I appreciate your help.


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

This is a really common problem in Labs!

I really don't have a problem with a dog bending over while eating. Personally, I think the Kong is a better idea than letting him eat his food too quickly.

Here are some other suggestions that may help.



I hope that helps!

Dr. Marie.

---This question was asked in our Ask A Vet For Free section.---


Do you have a pet website? Interested in learning more about SEO for Wix?


Check out our dog age calculator and cat age calculator.

Want to receive pet coupons, vet advice and info on new pet products in your inbox?

* indicates required

We'll only send you great stuff, never spam. Unsubscribe any time.

Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.

Search for similar questions:

ask a vet

Popular questions...

Runny soft stools. Rocky is 7 weeks old, has been eating the same food and now his feces has become... (13382 views)

dead skin on wound My dog has a skin Lesion due to a cage injury. He tried to get out the cage under... (35168 views)

OK to keep cats in a small room? I am concerned for two cats that I know. They live in a house where they are... (7533 views)

Rash in dog's armpits. My boxer has been getting rashes under her front armpits, this is the 4th time it's... (28195 views)

When can my dog see other dogs? How long before my dog can be around people that own dogs? He gets his first set of... (10749 views)

Cyst or cancer? About a year ago, Bella started limping occasionally. When I inspected her leg, I... (8526 views)

Sore head from bow. Hello, My dog got her bow caught and it ripped the hair out of the top of her head.... (8886 views)

High stepping and chattering. My dog has suddenly started walking funny. He lifts his paws up higher than normal... (12697 views)

Dog was limping and death. My dog was favoring his left front leg and he is an outside dog with lots of energy,... (22054 views)

Sore chihuahua My dog Chevy has had some strange behavior for some time. For the past year or so he... (10880 views)

See all questions...

Dr. MarieDr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.

Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.