Hungry Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy Stuns Internet After Finishing His Food in Seconds
They say the quickest way to a man’s heart is through the stomach. But can the same be said about our furry friends? Absolutely yes!
As a dog owner, you probably can’t count the times you’ve seen your pup go bonkers at the sight or smell of food. Maybe it’s how they bolt to the kitchen at lightning speed when they hear the fridge door open, or how their eyes brighten with excitement as they watch you pour food into their bowl. Or, maybe it’s how they scarf down their meal like it’s the first they’ve had in days.
A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy named Marlow has left TikTok users chuckling in disbelief after finishing his food in seconds. In a video posted by Marlow’s owner on TikTok account @thatkingmarlow, Marlow is unable to keep calm at the sight of the plate of food in front of him, and it’s obvious he’s too eager to dig in. His owner can be seen holding his ears back as he inhales his food like there’s no tomorrow.
A hilarious text layered over the clip reads: “Bro acts like we don’t feed him, smh.”
Watch the video below:
@thatkingmarlow I swear this was his second meal too 😂 #kingcharles #kingcharlescavalier #doglovers #doggo #marlow #fyp #fypage #puppy #viral #dogsoftiktok #foodtime #spaniel #happy ♬ Originalton – 🎵SOUL & RNB DANILO_87🎵
Why Do Dogs Eat So Fast? (& Why is My Dog Constantly Hungry)
If you’ve noticed your dog often finishes their meal at record speed, it’s natural to worry. After all, eating too fast puts your furry friend at risk of choking, vomiting, bloating, gagging, or worse, life-threatening gastrointestinal issues such as Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV).
As with every other unusual dog habit, there are potential reasons why some dogs are exceptional fast eaters. So, if you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Why does my dog eat so fast?” their food obsession could be due to any of the following reasons:
Irregular Feeding Schedule
If your dog doesn’t have a regular feeding schedule, they may not know when to anticipate their next meal. This might prompt them to wolf down food each time since they aren’t sure of when they’ll be fed next.
Having (and sticking to) a consistent feeding schedule can help your pup know that meal times are there to stay.
Blame It on their Ancestry
Your dog’s habit of eating food greedily could be tied to their hard-wired survival instincts, which they inherited from their canine ancestors: wolves.
Like most wild animals, wolves perceived food as a coveted prize that never came easy. So whenever they managed to catch prey, they’d eat it hurriedly before it disappeared. Your pup likely has this strong mentality, which is why they feel the need to gobble down food like it’s a prize.
Past Experiences with Food Scarcity
If your dog’s past involved instances where their food would be taken away if they didn’t consume it within a certain duration, or getting a proper meal wasn’t guaranteed, this may have contributed to them eating their meals with haste. It could simply be a learned behavior that they retained due to their unfortunate past experiences around food.
A Sense of Competition
This may be the case if you have other dogs besides your fast-eating pup. If your dog feels threatened by the presence of other dogs during meal time, they may eat too quickly to prevent the other canines from snatching it away.
How to Slow Down Your Dog’s Eating
If you’re worried that your dog eats too fast and doesn’t chew, the good news, there’s an effective solution to help address this: slow feeder bowls.
Typically, bowls for dogs who eat fast have different barrier features designed to make it harder for your dog to chow down everything in a few bites. With a slow feeder bowl, your pup will be forced to take in smaller mouthfuls at a time, even giving them a chance to enjoy their food.
“To help your dog develop more healthy eating habits and to slow down a little between bites, slow feeders inhibit how much food your dog can get in their mouth at once,” explains pet expert Rocky Kanaka.
Besides helping your dog to eat at a slow, safe pace, slow feeder bowls also make the eating process more of a fun challenge for your pup, allowing them to stay mentally stimulated.
“I got one for my dog, and it’s really helped him slow down. It even helps them enjoy mealtime a little more by making them work for it! Believe it or not, they usually really enjoy the challenge. It can help with passing gas, too, as it causes less gas to get swallowed during mealtime. Since getting one, my dog hasn’t been nearly as gassy,” commented user @TexasTiger21 in a Reddit discussion on slow feeder dog bowls.
Besides eating too fast, there are dogs who often appear hungry all the time and are ever begging for food, despite feeding them the recommended portion. If you’re dealing with an ever-hungry dog, it’s important to talk with your vet instead of giving in to their food begging every time (which will only increase their risk of obesity).
There are a few factors that could be behind their insane appetite, according to the expert veterinarian team at Vetster. These factors include:
- An Underlying Medical Condition
There are certain conditions that can make a dog feel hungry all the time. Among these health conditions include Cushing’s Disease, Hypothyroidism, diabetes, and malabsorption.
- Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal parasites are notorious for making dogs have constant hunger pangs. If your dog is displaying other worrying symptoms besides increased appetite, it’s best to speak to your vet.
- Poor Diet
If your dog’s diet lacks the correct balance of nutrients, they’ll likely develop nutritional deficiencies that can lead to intense food cravings. For this reason, it’s important to feed your dog a well-balanced diet approved by your veterinarian.
- A Genetic Mutation
Studies show that certain dog breeds have a particular gene — the pro-opiomelanocortin gene, or POMC gene in short — that contributes to a heightened appetite. Dachshunds, Labrador Retrievers, and Beagles are among the top breeds that possess this gene.
In this case, being disciplined with portion control can go a long way in ensuring your dog doesn’t become overweight.
“The mutation, linked to obesity, causes a decreased metabolic rate and reduced satiety after eating, resulting in a high food drive,” explained experts at the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.
- Medication Side Effects
Sometimes, medication can trigger an alarming increase in a dog’s appetite. If you’ve noticed your furry friend’s food obsession started after they began taking a particular medication, chances are, the drugs could be behind their constant hunger.
“My 11 y/o has been on pheno for about six weeks now and is experiencing an obsessive, all-consuming insatiable appetite 24/7 no matter how much or how often he’s been fed,” shared user @ParticularSun6085 in a Reddit discussion on dogs with uncontrolled appetite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are dogs always hungry?
As explained earlier, there are different factors that can make a dog constantly hungry. These factors include a genetic mutation, underlying health problems, medication side effects, and a poor diet.
How to deal with a dog that’s always hungry?
It’s best to speak with your vet first so they can determine the underlying cause behind your dog’s insane appetite.
Why is my dog suddenly hungry all the time?
It could be due to different reasons, from medication side effects to an underlying health problem, intestinal parasites, and a poor diet.
Dog eating too fast symptoms
A dog eating too fast can exhibit symptoms such as choking, gagging, and vomiting.
Why is my dog always hungry?
As discussed earlier, it could be that your dog has an underlying health problem, a genetic mutation, or intestinal worms, among other potential reasons.
