Dog owners sometimes blame a new dog food when their dog immediately throws it back up after eating. The connection seems logical, but other factors could point to a different cause rooted in behavior.
Regurgitation
Regurgitation, or expelling swallowed food through the mouth, can occur if your dog really loves a new food or competes with other pets in your home at mealtime. Here’s what happens: a dog eats so fast that he or she swallows food without chewing and ingests a lot of air, too. Large pieces of food and air in the stomach will likely come back up. If your dog throws up a whole kibble shortly after eating, regurgitation is likely to blame.
Tasty Tips
What to do?
If you suspect your dog is eating too fast and regurgitating, take these steps to reduce the risk.
1. Feed smaller meals more often until you notice a slow down in eating speed.
2. Rather than using a deep dish, place the dog food on a wide, flat surface, like a cookie sheet. This spreads out the kibbles and forces your dog to take more time eating. It also prevents big mouthfuls of food.
3. If your dog continues to regurgitate, you should see your veterinarian.
Transitioning
Transitioning to a new dog food too quickly can also cause your dog to throw up. Mix increasing amounts of the new food with decreasing amounts of the old food over a seven-day period to avoid discomfort.
If your dog is showing signs of discomfort after eating or vomits intensely or constantly, see your veterinarian immediately. It’s always a good idea to consult your vet before changing dog foods.
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