Pets naturally know how to listen to their hunger and satiety signals. However, domestic training has turned the hunt into a quick meal from a bowl. Many dogs and cats finish a full meal in less than two minutes, and sometimes swallow without chewing.
Animals have similar mechanisms, meaning humans activate satiety signals only after about 20 minutes. Eating quickly does not allow the body time to activate the feeling of fullness. The result: excessive eating, obesity, and additional health problems.
Obesity damages mobility, increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, joint problems, and pancreatitis, and reduces the quality of life for the animals and their owners. Excess weight also interferes with social interaction – it is difficult to run and play when the animal suffers from excess weight.
Mindful Eating
Mindful eating is a slow and conscious process that allows pets to respond to their hunger and satiety signals. Every animal has unique nutritional needs, and therefore it is important to allow them to adjust their food intake instead of relying solely on predefined quantities.
When food is consumed gradually and at a natural pace, the salivary glands produce balanced saliva, rich in digestive enzymes, which lubricates the esophagus and contributes to the digestion process. This allows for healthier and more balanced eating, and the body learns to take only what it needs.
Beyond preventing health problems and providing mental enrichment, mindful eating has an additional advantage – economic savings, as pets consume only what they truly need.
Alternatives to Bowl Feeding
Here are different alternatives for feeding pets, with advantages and disadvantages for each method:
Sources:
International Wolf Center: Frequently asked questions and answers (Wolf FAQs) regarding wolves.
