Introduction
The Root of the Behavior
However, our Beagles do not possess this same quality. The Beagle's digestion begins when the food hits the stomach. Since it is a lengthier procedure for masticated food to travel through the esophagus for processing in the stomach, it takes a longer period of time for your Beagle to register that he is full and can cease eating. This makes it far easier for your Beagle to overeat and become overweight. Experts agree that because of the differences in the processing of food in Beagles that it can take up to three full days for a Beagle to feel fully satisfied from the meal he just ate. From this, it is easy to see how overeating occurs. Of course, Beagles realize that opportunities dry up if they are not seized immediately. Eating quickly may simply be a means to make sure that he gets the food before it is taken away or eaten by another animal or family member. The faster you eat, the surer you are that you are going to get all of that delicious food all to yourself!
Encouraging the Behavior
Dogs are all individuals and a food that works well for one dog may not work well for another. It pays to do your research and consult with your veterinarian to choose a high quality, nutrient-packed food that is appropriate for your Beagle. Many dog foods are the product of slick marketing campaigns that have more to do with seducing the owner than providing great nutrition for your dog. Don't be deceived! Do your homework, learn to read labels, and select only the very best for your Beagle. You will also need to feed less of a premium quality dog food, so although you may be paying a much higher price tag, the food will last longer and will keep your Beagle feeling full. This is a win-win for you and for Fido! Of course, it is also possible that your Beagle is eating vast amounts of food at a rapid pace because of an existing medical condition. It is well worth a visit to your veterinarian for a wellness examination to rule out any health problems that may be resulting in gorging behavior. Certain medical issues such as diabetes and Cushing's disease can have powerful effects on your Beagle's appetite. These diseases require medical intervention for improvement to occur.
Other Solutions and Considerations
It is also important to consider that your dog may actually have worms. Certain types of parasites will assume all nutrients taken into your Beagle's body, leaving him feeling hungry all of the time. Normally, dogs suffering from parasites exhibit other symptoms such as poor coat and frequent shedding as well as weight loss. De-worming is easy to do and inexpensive, so it is good to do this regularly to rule out any problems with worms. If your Beagle is prone to eating too much and too fast, there are some things that you can do to assist with changing this behavior. One of the first things you need to put in place is to control all food your Beagle receives. This means structured and regular meal times and snacks.
All meals should be pre-measured and served in a slow-feeding bowl. Slow feeders discourage binge eating. They act as a form of puzzle. This helps to engage your Beagle's brain. Your Beagle must figure out how to get the food out of the dish. This naturally slows down his ability to eat quickly thereby helping to eliminate the problem. You could also choose to feed your Beagle smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. Smaller amounts of food make it impossible for your dog to overeat, and if the food is dispensed in lesser quantities, there will not be the pressing urgency to devour it quickly. Feeding by hand can also discourage gorging in your Beagle. It also has the added advantage of allowing you complete control over the amount and frequency of eating your Beagle is able to do.