So what is this thing called bloat? In non-medical terminology, the stomach enlarges, it “bloats” and then twists and can cause all manner of serious problems for your dog. Here’s a link written by a veterinarian that explains it well and includes a few diagrams to help educate about the bloat: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951541 

Here’s what you can do! One, be aware that bloat exists and how to recognize its symptoms. (And I’ll add right here, in that 30 years of owning Labradors I have never had any of my Labs experience bloat knock on wood.) Two, use a slow feed bowl in addition to a high quality kibble. Three develop some good training around feed times —pause and sit/wait for food and deescalate the “thrill” of food reward a bit. Since this post is about the slow feed bowls, included you will see an image of one type of slow feed bowl. These bowls are inexpensive and have interior indentations that effectively help slow down the dog’s rate of eating. There are all kinds of maze looking slow feed bowls that channel kibble and make even more of an impediment to speed when the dog consumes food. But in general, you get the idea! The internet also has some videos about using slow feed bowls and training tips at meal time too. A quick search on that subject will offer a myriad of tutorials.

Of course and by all means have a conversation with your veterinarian as well as your Lab breeder about bloat and slow feed bowls with questions or concerns you may have. My veterinarians through the years have helped educate me about bloat and how to lower the likelihood of developing such and diverting risks. Slow feed bowls have been a key component for me and my Labradors. Happy eating!