My sister has 5 dogs, I have visited her a few times(we live 6 1/2 hours away). She separates all 5 dogs(they each have their own little area) and they gulp it down. I guess I free feed mine, because I want to eat when I want and I'm not always hungry at meal time. I have been free feeding for years. They tend at first to eat more, as they always think it will get pulled up. They learn when it's down all the time they can go eat a little then take a break, and then go eat some more. I think if you give it a couple days, you would see him slow down. How old is your little guy? He's absolutely adorable in that avatar picture