Six mongrel dogs (18-20 kg) were prepared with gastric and esophageal fistulas. All dogs were studied under four experimental conditions. In conditions 1 and 3 the dogs were allowed to sham feed either a high-palatable or low-palatable meal on days 1-5 followed by a sham feed of a high-palatable or low-palatable meal on day 6. In conditions 2 and 4 the dogs were not sham fed (oral sensory deprived) on days 1-5 but were allowed to sham feed either a high-palatable or low-palatable meal on day 6. Total caloric requirement during each 6-day study was given by infusion of a liquid diet (Isocal) through the gastric fistula following the experiment. In condition 4, dogs deprived of oral sensation on days 1-5, significantly overconsumed their low-palatable meal on day 6. In condition 2, dogs deprived of oral sensation on days 1-5 also overconsumed their high-palatable meal on day 6, although this did not reach statistical significance. Dogs that received oral stimulation days 1-5 (conditions 1 and 3) did not overconsume their high- and low-palatable meals on day 6, suggesting that binge eating following short-term oral deprivation may be avoided if the diet provides adequate oral sensory stimulation. Body weights were well maintained throughout each study period and no changes were observed.