Why is Rikki-tikki careful not to eat too much at meals?

Rikki-tikki is careful not to eat too much at meals because he wants to maintain his agility and alertness as a mongoose. Being a predator, he needs to stay quick and responsive, especially since he faces the threat of snakes like Nag and Nagaina. Consuming too much could slow him down, making him vulnerable to danger. Additionally, he understands the importance of being ready for any unexpected encounters in his environment.