Should dogs have raised food and water bowls

The Pros & Cons of Elevated Dog Bowls A Quick Guide

If theres one topic that can cause uproar between dog owners, its feeding time. What your dog eats, when it eats, how often it eats, these are all questions that spark debate. Another hot topic is whether or not your dog should be using an elevated dog bowl. While the science is still out on how effective they really are, there are key benefits to elevated dog feeders that may be great for your dog.

About Elevated Dog Bowls

If your dog struggles or misbehaves at eating time, an elevated dog bowl may be right for you. There are different styles of feeders to fit your dogs needs, ranging in overall size, materials, and design.

What are Elevated Dog Bowls?

Also known as elevated dog feeders, elevated dog bowls are simply dog bowls raised from the floor with a stand of some sort to keep it elevated. They come in a variety of sizes, so theyre useful for both toy-sized and large-sized dogs. Elevated dog feeders make your dogs food closer and easier to eat, so a lot of dogs tend to prefer them. Elevated dog bowl stands are also great to keep water and food bowls together on one feeder, instead of having two separate bowls sliding around on the floor.

What Were Elevated Dog Bowls Originally Invented For?

Elevated dog bowls were first invented as a sure-fire way to prevent bloat, which refers to two life-threatening conditions: GD and GDV.

Gastric Dilatation (GD) causes your dogs stomach to painfully fill with gas, which is already a serious medical emergency. Gastric Dilatation & Volvulus (GDV) is when the gas-filled stomach starts to twist on itself, which cuts off the circulation of the stomach and blood flow.

Both conditions are considered extremely dangerous and should be treated as soon as possible Call your vet immediately if your dog shows one or more symptoms of bloat:

• Distended (bloated) stomach and abdomen
• Anxious pacing and restlessness
• Multiple failed attempts at vomiting
• Rapid breathing, yawning, whining

Do Elevated Dog Feeders Actually Help with Bloat?

While they were first marketed as one of the best ways to prevent bloat, the truth is much foggier than what companies first claimed. The problem is that these claims went unchecked at first, but there is more data available now about the truth of elevated dog feeders.

While they can help with bloat, the risk is not as minimized as companies have claimed. Bloat tends to happen more to fast eaters and dogs who tend to eat a lot of air as they eat, so it really depends on your dog if an elevated bowl can help. If your dog is liable to get bloat, talk to your veterinarian about your options to prevent it.

Pros of Elevated Dog Bowls

Regardless of its original purpose to prevent bloat, there are other benefits of using elevated dog feeders that may help your furry friend out. Here are some pros and cons of elevated dog feeders:

Overall Better Posture While Eating

Because theyre off the ground, elevated dog bowls naturally help your dogs posture while eating. The raised dishes are at a more comfortable height, which will relieve some neck and joint stress from ground-level bowls. Make sure to find the right height for your dog to benefit from the elevated feeder.

Easier for Dogs to Eat

The raised height of elevated dog feeders makes access to food and water easier, especially for senior dogs that struggle to eat from traditional bowls. It also helps all dogs with eating more comfortably, since the angle of their neck changes with the elevation. If your dog tends to struggle with eating, an elevated dog bowl may alleviate some discomfort.

Sturdier & more stable than Normal Bowls

Elevated dog feeders can be especially beneficial if your dog would rather play with his dog bowls. They can be sturdier and stable than normal bowls, built to withstand pushing and sliding. Some elevated dog bowls are even designed to prevent tipping, scratching and biting, depending on the model and brand.

• Better posture while eating
• Easier for your dog to eat
• More stable than traditional dog bowls

Cons of Elevated Dog Bowls

As with most products in any category, there are some disadvantages to elevated dog bowls that may change your decision. Here are some disadvantages of elevated dog bowls:

Expensive Compared to Traditional Bowls

Dogs are expensive, no matter how you look at it. An elevated dog bowl is another expense that may be added to the list. While they may not cost hundreds of dollars, they can still get very costly for the more premium-grade models. Consider what the elevated bowl will do and if it would really help before purchasing one.

Harder to Clean and Maintain

With all of the nooks and crannies, the elevated dog bowl stands can be a real pain to clean and take care of. Some models may have multiple separate pieces, which can trap bacteria. Most elevated dog bowl stands are also not dishwasher safe, so youll have to handwash it.

Doesnt Prevent Messy Eating

If you have a messy eater, dont hope for a miracle unless you buy an elevated dog bowl designed to be mess-free. Water will still be dripped and splashed around, just at a higher height. Extra-large breeds with big muzzles like the English Mastiff are notorious for their messy drinking and eating, so an elevated water bowl may not help with that at all.

• More expensive than traditional bowls
• Feeder stands can be hard to clean
• Can still be really messy (especially slobbery dogs)

Final Thoughts

There are many reasons to buy or not to buy an elevated dog bowl, but your dogs health and wellness should always be a priority. If your dog may benefit from an elevated dog bowl, it may save you money in the long run. Theyre great for most dogs, even for breeds as small as a Yorkshire Terrier.

Dogs are expensive, no matter how you crunch the numbers. Adding another product to the list may get costly, but elevated dog bowl stands are usually a one-time purchase. If youre hesitant about spending the extra money, think about how it may benefit you and your dog in the long run. Also, you may end up buying an elevated dog bowl years later when your dog becomes a senior, so you may want to invest in a stand before that time comes.

If your dog struggles to eat while standing or tends to slide the bowl around, an elevated dog bowl may be the right option. Its important to look for high-quality brands with features that benefit your dogs eating habits. Except for a few small disadvantages, an elevated dog bowl can be a great investment for a more comfortable mealtime experience.

See Also:

Featured Image Credit: Peteris Zalitis, Shutterstock

Do Large Breed Dogs Need Raised Bowls? 5 Pros & 1 Con

I applaud you for wanting whats best for your furry companion, it shows youre a responsible pet owner, and I like that about you! So lets discover the answer to the question, do large breed dogs need raised feeding bowls?

Raised dog-food bowls can ease the strain on a dogs neck and make mealtime more comfortable for dogs that have joint issues for certain sized dog breeds. However, raised bowls can be a hindrance to some large (or giant) dog breeds, and can even be dangerousAccording to the experts. Today well take a look at the pros and cons of using a raised bowl foryour dog.

Ive compiled the most expert and up-to-date information and will present it all right here, in one convenient location so that you can decideexactly whats best for your big dog! This information was sourced from sites like Pet Md, the American Kennel Club, Vet Info,and big dog ownersacross the country.

If youre wondering, I do not utilize raised food and water bowls for my own big dog.

Welcome to the Big Dog Den, Im glad youre here!

In this article, youll discover:

• The Possible Risk of Raised Bowls for Certain Dog Breeds
• The Pros and Con of Raised Dog-Food and Water Bowls
• Which Raised Bowl(s) is Right for Your Dog
• Different Raised Bowl Styles
• Tips for Safely Feeding Your big Dog

And So Much More!! Weve got a lot of great information to sort through, so lets get started with the most important factor

Are Raised Dog Food Bowls Dangerous for Large Breed Dogs?

(The One Con?)

Some studies have shown that using a raised dog-food bowl poses a risk to some big dogs. Certain large-breed dogs are predisposed to bloat. Most veterinarians believe that using raised dog-food bowls for these breeds may promote bloat because the dog swallows more air when eating from a raised bowl than when eating with their head down like dogs were designed to eat.

The medical term for this bloat is Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV). Bloat is a serious, and even life-threatening condition, in which the dog swallows too much air, or even too much water, as he (or she) eats. Bloat can also be caused by certain ingredients in certain dog-foods, an under-laying medical condition, or by eating gassy foods designed for humans. Read more in this study by Dr. Glickman. (Source)

Dog Breeds at Risk for Bloat:

Dog breeds that aredeep-chested (having a large, broad chest) are the breeds that have a higher risk of developing bloat. Read more in this study by The Institute of Canine Biology (Source).

These breeds include:

• Great Dane
• Saint Bernard
• Weimaraner
• Irish or Gordon Setter
• Standard Poodle
• Doberman Pinscher
• Sheep Dog

Please Note:The above list is not exhaustive. It is simply to give you the general idea of the size and shaped breeds that are at a higher risk for developing bloat than other breeds.

If your dog is one of the breeds mentioned or has a deep chest as defined above, using a raised dog-bowl is not recommended, according to these studies.

Should you decide you do want to use raised bowls for feeding and watering your big dog for whatever reason (and youre certainly allowed to make that decision!) then the platform for the bowls should be no higher than your dogs knees.

I would be remiss not to mention that not all veterinaries and/or experts in the canine field agree with the above theory of raised food-bowls causing bloat. I want you to have ALL the information, so you can make the absolute best choice for your big dog.

Theres another study that suggests just the opposite, stating that raised dog-food bowls can actually prevent bloat! Read more in this study from the Institute (Source)This study claims that raised bowls in and of themselves arent the issue in regards to bloat, but rather the ratio of your dogs height to the height of the raised bowls.

Whenever there is conflicting medical evidence, theabsolute best thing for you to do is ask your dogs veterinarian what he (or she) recommends for your dogs unique needs. They ask why.

INTERESTING FACT:Male dogs are more susceptible to bloat than female dogs!

5 Pros of Raised Dog Food Bowls

Raised bowls to offer some attractive benefits to dogs and their owners, alike.

5 Pros of Using Raised Dog-Food Bowls Are:

1. Less Neck Strain:As most dogs begin to age, joint inflammation and pain can develop, making eating and drinking a challenge. Raised food and water bowls can make mealtimes much less strenuous.
2. Helpful After Surgeries or Other Medical Procedures:There are many medical procedures and surgeries that can limit your dogs mobility during the recuperation period. Ask your dogs veterinarian when scheduling any medical procedure if raised bowls will make recovery more comfortable for the dog!
3. Less Mess:Many raised platforms for food and water bowls have a nice surface size that will catch any mess your dog may make when eating, offering you easier clean-ups than constantly sweeping and mopping the floor. Some raised bowl serving centers even have storage underneath to stow your dogs food away! Additionally, raised dog bowls can help eliminate spilled bowls, saving you time and effort.
4. Easier on Humans: Dog owners that use raised food and water bowls for their dog(s) say that feeding and watering their dog using a raised surface is more convenient all-around. Its especially helpful to dog owners that have their own physical limitations. Stooping to floor-level can be painful for some!
5. Helps Keep Pests Away:In certain climates, pests are a concern. Here in Florida, for example, many people have pest exterminators on their speed-dial. Its just how it is. Raising your dogs food and water bowl is a deterrent to most floor-level pests like ants or roaches.

How High Should a Raised Dog Food Bowl Be?

Weve already covered the instance in which a raised dog-food bowl should be no higher than a dogs knees, and that is if your dog is a breed at an increased risk of developingbloat.

If youve determined that bloat is not an issue, then you want the height of your big dogs raised bowls to be level with the middle of his (or her) chest. This will allow your dog to eat and drink with minimal strain on the neck. You can use a tape measure to determine how many inches the center of your dogs chest is from the floor to purchase the right raised bowl platform. Some are even adjustable!

Carefully observe your dog eating from a raised bowl. He (or she) should be able to easily reach the bottom of the food and water bowls.

Which Raised Dog Food Bowls are Best for Large Breed Dogs?

Because of the cleanliness factor, I recommend using stainless steel bowls for both dog-food and water. Stainless steel doesnt absorb bacteria and odor like plastic bowls can, and using glass bowls poses a risk for injury, should they break for any reason.

The base of your dogs raised bowls should be skid-proof or placed on a mat. Youll want a base that keeps the bowls secure to prevent spilling, as well as having a design that makes it easy for you to remove the bowls for cleaning.

REMEMBER:ALL pet food and water bowls should be washed daily with dish-washing detergent and rinsed thoroughly.

3 Raised Dog Bowl Styles for Your Big Dog

Ive done the research and read the reviews to save you time and headaches. Ive gathered3 great optionsand will present them here, in one convenient place. Each link below will take you directly to the product on Amazon. Check these out!

(1) Pet Zone Designer Diner:This raised bowl option is a great place to start because the height is adjustable. You can raise or lower it until you find the best position for your big dog.

It comes with two stainless steel bowls and can be set at three different heights. People love that its easy to clean and hard to spill.Get the Designer Diner Here

(2) Yangbaga Elevated Dog Bowls:This set also includes stainless steel bowls and features non-slip footing. The stand is made from pine, easy to keep clean, water-resistant, and attractive! The base stands just over nine inches tall. In addition, this raised bowl set comes with an attractive floor mat to help minimize any mess.

Youll find the Yangbaga Elevated Dog Bowls Right Here

(3) PawHut Raised Pet Feeding Storage Station:This attractive set allows you to store Fidos food, treats, and vitamins, keeping everything together! Two removable stainless steel bowls are included, and the top lifts off for stowing whatever you care to stow inside. This set is just over 16 inches tall and is dark brown in color.

Snag the PawHut Raised Pet Feeding Storage Station Here

All three of those options are highly rated in customer satisfaction, and wont break the bank. You arent limited to purchasing a raised bowl set for your big dog, though! If you or a member of your tribe is handy with a Jig-Saw or Sawzall, you can build a raised platform for feeding your big dog yourself!

Since I am NOT handy with a saw, I did a little digging to find you an awesome design plan from a reliable source (This Old House), customizable to your specific taste and decor preferences. The skill level is easy and the cost is marked at about $40, although you may have some of the materials in your garage already. The time it will take to build the platform is estimated at 4 hours. Look at this beauty, with its own storage station

Youll discover the plans for building this raised bowl set by followingthis link to the This Old House web-site.

Tips for Feeding Your Dog Safely

I cant overstate the importance of observing your dog from the day he (or she) arrives at your home! Other than the fact that dogs use body language to speak to us, with careful observation of your dogs normal anything abnormal will be easy to spot. This is especially true when it comes to implementing ANY changes in the dogs life.

When it comes to feeding your dog, the nutritional content of his (or her) food is your TOP PRIORITY, whether you feed from the floor or from a raised platform.

Dogs are omnivores. Their health thrives when fed a diet of meat, vegetables, healthy grains, and healthy fats. When we break that down per serving, your dogs food label should read like this:

Proteins from aspecificmeat source and vegetable proteins: About 25%Daily Value

*This need can rise as high as 28% during peak times of growth and activity.

Healthy Fats: 10-15%Daily Value,depending on the dogs activity level

*For growing puppies and extremely active dogs, the requirement for healthy fats can rise to 30%Daily Value.

Carbohydrates: Up to 50%Daily Value.Use Dog Foods that use good carbohydrates like these:

• Pearled Barley
• Whole Oats
• Brown rice
• Whole wheat
• Sweet or Regular Potatoes
• Millet

* Be sure your dogs food is fortified with vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, the B Vitamins, Vitamin C, D, E, and Vitamin K.

Prevention of illness and early intervention when illness does occur and key to your dogs longevity! To stay on top of your dogs health, use the following helpful list to establish your dogs unique normals.

Whats Normal for Your Dog?

• Appetite: Its absolutely acceptable for your dogs appetite to fluctuate. These fluctuations up or down can indicate growth spurts, activity levels, aging, or a plethora of conditions that do fluctuate throughout a dogs life. Some dogs will even skip eating for an entire day. When it comes to a decrease in appetite, though, do pay close attention. If the decrease in appetite is drastic and ongoing (more than 3 days) consult your dogs veterinarian.
• Breath: Some people love doggie breath and some people hate it. Either way, you should befamiliar with the odor of your dogs breath. A sudden change in breath odor or a down-right foul odor in your dogs mouth can be an indication of a food allergy, an infection, or an underlying stomach issue.
• Bowel Movements: Your dogs poop is a HUGE indicator of his (or her) overall health! Its imperative you know your dogs normal. When observing your dogs poop, notice theFour Cs about it. Color,Consistency, Coating, andContents. When something changes drastically in any of these areas, your attention, or a veterinarians attention, may be required.
• Activity Level: Your big dog is the most active during his (or her) adolescence. Depending on the breed, this is usually until about age 2. In adulthood, again affected by breed, your dog will likely slow down a bit, and thats okay. What you need to observe in this area is the difference between slow down and become lethargic. Dogs that have simply slowed down with age are still perfectly able to enjoy playtime with you and to get excited at seeing their favorite toy or treat. Lethargic dogs are hard to rouse, even for feeding times, and should be examined by a veterinarian sooner rather than later.
• Skin and Fur Conditions: Many health conditions can affect your dogs skin or fun. If suddenly your dog develops dry skin or sores on the skin, or there are sudden changes in the look or feel of his (or her) fur, go ahead and give the veterinarian a call. Its always better to be safe than sorry later.
• The Feel of Your Dogs Stomach: Your big dogs stomach should feel soft, and it shouldnt cause your dog any discomfort whatsoever for you to touch it. Like us, dogs are susceptible to occasional stomach upset, and even some gas. With some breeds, being generally gassy is normal. Again, what we are looking for here is the change in normal. If your dogs stomach is distended and it is painful for him (or her) when you touch it, ask your dogs veterinarian if theres an over-the-counter medication you can give the dog to offer relief. If the dog is one of the breeds in which (bloat) is a concern

When you see a variation from those normals that lasts longer than 3 days, consult your dogs veterinarian.

FOR FURTHER LEARNING:Find everything you need to know about dog food right here in the Big Dog Den by using our convenient search bar. Simply type in the words dog food to discover a treasure trove of information! Incidentally, the search bar is useful for any subject pertaining to big dogs, from general information to breed-specific topics. The right keywords will uncover just what you need to know!

Im confident that by now, you know the answer to whether raised bowls are a wise decision for your particular breed of big dog(s). The heart of the Big Dog Den is to arm you with the most accurate and up-to-date information as possible. The more you know about your big dogs needs, the more successfully you can meet those needs!

If you want to learn whats best to fill that dog-food bowl with, raised or not, The Big Dog Den has you covered! Read all about itright here!

Until we meet again, I wish you and your dog(s) good health!

*This article has been reviewed in accordance with our editorial policy.

THE PURDUE BLOAT STUDYNews From the Canine Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus Research ProgramSchool of Veterinary MedicinePurdue University