What dog breeds need elevated bowls

5 Benefits of Elevated Food Bowls for Dogs: Myths or Facts?

Over the years, there have been plenty of contention topics among dog owners are grains good or bad?

Should dogs be spayed or neutered before a certain age?

Can they see color?

However, one topic that has repeatedly been questioned is the benefit or detriment of elevated food bowls for dogsand how these now popular raised dog food bowls affect our pets.

What are elevated dog food bowls?

An elevated dog food bowl is any pet food bowl that does not sit directly on the floor. The actual height of elevation of the bowl may vary based on design. There are elevated dog food bowls (also called raised dog food bowls) that come in set elevations for different-sized dogs.

There are adjustable raised pet food bowls that allow owners to choose a specific bowl height.

With the popularity of raised food bowls, many pet owners have wondered if they should ditch their old regular dog food bowls and start their canines on elevated ones due to the potential benefits they provide.

However, there's more to know about elevated pet food bowls than some sources may lead you to believe.

How to pick a raised dog food bowl?

If there are different heights for elevated bowls, how does one find the correct and perfect height of an elevated food bowl for a pet?

If you decide to switch from regular dog food bowls to using elevated feeders for your dog, height is the main component to consider, and it's essential to select a raised bowl at the correct height.

Measuring is key.

How to measure:

The best way to measure your dog to get the right elevated dog bowl is to get your Fido to stand with his legs directly underneath him.

From here, get a tape measure and measure from the floor up to the point where your dogs front legs meet the chest.

Alternately, you can measure from the floor up to your dogs shoulder and subtract between 3 and 6 depending upon his overall height.

You want to subtract 6 for larger dogs, whereas for smaller dogs, you would subtract 3.

Just remember: if you aim to reduce stress on your dog's spine or neck, you should use a raised dog food bowl tall enough to do this.

However, I recommend first reading this article and doing enough of your own research on using raised bowls, and here's why.

Elevated food bowls for dogs have been advertised as having many benefits for dogs' health.

Unfortunately, not all of those advertised benefits hold.

Lets take a look at some of these widely spread truths and falsehoods from a scientific viewpoint.

READ MORE:Mealtime Battle Regular Dog Bowl vs. Raised Dog Bowl

5 Myths and Facts ofElevated Food Bowls for Dogs

1 Elevated Dog Food Bowls Reduce Bloat in Large Breeds

This is FALSE.

When first promoted, raised dog food bowls were sold as something extremely beneficial for larger breed dogs at a higher risk of bloating.

This view was sold as science because it resulted from a statistical study (the Glickman Study).

However, this was no proper study, and the conclusion was extremely flawed.

All that this study did was look at the information of other available, non-science-based literature and anecdotal evidence that already existed and did no research into the matter at all.

In fact, the largest study on contributing factors to canine bloat in larger breed dogs to date says the exact opposite.

Elevated feeding may induce bloating in canines, especially in those with sensitive stomachs.

True, this study wasn't perfect; however, it's the best research paper we have to date.

From what research the scientific community currently has, the idea that elevated feeders can prevent bloat in large-breed dogs is questionable at best.

So, do elevated feeders for dogs reduce bloating in larger breeds? The correct answer here would be that we don't know for sure, but, likely, they DO NOT.

RELATED:5 Reasons Your Dog Has Canine Bloat and How to Prevent It

2 Elevated Dog Food Bowls Create a Healthier Posture for Dogs

This one is both TRUE and FALSE.

Companies promoted elevated food bowls for dogs to prevent bloating in large dogs because they are supposed to create a healthier eating posture.

The truth is that, most likely, dogs have evolved to eat in a head-down posture (sources: 1, 2, 3), so eating in a different posture may not necessarily be a good thing.

With that being said, in theory, this altered posture can be beneficial in other instances, such as older, arthritic, or injured dogs.

When a dog has a case of canine arthritis, joint pain, or immobility issues, eating with a head-down posture can cause excess strain and pain.

By raising your dog's food bowl, your pet no longer has to experience those pains and strains because they do not have to lean down as far to eat.

This has not been researched, though, and is mostly guesswork.

So, is elevated feeding good or bad for older or injured large-breed dogs? There is still controversy here, as I've indicated in my theory.

Since the evidence is scarce to support each side's benefits and detriments, it is a matter of the owner's preference.

RELATED:5 Best Collapsible Dog Bowls for Easy Travel

3 Elevated Dog Food Bowls Promote Cleaner Eating

This is FALSE.

Somewhere along the line (probably with new companies trying to sell the revolutionary raised dog food bowls and making stuff up) came the myth that elevated dog feeders promoted cleaner eating spaces for canines.

We arent sure where this idea came from, but this one is absolutely false and has no scientific or even logical basis.

Because of how dogs evolved to drink water and consume food, regardless of the height of your dog's food bowl, your pet can still spill kibble, drop kibble, or even move kibble outside of his bowl.

When dogs consume food, they have their mouths in the same proximity to the source regardless of height.

There is no science on how elevated dog food bowls promote cleaner eating, nor do we need it; watch your pooch eat.

4 Elevated Dog Food Bowls Don'tSlide Across the Floor

This is TRUE.

One concern that some dog owners have is the fact that their dog moves his bowl across the floor as he eats.

Elevated feeders can certainly prevent this from happening, and there's no doubt about that.

However, it is worth noting that a raised dog food bowl is not the only solution to the problem.

Just off the top of my head, two other things that can solve this issue are bowls with rubber on the bottom that prevents sliding or rubbery dog food mats where you can place your Fido's bowl to prevent sliding (which also helps to keep the area cleaner).

Therefore, because we have reasons to believe that elevated food bowls for dogs pose a potential hazard for some breeds to develop bloating, it may be better to choose alternative solutions to the sliding bowl problem rather than opt for an elevated feeder.

READ THIS:Dog Food Bowls That Slow Down Eating When Do You Need One?

5 Elevated Bowls SolveOne SpecificProblematic Behavior in Dogs

This is TRUE.

One particular behavioral issue in dogs that isn't common but can be seen often enough for owners to start looking for solutions attempting to swim or dig into the water bowls, even if the bowl is small.

Some dogs, particularly those with a high predilection for water, spend a great deal of time trying to paddle in their water bowls as if it's the pool.

There's no explanation for this other than they like to be in the water.

The issue is most common with puppies.

Elevated feeders definitely discourage dogs from turning their water source into a pool.

VIDEO GUIDE:How to Choose the Right Dog Bowl (step by step)

The Final Verdict

Frustratingly, when I try to summarize my conclusions on the benefits of elevated food bowls for dogs, I must admit that there are both benefits and detriments to their use. Overall, I would say that the potential cons of using elevated dog food bowls outweigh the possible pros (unless you have a particular reason to use them).

So if you are considering using a raised dog food bowl for your Fido, my advice is that you weigh these pros and cons against your specific case and your specific dog before making your final decision.

Remember to consider the added cost of raised dog food bowls, especially if you're currently on a budget dog food diet.

Say you have a Great Dane and want to use an elevated feeder to reduce the strain on his neck and spine while eating.

Science indicates that an elevated feeder in larger dogs prone to bloating more easily is contradictory.

So, while your Great Dane may not experience strain in his neck from eating at an elevated feeder, the risk of bloating trumps this benefit.

Say you have a 14-year-old Basenji (a breed not particularly prone to bloat) with a severe case of canine arthritis in the neck, spine, and legs.

You want to use an elevated feeder to assist with posture-related pain and strain.

Common sense indicates that using an elevated feeder in this instance would be beneficial.

Potentially alleviating pain and strain and would not pose concerns of increased risk of canine bloat.

Whatever your decision, definitely speak with your veterinarian before making a switch to a new dog feeder.

Explain the concerns that you have and ask for advice on the best methods to fix them.

Maybe the answer is elevated food bowls for dogs, and maybe it's not.

Common Questions About Elevated Food Bowls for Dogs

If you still have any lingering questions about elevated food bowls for dogs, the following information should help.

Should a Dogs Food Bowl Be Elevated?

You should consider elevating your dogs food bowl if he is elderly or has issues with his joints or bones. Stick to other options if your dog is a larger breed.

Why Are Elevated Dog Bowls Bad?

Elevated dog bowls are only bad for certain dogs. Specific breeds are at a higher risk of bloat if they eat from an elevated bowl.

Do Elevated Dog Bowls Help?

Yes, elevated dog bowls can help your dog, especially if he has bad joints or bones. It can reduce the strain on his joints, including his hips and neck.

Do Raised Dog Food Bowls Cause Bloat?

Depending on the breed, elevated food bowls for dogs can cause bloat. Luckily, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk.

Let your pup take advantage of an elevated bowl.

Are our Raised Dog Bowls Dangerous?

As long as you know the risk of bloat and take proper precautions, raised dog bowls are not dangerous. To be safe, consult your dogs vet before switching him to an elevated bowl.

READ NEXT:Top 25 Best Puppy Food Brands (2018)

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