should a dogs food bowl be elevated

Is a Raised Bowl Better for Dogs?

Full Answer

What is an elevated dog food bowl?

Elevated bowls are exactly what they sound like—they’re feeding bowls that are elevated off the ground. Elevated bowls typically come with a stand that’s a certain height off the ground. (The appropriate size and height for elevated bowls will depend on the size and height of your dog).

How do I choose the right dog food bowls?

Choosing the right size. Your dog’s elevated bowl should be square with their chest. That way, they don’t have to lift their neck up or down to get to their food and water. This helps with their posture and eliminates any potential neck pain while they’re eating. You’ll want to measure your pup to get the best height for their bowls.

Should you elevate your dog’s bowls?

If your dog may benefit from an elevated dog bowl, it may save you money in the long run. They’re great for most dogs, even for breeds as small as a Yorkshire Terrier. Dogs are expensive, no matter how you crunch the numbers.

Do elevated dog bowls cause bloating?

When they were first marketed, elevated dog bowls were said to reduce the risk of bloating for large dogs. The study referenced was extremely flawed, however, and the truth is quite the opposite – raised dog bowls can actually increase the risk of gastric dilation volvulus or bloat.

What Size Elevated Bowl Is The Best Fit For Your Pup?

What Are The Potential Drawbacks Of An Elevated Bowl?

What Are The Benefits Of An Elevated Bowl?

Is a Raised Bowl Better for Dogs?

Here are some ways in which a raised bowl may be beneficial for feeding your dog. Proper Eating Posture. With bowls set on the ground, your dog mus...

What are the Risks of Elevated Dog Bowls?

The main risk of using elevated dog bowls is the increased chances of bloating or gastric dilation volvulus (GDV) - a buildup of gas in the stomach...

What is the Best Elevated Dog Bowl?

The Vantic Adjustable Raised Dog Bowls is the best-elevated dog bowl. In addition to all the desirable features, this elevated dog bowl has a 150-d...

How Elevated Should Dog Bowls be Off the Ground?

The elevation of the bowl depends on the dog’s age, size, and breed. You can determine the perfect elevated bowl height using the dog’s so-called w...

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 dog’s needs, ranging in overall size, materials, and design.

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:

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:

Final Thoughts on Elevated Dog Feeders

There are many reasons to buy or not to buy an elevated dog bowl, but your dog’s 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. They’re great for most dogs, even for breeds as small as a Yorkshire Terrier.

What Size Elevated Bowl Is The Best Fit For Your Pup?

Elevated bowls are a good fit for plenty of dogs. And if you decide it’s the right fit for your pup, the next item on the agenda? Choosing the right size.

What Are The Potential Drawbacks Of An Elevated Bowl?

Now, there’s no perfect way to feed your dog—and that includes with an elevated bowl. And just like any other feeding method, it’s important to understand the risks.

What Are The Benefits Of An Elevated Bowl?

Alright, so now that you know what an elevated bowl is, let’s talk about why it might be a good fit for your dog. Or, in other words, what are the benefits of feeding your dog from an elevated bowl?

How high should a dog food bowl be?

Determine the correct height for a dog food bowl by measuring your standing dog from the floor beneath the front paws up to the top of the shoulders and then subtract approximately 6 inches. Dogs should be able to eat without lowering their necks or stretching them upwards. The top of a dog food bowl at the correct height should sit level with the dog’s lower chest.

Why do dogs need a raised bowl?

Benefits of a Raised Dog Food Bowl. While traditionally placed at ground level, there are several benefits for dogs when their food and water bowls are raised. Placing a dog bowl at the proper height for a dog allows him to maintain proper standing posture. When the head is kept above the stomach, food travels more efficiently down ...

What is a medium size dog?

Medium dogs will be comfortable with a dog food bowl that is at a height between 7 and 14 inches.

What is the maximum height of an extra large dog?

An extra large dog will do best with a food bowl at a height ranging from 21 to 27 inches.

Can a dog eat too fast?

Veterinarians believe that deadly bloat may occur in dogs who eat too fast, the website VetInfo notes. Raised dog food bowls may promote faster eating. Bloat is more common in large, barrel-chested dogs. It also occurs more frequently in male dogs and in dogs with relatives who have had bloat. Talk to your veterinarian if you're concerned about your dog's risk and eating habits.

How to help a dog with bloating?

Bottom line: Paying close attention to your dog’s spine and including a monthly exam, plays a very important role in preventing bloating. I’ve used acupuncture on my dogs and they love it. It has helped tremendously for many things. Dr. Dobias suggests using either acupuncture, physiotherapy, massage or intramuscular needle stimulation for your dog’s back issues.

Can a dog's back cause gastric dilation?

Dobias’ theory that back problems are a predisposed influence for Gastric Dilation Volvulus. Bottom line: Paying close attention to your dog’s spine and including a monthly exam, plays a very important role in preventing bloating.

Is kibble good for dogs?

We hear it all the time from dog owners; “I feed a good quality kibble.” While there may be better brands of kibble; the truth of the matter is that kibble is kibble. Dogs digest natural forms of protein better than anything else. And, based upon our own experience, dogs digest raw forms of meat protein better than anything else.

Can you feed a dog raw from the floor?

However, he was contacted by another Vet from Colorado in the comment section of his blog, who warned that he should be careful with telling dog owners that feeding from the floor will prevent bloat. It included another excellent comment from Lazaro who at the time owned 8 Danes and like us, fed them raw from elevated feeders and never had a problem.

Can dogs use elevated dog bowls?

All three of our dogs, including our deep chested Lab and deep chested very large Doberman were doing much better using elevated dog bowls.

Can dogs eat without people?

Allow your dog to eat without the threat of people or other animals walking around him or her while eating. AVOID allowing children around the dog while he’s trying to enjoy his meal.

Does grain based kibble cause bloating in dogs?

Reputable veterinarians such as Dr. Dobias say that over time, grain-based kibble diets weaken the stomach walls making a dog more susceptible to bloating. Learn more about feeding raw diets to older dogs here.

What Size Elevated Bowl Is The Best Fit For Your Pup?

Elevated bowls are a good fit for plenty of dogs. And if you decide it’s the right fit for your pup, the next item on the agenda? Choosing the right size.

What Are The Potential Drawbacks Of An Elevated Bowl?

Now, there’s no perfect way to feed your dog—and that includes with an elevated bowl. And just like any other feeding method, it’s important to understand the risks.

What Are The Benefits Of An Elevated Bowl?

Alright, so now that you know what an elevated bowl is, let’s talk about why it might be a good fit for your dog. Or, in other words, what are the benefits of feeding your dog from an elevated bowl?