It’s no secret—dogs love to eat. No matter how you feed it to your dog, they will eat it quickly. But since you care about your pet, you want to provide for them in the simplest, safest, and most practical manner possible.
So what’s the deal with elevated bowls? Are they good for your dog—and, if so, why? And what kind of elevated bowl—what size, what height, and everything else—will fit your canine companion the best?
Feeding bowls that are elevated off the ground are exactly what they sound like: elevated bowls. Elevated bowls frequently include a stand that protrudes a certain amount from the ground. (Your dog’s size and height will determine the right size and height for elevated bowls.) Some stands have bowl-holding cutouts, others have bowl-resting platforms, some are adjustable, and still others have attachments that keep the bowls suspended in the air. There are many different kinds of stands, but the result is always the same: an elevated food and water bowl.
Very tall elevated bowls aren’t good for every dog.
These stands are simple to eliminate from your decision because a bowl that requires your dog to reach upward or allows them to gulp their food is usually too tall.
Your veterinarian should recommend that if your dog has a condition that necessitates eating from a certain height. If not, a bowl with a more ergonomic eating position is typically a good fit. This is why we think the calculation above is frequently too high.
Elevated dog bowls are the subject of some debate because some claim that large breed dogs who eat from them run the risk of developing bloat or GDV. To learn more about this study and the benefits of elevated dog bowls, click here.
Benefits of a Raised Dog Food Bowl
Although they are typically placed at ground level, elevated food and water bowls for dogs have several advantages. A dog can maintain proper standing posture by having his dog bowl placed at the appropriate height for him. Food moves down the digestive tract more quickly when the head is kept above the stomach. Additionally, dogs’ necks and leg joints are less stressed when bowls are at the right height for them.
What Are The Benefits Of An Elevated Bowl?
Okay, so now that you are aware of what an elevated bowl is, let’s discuss the benefits it may have for your dog. What are the advantages of feeding your dog from an elevated bowl, to put it another way?
FAQ
What is the best height for a dog water bowl?
Measure your dog’s chest from the floor to where the top of their back is level in order to determine their starting height. Next subtract 6” from this measurement. The result is typically the maximum height you should consider.
Are elevated bowls better for dogs?
Because there is less strain on the neck, hips, shoulders, and joints, they can be great for older dogs. By preventing your dog from spilling or dragging their bowl across the floor, they can keep the eating area tidy. And most importantly, they can reduce the risk of bloat.
What level should a dogs food bowl be?
TIP: The level of the dog’s food bowl should ideally be at or just below his shoulders. There are many commercially available elevated feeders.
Does height of dog bowl matter?
Your dog’s neck is less stressed if its bowl is elevated above the ground. Therefore, elevated bowls are a great way to make your dog more comfortable when they eat if they are older or have joint or bone problems. Elevated bowls aren’t going to work well for large or giant breed dogs.