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There’s much debate about whether raised dog bowls are good or bad.

Here’s the rub: many people worry they can cause bloat, which can be super dangerous to your pup. On the flip side, some dog experts actually recommend these raised feeders, especially for pooches with bone and muscle issues, to make chowing down much easier.

If you’re unsure what to make of all this, this guide is for you! Here, we’ll explore the pros and cons of elevated dog feeders.

Are Raised Dog Bowls Good or Bad?

Benefits of a Raised Dog Feeder

1. Convenient for Large Dogs

If you’re the proud owner of a giant dog, you’re probably familiar with the sight of them sliding their paws forward and stretching their necks to reach their food.

Some pups even have to eat lying down, which can be a considerable mess to clean up afterward. This experience can be both amusing and concerning at the same time.

It’s no wonder that elevated dog feeders are popular among many pet owners, especially those with larger breeds. They make mealtime a breeze for their large canine companions.

If you’re already thinking about a raised food bowl, why not opt for a raised station that serves both food and water? You’ll even find triple-bowl feeders for bigger packs.

2. Helps With Certain Health Issues

Elevated food bowls can make life easier for dogs facing certain health hurdles. Take arthritis, for example. It can be challenging for dogs with stiff joints to stoop down for their meals.

With a raised feeder, they don’t have to strain their necks or hunch over, making mealtime more comfortable. The same goes for those with spinal issues or hip dysplasia, often seen in large dogs.

And let’s not forget our sweet senior dogs. As they age, they become more susceptible to creaky joints and mobility issues. Raised dog bowls can take the pressure off their necks, hips, joints, and bones, allowing them to enjoy their food without the added discomfort.

 

3. Less Clutter

4. Easier on Dog Owners

Let’s admit it—it’s not only the dogs with the back problems. If you’ve ever experienced that back strain when scooping up your dog’s bowl from the floor, you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about.

The constant bending can become a real source of discomfort and exacerbate preexisting conditions.

Raised dog bowls are easier on your back because you won’t have to strain as much every time you tend to their meal. You’ll appreciate the convenience, especially when you’re not feeling so agile.
  
What's more, less mess means less cleanup for you. Imagine not having to wipe up spilled water or sweep away scattered kibble many times a day. That leaves you more time to relax and enjoy moments with your beloved pet.

5. Keeps Pests Out

Are ants constantly marching up your dog’s bowl or raiding the scattered kibble on the floor? You see one, and you can expect a horde of them closing in.

If you’re tired of battling ants around your dog’s grub, raised dog bowls offer an easy fix. They often contain spills and keep them off the floor.

With a raised bowl, you can help keep your pet’s eating area clean and free of any unwelcome visitors. Plus, it might even save you from a potential pest problem down the line!

6. Controls Feeding Behavior

Drawbacks of a Raised Dog Feeder

1. Increases the Chance of Bloat

Raised bowls were once believed to prevent bloat. However, a study found that dogs eating from a raised feeder are more likely to get bloat than those eating from regular bowls on the floor. It even hinted that elevated feeders can double that risk in bigger doggos.

Also, raised bowls might make the pups gobble up their food faster, which, as it turns out, can further increase the risk.

But what exactly is bloat?

Bloat is a common term for two tummy issues in dogs. First is gastric dilatation (GD), which occurs when the stomach fills up with gas. The other one is gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), where the gas-filled belly twists on itself.

GDV can be life-threatening, as a distended stomach can obstruct blood flow and cause shock. It can also press on the lungs, leaving the dog struggling to breathe.

Do Raised Dog Bowls Alone Cause Bloat?

2. It’s Unnatural

In the wild, our canine friends eat with their heads down, closer to the ground. Since they’ve evolved this way, feeding your dog from a raised dog bowl might be unnatural to them.

There’s concern that dogs can gulp down air with their food and water when eating from a more upright angle. On top of that, elevated feeders might encourage your pup to devour its meals too quickly.

3. Pricier Than Regular Bowls

What Is a Safe Height for a Raised Dog Feeder?

There’s no cut-and-dry rule for the perfect height for a raised dog bowl. What you can do is grab a measuring tape and figure out what works best for your dog.

One trick is to hold the bowl at different heights while your pup’s munching away and see what position seems most comfortable for them. Then, you can choose the feeder height accordingly. Oh, and don’t forget to consider the depth of the bowl, too.

Don’t let the feeder be taller than the distance from the floor to where your dog’s legs meet its body to keep them comfy and prevent strain. When in doubt, go for a lower setup to avoid the dreaded bloat—maybe just a few inches off the ground rather than a whole foot.

Remember, several factors raise a dog’s risk of bloat, and things can change as we learn more from research. It wasn’t too long ago that raised bowls were the go-to solution for keeping big dogs safe from bloat, but now the trend is swinging back to ground-level feeding.

Lastly, keep a close eye on your dog’s comfort and health while staying updated on the latest pet care tips and findings.

Elevated Dog Feeders: The Verdict