Raised food bowls can help your dog in many situations, including injuries or conditions affecting mobility or senior years, to ease any strain placed upon his neck and joints. Furthermore, raised bowls may even benefit those suffering from arthritis, pain or other health conditions.
As previously discussed, elevated feeders can increase the risk of Gastric Dilatation Volvulus in giant breed dogs.
Contents
1. Safety
Too-high bowls and feeders can put undue stress on a dog’s neck, forcing it to bend unnaturally, potentially leading to choking or other injury. Furthermore, such bowls may collect bacteria such as E. coli or salmonella that are potentially hazardous for both pets and humans alike.
Raised bowls can help mitigate these risks by keeping food and liquid away from the floor, thus minimizing spills and contamination. When selecting dishes and feeders that can easily be wiped clean after use, look for dishwasher-safe versions that are dishwasher-safe – you should also include a well in the feeding area to soak up any potential food or liquid spillage that occurs.
Raised pet dishes pose the danger of increasing bloat risk in large or giant breeds, an often life-threatening condition where stomach contents fill up and twist into an inedible position. To minimise this risk, it is wise to keep the bowl height below shoulder level – for most dogs we suggest keeping it just below elbow level; this provides a natural position that won’t put undue strain on necks while eating.
2. Durability
elevated bowls for dogs can help ease stress on their necks and spines during mealtime, especially for large dogs who experience discomfort when bending over to consume or drink their meals. This solution may especially benefit large breeds who find bending down painful when feeding or drinking from them.
However, raised feeders should be used with caution due to research which indicates they may increase the risk of bloat in giant breeds – an potentially life-threatening condition in which their stomach fills with gas and twists itself shut.
As such, it is crucial to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of raised bowls with your veterinarian before choosing one for use. If you decide on their use, make sure it’s made from sturdy materials such as stainless steel; these nonporous materials make cleaning a breeze!
3. Functionality
Raised bowls placed on stands promote proper eating posture and aid digestion for your dog, alleviating unnecessary strain on their neck and back when bent down to consume from floor-based bowls.
Reduces spillage and moisture that could collect under the bowl for a cleaner feeding area – ideal for pets who tend to spill their water or move their kibble while eating.
Some pet owners believe that elevated feeders may help large breed dogs prevent bloat by encouraging proper posture while eating and drinking, however further research must be completed to back this claim.
Raised bowls can also help pooches with neck issues, arthritis or spinal conditions. Furthermore, these elevated dishes make it easier for dogs to access their food when lying down on the floor – eliminating strain on their neck or having to reach awkwardly towards their food and water bowl.
4. Style
Raised dog feeders come in an assortment of styles. Some feature sleek designs while others have decorative flourishes or come complete with natural wood finishes; still others include engravings or come with modern color palettes for additional customization.
Many elevated feeders also come equipped with features to slow your dog down when eating, such as maze-like patterns in the bottom of their bowl that trap food, encouraging slower chewing and eating. There are even feeders tailored specifically for brachycephalic breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs to reduce bloat risk.
Overall, elevated pet feeding bowls are an increasingly popular choice among dogs and cats of all sizes because they make mealtime more comfortable for them. To find an appropriate feeder height that won’t strain back muscles or lead to any potential discomfort such as back strain, neck pain or even bloat in your pet.
