Is it better for dog bowls to be elevated?

Q: Should dog bowls be on the floor or elevated?

Having your dogs bowl higher off the ground puts less strain on your dogs neck. So if your dog is older or struggles with joint or bone issues, elevated bowls are a great way to make them comfortable when they eat. If you have a large or giant breed dog, elevated bowls arent going to be the best fit.

Q: What is the best height for a dog bowl?

Whats the correct height for my dogs elevated feeder?.

You’ve probably noticed a lot of different kinds of elevated dog food bowls, stainless steel stands, and non-slip feeding stations at the pet shop.

Table of Contents Show

1. No more splash zone
2. Elevated dog feeders reduce orthopedic pain
3. Reduces neck strain
4. Megaesophagus-friendly
5. Keeps bowls in place
A word about GDV
The best elevated dog bowl: 3in1 UP Feeder with adjustable heights
3in1 UP Elevated Slow Feeder Dog Bowl, Green
3in1 UP Feeder Elevated Slow Feeder Dog Bowl, Grey
3in1 UP Feeder Elevated Slow Feeder Dog Bowl, Purple
Are elevated dog bowls better for dogs?
Should dog bowls be on the floor or elevated?
What is the best height for a dog bowl?
When should I elevate my dogs food bowl?

It’s not just a home decor trend. There are several practical uses and even health advantages for raised dog bowls. Let’s take a look at a few.

1. No more splash zone

If your dog is prone to pawing and digging at its water bowl and leaving a wet mess all over the kitchen floor, elevate it! Putting the dog water dish on a mess-proof elevated stand will put it out of paws’ reach. Plus, you won’t miss hearing the clanging and crashing of the stainless steel bowl.

2. Elevated dog feeders reduce orthopedic pain

Dogs with arthritis, elbow dysplasia, or hip dysplasia cannot comfortably bend or kneel down to eat and drink. Elevated bowls that reach your dog at a comfortable height can help.

3. Reduces neck strain

Ideal for large breeds, elevated dog bowls help reduce neck strain. Tall, large breed dogs like mastiffs and greyhounds have to lower their heads quite a ways down to eat their pet food.

4. Megaesophagus-friendly

Dogs with megaesophagus cannot move food into the stomach properly. Elevated pet feeder bowls and raised dog bowl stands can help move kibble down the esophagus easier.

5. Keeps bowls in place

Keep your dog feeding station clean. Dog bowl stands keep food dishes in place and are great for dogs who tend to move their dog dish around with their snout. Another solution for keeping the stainless steel dog bowl clanging noise at bay!

A word about GDV

It’s a common misconception that elevated bowl feeders can slow down eating to prevent bloat (aka gastric dilatation-volvulus).

There is no scientific evidence to support this, but there is scientific evidence that refutes it. One study found that extra large dogs using elevated feeding bowl sets were actually at higher risk for GDV.

The good news is that Outward Hound makes raised dog feeders that are also slow feeders. These adjustable elevated feeders are designed with ridges within the bowl to slow down your dog’s eating pace by 10 times.

The best elevated dog bowl: 3in1 UP Feeder with adjustable heights

The high-quality 3in1 UP Feeder can be adjusted to suit dogs of all heights. You can use it at floor level like a traditional non-skid pet bowl for small dogs, or adjust it to six or 10 inches high for medium dogs-large dogs at mealtime. The maze insert is removable and dishwasher-safe.

These bowls are great for dry, wet, or raw food diets. Adjustable elevated slow feeder dog bowls hold up to 4 cups of dry or wet food.

3in1 UP Elevated Slow Feeder Dog Bowl, Green

Outward Hound’s classic Fun Feeder Slo Bowl is now available in an adjustable elevated version! The elevated slow feeder comes with a removable maze insert that helps your dog eat at a healthier pace. Slow feeders are veterinarian recommended for preventing serious issues like canine bloat and obesity. The elevated slow feeder dog bowl aids in digestion while engaging your dog’s natural instincts during…

3in1 UP Feeder Elevated Slow Feeder Dog Bowl, Grey

3in1 UP Feeder Elevated Slow Feeder Dog Bowl, Purple

You can find all of our slow feeders, dog & cat bowls, dog treats, and more on our website, Chewy, Amazon, or your local pet shop.

Are elevated dog bowls better for dogs?

Raised bowls provide a healthier posture for dogs to eat their food. The comfortable height enables them to get relief from neck muscle stress while eating. It can be tiring for dogs to reach out for food on lower bowls. This might lead to back problems and discomfort while eating.

Should dog bowls be on the floor or elevated?

Having your dog's bowl higher off the ground puts less strain on your dog's neck. So if your dog is older or struggles with joint or bone issues, elevated bowls are a great way to make them comfortable when they eat. If you have a large or giant breed dog, elevated bowls aren't going to be the best fit.

What is the best height for a dog bowl?

What's the correct height for my dog's elevated feeder?.

Measure from the floor to your dog's chest (even with the top of their back)..

Next subtract 6” from this measurement..

The result is typically the maximum height you should consider..

When should I elevate my dogs food bowl?

On the other hand, elevated feeders are sometimes recommended to allow a dog to feed and drink more easily without having to put their head all the way down to the ground. This may be beneficial for dogs with orthopedic conditions, joint disorders, spinal conditions, arthritis, or for senior dogs with limited mobility.