At one time, elevated dog bowls were thought to help prevent bloat in dogs. Recent research has found that this is not true—in fact, an elevated bowl could increase the risk of bloat. Unless your veterinarian specifically recommends an elevated feeding bowl, it's best not to use one.
According to the study, “approximately 20 and 52% of cases of GDV (bloat) among the large breed and giant breed dogs, respectively, were attributed to having a raised feed bowl.”
Still, the association between use of an elevated feeder and incidence of bloat was high, and no evidence supporting the use of elevated feeders to reduce bloat has been put forth. It is, therefore, not currently recommended to use an elevated feeder if you have, or suspect you have a dog that is susceptible to bloat.
How does an elevated dog food dish can cause bloat? Well It's because a raised feeder encourages the pooch to eat at a faster than normal pace. Secondly, results in the dog to breathe in more air than necessary. These above two causes are the main culprits for the “Bloat” Condition in dogs.
Laying down and eating can cause problems with digestion. By elevating your dog's bowls, you will allow your dogs to be in a more comfortable position that will help with digestion.
A raised bowl will reduce the strain on their neck from this motion. Low bowls can also place strain on the dog's neck, hips, shoulders and joints. Elevated bowls are better for older dogs or those with arthritis, orthopedic conditions, joint disorders, sore joints or spinal conditions.
Here are a few tips to keep your senior canine comfy when eating and drinking: Try out a raised bowl. They help to prevent unnecessary strain to senior joints when bending. Keep it shallow for small dogs.
Your raised feeder should be at least 2" below your pet's collar. Choosing a height that is equal to or taller than your pet's front legs is perfect. When in doubt, choose the shorter height.
Stainless steel bowls tend to be at the top of the totem pole when it comes to safe dog bowls. There's a reason that stainless steel is a go-to for top chefs everywhere. Stainless steel is non-porous, which means it won't hold onto bad bacteria, plus it is super easy to clean which keeps it sanitary for your pup.
The easiest type of bowl to keep clean – and, not incidently, also the safest bowl for your dog to eat and drink from – is stainless steel. This material will not leach potentially dangerous chemicals into your dog's food and water, like some plastics, aluminum, poorly glazed pottery, or old ceramic dishes.
Eating while standing up can help dogs move food down their esophagus properly.
Swallowing Air Is a Primary Cause of Bloat
While dog bloat can be caused by consuming too much food or water and stretching the stomach that way, another very common cause is the swallowing of air. This might happen if your dog eats too quickly or exercises heavily immediately after a meal.
Bloat occurs when a dog's stomach is filled with too much food, liquid, or gas, causing the stomach to expand. Typically this poses no real problem since dogs have mechanisms to relieve this pressure naturally. You've undoubtedly heard, seen, or smelled the effects of a dog that ate his food too fast.
Elevated large dog bowls are preferable for larger dog breeds because they eliminate strain and discomfort during mealtimes. Think about it; the bigger the dog, the more it must lean down in an uncomfortable position to eat its food. So, using an elevated feeder makes meals more accessible.
Yes, they are. Just like for other dog breeds, using an elevated dog bowl stand improves the posture of your german shepherd while eating. This also gives them various other health benefits compared to a normal dog bowl stand which we'll talk about in a moment.
Steep-sided dog bowls are the best choice for long-eared dogs, like Beagles, Basset Hounds, and Cocker Spaniels who would otherwise end up dragging their ears through their food and water. The unique shape of these bowls allows the dog to eat comfortably while their ears are kept clean and dry.
Predisposed breeds include Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Weimaraners, Irish Setters, Gordon Setters, Standard Poodles, Basset Hounds, Doberman Pinschers, and Old English Sheepdogs. In a recent study, the top three breeds found to be at risk of bloat were 1) Great Dane, 2) St. Bernard, and 3) Weimaraner.
Pet parents may be able to decrease the risk of bloat in dogs by following these easy tips: Feed your dog small meals 3 to 4 times a day. Buy “portion pacers” or special bowls that make dogs work harder for their food, which slows them down. Serve a combination of wet and dry food.
Dogs prone to bloat or at risk breeds should be allowed to feed in a quiet, calm situation away from any potential stressful situations. In addition, they should be allowed to eat slowly, so that they do not rush their food and swallow air.
Elevated bowls can make eating easier for your dog.
Decreasing the amount your dog has to bend down can put less stress on your dog's neck, making meal time easier and more enjoyable. Consider raised dog dishes when looking for dog bowls for older dogs as well as pets with arthritic or orthopedic issues.
Slow feeder dog bowls are designed to slow your dog's eating to prevent uncomfortable digestive issues like nausea and vomiting after eating. However, they can also prevent bloat, a life-threatening disorder caused by eating too quickly.
While there could be a number of reasons for this behavior, the most likely explanation is that your dog is simply more comfortable eating from that side of the bowl. Perhaps the bowl is too high or low on the other side, or maybe the bowl moves around more when your dog eats from it.