In addition, elevated feeders are often recommended by some veterinarians and dog health professionals as useful for dogs with orthopedic conditions to aid in ease of feeding.
Elevated feeders may increase the speed at which a dog eats, and this can further elevate the risk of GDV. In the study, a faster speed of eating was significantly associated with a higher risk of GDV. Eating off of the floor or a ground-level bowl can facilitate slower eating for dogs.
Raised feeders provide ease of access to food and water which can help facilitate movement of food when traveling from the mouth to the stomach. Consuming food from elevated dog bowls places less strain on the dog's neck, hips, shoulders and joints, which promotes better posture.
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.
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.
A bowl or feeder that is too high for your dog can cause just as much strain, in the other direction, and could also exacerbate issues like bloat. So the key is to get it just right. We will talk more about raised bowl height and also bloat later.
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.
Elevated bowls can make the process of eating or drinking a lot less messy. If your elevated bowl has a stand with a platform, it can catch any flyaway bits of food or water before they hit your floor.
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.
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.
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.
If food has been dropped, don't eat it — and certainly don't give it to your dog. A study done by Rutgers University found that the average floor comes into contact with the bacteria Enterobacter Aerogenes every single day — this can cause serious food poisoning.
The researchers found that dogs eating human-grade fresh whole food produced 2.0 to 2.9 times (up to 66%) less feces than dogs eating dry pet food. When compared to the fresh processed brand, feeding the real whole food resulted in 1.5 to 1.7 times (up to 41%) less feces.
Stainless steel dog bowls are the best dish you can get for your pup because they offer the ultimate in ease, health, and safety. Stainless steel bowls are super easy to clean, dishwasher-safe, and non-porous. These bowls won't hold on to any harmful bacteria.
Soaking the food softens it, and so eases the initial work-load of the digestive enzymes which may well be struggling during illness or a period of recovery.
10) Bloat prevention
A dog fed a moist diet – raw, canned, or moistened dry food – is much less likely to develop bloat, also known as gastric dilatation and volvulus, which is a potentially life-threatening condition in dogs.
It is still important to contact your veterinarian or after-hours emergency hospital if you think your dog has ingested a large amount of food or treats. Prompt advice and treatment from a veterinarian can make this condition treatable and provide your dog with quick relief.
Common Causes of Bloat in Dogs
The most common cause of GDV is a feed of dry food, followed by a large intake of water (which causes the kibble to swell up) with a final addition of exercise or play after eating (but this component is not necessary to cause bloat).
Having to bend over to eat and drink constantly can be very painful. Certain medical conditions, such as megaesophagus, can cause your dog to need elevated dog bowls. By elevating your dog's bowls, it will help food move down their esophagus easier. Elevated dog bowls will help with swallowing.
Some think it goes back to the mammal/wolf instinct of taking food away from the “kill” or to protect their portion from other's stealing it while they are eating. Other owners report that their dogs bring the food out of the bowl away from a hard floor to a softer surface such as carpet or towels.
Your Dog Wants to Protect or Hide the Food
Some dogs, particularly those in multi-dog households, may carry their food away as a way to keep it to themselves. Before dogs were domesticated, they often ran in packs. The more subordinate pack members would carry food away to hide it from other members of the pack.
The biggest reason for this behavior is instinct. Dogs have this natural pack mentality and depending on factors such as breed, training and family line, some dogs have this instinct more strongly than others.
Wobble Bowls
It's a great solution for dogs who become easily bored or have separation anxiety. The more you engage your dog's mind, the less anxiety they will typically have. Try the Alyster Slow Feeder wobble bowl, which comes in various sizes.
Stainless steel presents the best combination of properties for pet bowls. Its hygenic, meaning the surface won't harbor bacteria and can be readily cleaned with soap and water washings. It's also very durable.