"Not only can elevated feeding bowls be more comfortable for your pet by reducing any strain they may be experiencing from having to bend too far down to get to the bowl, but they may also help to discourage unwanted bowl tossing behaviors."
A raised dog bowl is a great idea for most dogs, even small dogs, but are particularly beneficial to medium and larger dogs. Why? Straining down to reach your food is no fun for anyone and it can also have digestive and physical implications in the form of neck and even back strain.
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.
The primary benefit of a raised dog bowl is that it can make it easier for your dog to eat. 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.
Large and giant-breed dogs who eat from an elevated feeder have an increased risk of developing gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV, also known as “bloat” and “turning of the stomach”).
Making the best choice for your dog
It turns out, the jury is still out on the use of elevated feeders. While they may be helpful at preventing a mess at feeding time and may assist dogs with orthopedic disorders to eat more comfortably, there has been an association with bloat in dogs that is cause for concern.
While some controversy lingers about whether raised feeders are good or bad, the issue was studied in a scientific way at a university veterinary department which found that raised feeders are actually a danger for at-risk breeds of dogs because they can lead to bloat, the very life-threatening medical condition that ...
Medium dog breeds like English Springer Spaniel, Beagles, and Brittany should have their bowls raised between 7-14 inches above the ground. Large dog breeds, including Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Labradors, should have their elevated dog bowls as high as 15-20 inches above the ground.
Ultimately, we think this study strongly suggests a link between use of an elevated feeder and an elevated risk of bloat, particularly in large and extra large breed dogs, but without follow-up study, it isn't 100% conclusive.
By elevating your dog's bowls, you will allow your dogs to be in a more comfortable position that will help with digestion.
Are some dogs more prone than others? Yes. Statistically, we know that large, deep-chested breeds are more prone to GDV. Predisposed breeds include Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Weimaraners, Irish Setters, Gordon Setters, Standard Poodles, Basset Hounds, Doberman Pinschers, and Old English Sheepdogs.
1) While a dog can bloat on any type of food, a dog fed a moist diet (raw, canned, etc.) is much less likely to bloat. When feeding kibble you should soak the kibble in water until it expands – this will decrease the risk of bloat and also add moisture to the diet.
It is not recommended to keep the bowl filled and allow grazing. A break in eating habits can be a warning sign of illness. When dogs eat on a regular schedule, that habit becomes strong. It is easy to see at a glance if all the food from a meal is consumed.
"Overall, about 5.7 percent of dogs will develop bloat," Romine says. "But that goes up to 20 percent for dogs weighing 100 pounds or more.
Pets with food bloat tend to get large, distended – and sometimes painful – bellies. These pets often mope around like a beached whale or pace because they're too uncomfortable to lie down.
Seek medical attention immediately if your dog shows signs of dog bloat for more than a day or so, as it can be a life or death situation. They can check to see if there is another problem causing your dog to feel bloated. Canine bloat can be easily confused with other conditions.
The bloat occurs due to gas being trapped in the stomach area and thus begins to expand painfully, restricting blood flow and preventing digestion. There is no agreed-upon single cause for GDV. Even so, it is generally thought to be caused by swallowing excessive air and heavy exercise after a large meal.
Shallow bowls are the most commonly used form of dog food bowl, but they're actually the best fit for for small to medium-sized dogs, since the lower height makes it easier for them to scarf down their food. This way, they can comfortably reach their head deep into the bowl to grab their food without any discomfort.
As I have mentioned in other blogs, the food bowl should only be as large as necessary for a pet's snout to comfortably lick or grab the food. No dog, not even a Mastiff, needs a 9 inch diameter food bowl. Chihuahuas, toy poodles, and cats need little more than a food bowl the size of a tiny dessert parfait cup.
Slanted Raised Bowl: Reduces the pressure on the neck,hips,shoulders and joints of pets while eating.
Are slow feeder bowls suitable for dogs? Any dog can benefit from slowing down and taking the time to savor and enjoy their food. Even if they only eat moderately fast, there's really no downside.
Breeders and owners of larger breeds like Great Danes tend to still stick to using elevated feeders since it has been believed to help reduce the risk of bloat. Ultimately, it is up to you and what you feel is best for your lovable beast!