How your pet eats can be as essential as what he eats.
If your furry companion shows little interest in his favourite meal, bending over might be the issue.
Make feeding time more comfortable and pleasurable for your pet by placing food and water bowls off the floor and within easy reach in raised dog feeders.
We’ve found the best elevated feeders that are highly functional, sleek, and encourage your pet to tuck into his dinner without straining pre-existing conditions, like arthritis or joint disorders.
In this article we review the top 5 dog bowl stands saving you time and money as well as informing you when it can be life threatening to use them.
In a hurry? Here is the top 3:
Our Top Picks
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If your dog is at risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus (a life threatening condition), you should check with your vet whether you can use a raised dog bowl.
Best Elevated Dog Bowls
Before we dive into how to choose a raised dog bowl and when it's dangerous to use one, we present you the cream of the crop individually reviewed:
Dogs love to eat and get excited at suppertime. If your puppy appears uninterested in his food, the movement to his ground-level bowl might be hurting him.
Aches and pains, joint disorders and arthritis can affect a dog’s quality of life, including how they eat.
This Classic Pet Products (double feeder) raises kibble and fresh water to a height that your pet can reach, without putting pressure on his stiff neck.
The product comes with two stainless steel bowls and a sturdy framework that holds them in place securely.
Make sure you choose the right size bowls to ensure your canine’s appetite and thirst are satisfied.
At the same time, opt for a stand that’s the correct height to prevent your dog from stooping as he enjoys in his food.
Measure your dog before purchasing the items. Identify how much your pet eats and drinks to avoid future frustrations with the product.
It’s not just pets who benefit but also owners.
If you also have mobility issues, bending over to reach for your puppy’s bowl might cause you pain. With a feeder elevated off the floor, you won’t put nearly as much pressure on your torso.
The area where your dog eats will be tidier. The feeder prevents your dog from toppling over his food and water bowl in his zealousness to eat.
You won’t have to mop up spills every time your dog has had a bite to eat.
It may take your pet some time adjusting to the new feeder.
Remember to clean the bowls before use as the dishes might pervade a metallic scent that your puppy may not like.
Features
- 300 mm high stand with 1600ml
- Stainless steel bowls
- Available in three other sizes
- Dishwasher safe
What we liked
- Sturdy framework
- Promotes comfortable eating
- Benefits pet owners with mobility issues
Didn't like
- Strong metallic scent initially
Does your senior dog refuse to drink water or nibble on kibble, unless it’s from your hand?
Your pup isn’t trying to bond with you. He might be communicating to you that he can’t bend over to eat.
This Dogsit 2-in-1 bowl makes mealtimes pleasurable again by raising his food and water bowl to chest level.
At this height, your pet can enjoy a more comfortable position that won’t exacerbate his symptoms.
The bowls, available in bright colours and a variety of sizes, are suitable for breeds of all ages with conditions that hinder their lives. Using these bowls, they’ll return to their former selves, eating with gusto.
That said, a common complaint among users with giant breeds is that the bowls may be too small. Larger canines with big heads may struggle to fit their mouths into the bowl to reach for food.
Using the raised feeder is effortless and straightforward featuring an inner and outer bowl.
Insert the inner stainless steel bowl into the outer melamine bowl to feed your pet, and remove it to clean afterwards.
The convenience of this two-bowl system is that you can fill the base with water or food while washing the other feeding tray.
Dogs that get excited about the prospect of food might topple over their bowls and leave a huge mess.
The anti-skid design of this item keeps the bowl in one spot as your pet eats or drinks with enthusiasm. And the rubber materials from which it’s made won’t leave behind marks on your floors.
Features
- 2-in-1 feeder
- Stainless steel inner bowl
- Outer bowl covered in melamine
- Dishwasher safe
- Comes in various colours
What we liked
- Suitable for all breeds and sizes
- Excellent anti-skid design
- Eye-catching
Didn't like
- Bowls might be small for giant breeds
For a large, ageing pooch, a ground-level feeder might be a vast distance to reach.
The PetTec Doggy Bar was designed for large dogs in their senior years who struggle to bend and stoop.
The stand is fully customisable and can extend between 20.5cm and 54cm to a height that’s in line with your pet’s mouth.
Thanks to this feature, your pet can eat comfortably in a healthy posture that won’t place further strain on their joints and muscles.
Because the stand is taller than the average elevated feed, it’s not recommended for smaller dogs or puppies.
That being said, the feeder will prevent smaller fur siblings from stealing your bigger pup’s kibble.
Unlike several of its competitors, the raised feeder includes large stainless steel bowls. One can adequately hold the required amount of wet or dry food.
The other dish boasts a 1600ml volume capacity which you’ll only need to half fill with water to prevent spillage.
The silicone rings around the bowls are another nifty feature that stops the dishes shifting and rattling while your pet feeds.
The doggy bar might boast a sleek design, but its sound quality extends beyond its attractive aesthetics.
The highly durable melamine from which it’s made won’t break if it falls on hard surfaces.
Additionally, the stand is extremely solid and can withstand the hefty weight of your pet as he gobbles down his food.
Features
- Fully customisable dog bowl
- Extends 20.5cm up to 54cm
- Rubber around stainless steel bowls prevent sliding
What we liked
- Great for tall pets
- Perfectly sized steel bowls
- Silicone ring holds prevent rattling
Didn't like
- Not ideal for small and medium breeds
No other animal gets as excited as a hungry puppy. Our furry companions love to eat.
If your pet isn't nearly as enthusiastic, the reason might not be that he’s gone off his food but feels uncomfortable instead.
The SUPER Design Raised Dog Bowl was designed for dogs who struggle with the effects of ageing. Make mealtimes joyful again by changing how your pup eats.
Lifting your dog’s favourite kibble from the ground to chest level might encourage him to indulge once again.
Features that you’ll love about this dog bowl set is the sleek and sophisticated design that blends with your living spaces.
The melamine outer-covering doesn’t easily scratch. It’s also stable and won’t move around as your pet finishes his dinner with vigour.
The higher edge on the rim prevents messes caused by sloppy eaters and drinkers.
However, if your kitchen floor is smooth and flat, it might be worthwhile to place something under your pet’s feeding station for extra support. Otherwise, some slipping and sliding may occur.
The feeder’s curved bottom makes it easier to pick up for pet owners, especially for those with joint or muscle problems.
Features
- Non-slip melamine bowl
- 300ml, 600ml and 900ml sizes available
What we liked
- Higher rimmed edges prevents messes
- Easy-to-pick-up curved bottom
- Sleek design
Didn't like
- Might be small for giant breeds
These elevated dog bowls are flawless, highly functional, and will complement your kitchen with its stylish design.
Most importantly, your dog will have easy access to his food.
This dog bowl stand with stainless-steel inserts lets your dog eat without experiencing pain in his legs or neck.
With the pellets and clean water positioned at chest level, there’s no need for your ageing or hurt pet to bend and put pressure on his existing ailments.
Positioned with their heads above their stomachs is said to ease digestive issues in pups.
However, check with your vet first to see if your dog will benefit by having his head above stomach when eating.
As a rule, pet owners should be cautious about using wooden products. However, the stand comprises premium-quality bamboo that repels spilt water and your dog’s dribble.
The wood, made to last won’t rot over time.
The anti-slip rubber studs covering the wooden edges stop your dog from sliding his bowl all around the kitchen.
Your floors are protected from being scratched, and your dog’s noisy and sloppy eating won’t be nearly as loud.
The stainless-steel metal bowls can be easily inserted and removed to clean. Stack the feeders into the dishwasher to remove leftover bits of dog food.
The stainless steel hardware is anti-rust and won’t leach into your precious pet’s water.
One small downside to using the product is that biters who gnaw on every surface might take chunks out of the bamboo.
This will destroy the accessory and leave your dog with painful splinters in his mouth.
Features
- Bamboo stand with two stainless steel bowls
- Available in small, medium, large and extra large
What we liked
- Water-resistant bamboo wood
- Unique and stylish design
- Anti-rubber stubs protects floors
Didn't like
- Young dogs might chew the wood
Guide To Purchasing Raised Dog Bowls
Raised dog bowls have seen a rise in popularity among pet owners.
Suppliers of pet bowls list countless benefits of using them, including improved posture and a decrease in digestive upsets.
However, you must research before placing your order and first chat with your vet.
Although you might want to improve your pet’s comfort as he eats, elevated bowls aren’t a necessity for healthy dogs.
Benefits of Using Raised Bowls
Raised dog bowls are helpful in the below ways:
Eases Pain And Pressure
Older pups might struggle with joint, muscle or bone conditions that put pressure on the neck, shoulders and legs as he bends down to eat.
Dog bowl stands that sit at chest level prevents your furry friend from having to stoop and hurt himself.
This comfortable position is gentle and supportive on arthritis, dysplasia and other mobility issues.
Easier Swallowing
Some dogs struggle to swallow their food properly because of neurological conditions, especially when their heads are down.
Swallowing may become easier using an elevated platform.
Tidier Eating And Fewer Messes
Your pet can’t tip his food or water dishes over with raised bowls inserted into a stand or a platform.
These features may also collect scraps of food and drops of water before they hit the floor.
You won’t have to clean or mop up large spills or messes caused by sloppy eaters or drinkers.
ideal raised bowl
- Assembles well
- Includes perfectly sized bowls
- Has a robust framework that won't break easily
- Has anti-skid rubber bottom to prevent sliding
Drawbacks To Using Elevated Bowls
A research study carried on in 2000 into gastric dilatation-volvulus by Glickman from Purdue University shows a high number of cases were due to elevated dog bowls.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (a bloated and twisted stomach) is a life-threatening condition that occurs when air fills up the stomach, causing the stomach to dilate and then flip 180 degrees.
While the exact cause of bloating hasn’t been identified, you must keep your dog’s food bowl on the ground if they’re predisposed to bloating.
If your canine is a giant breed with a deep narrow chest, it's best stay away from elevated bowls. PDSA's advise is to feed giant breeds from the floor.
If you're not sure, please consult your vet first.
FAQs
Raised dog bowls make eating comfortable for arthritic pets and hounds that struggle with mobility.
With that being said, elevated bowls could pose a risk if your dog is prone to gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloated, twisted stomach) which is a life threatening condition.
Raised dog bowls can be a better fit for some dogs, not all.
They can make mealtimes painless for pets that suffer. However, ground-level bowls work just as well for dogs in their prime.
A raised dog bowl should sit at chest level. If your dog continues to hunch over, the bowl might not be high enough.
Final Verdict
Each option covered in this article could suit different breeds perfectly. However if we had to choose a final one to name, our favourite would be the PetTec Doggy Bar.
A feature we love about the PetTec model is its flexible framework that extends to your dog’s height.
It’s an obvious choice for pet owners with large breeds who struggle to bend over when reaching for food.
It’s also sleek, modern and complements any kitchen design.
Whichever bowl you choose, one aspect you should make sure of is that it’s a right fit, assembles well, includes perfectly sized bowls, and has a robust framework that won’t easily break or fall.
Haven't decided yet? Here is our top 5:
Our Top Picks
- Easy to assemble
- Sturdy construction
- Suitable for any breed of dog
- Elevated two bowls in one, anti-slip, product dimension: 17.0 x 21.8 x 21.8...
- Bowls can be used seperately or together
- Dishwasher safe
- 🐾CUSTOMIZABLE HEIGHT double feeding bowl from 20.5cm up to 54cm, for...
- 🐾SIMPLE ASSEMBLY in less than 1 minute, individually adjustable to the...
- 🐾TWO STAINLESS STEEL BOWLS Included for wet or dry feeding, and water up...
- Neck Pressure Free - Elevated dog feeder for medium and large dogs as well...
- Non Spill Dog Bowl - Higher edge on part of the rim to prevent food...
- Non-slip Melamine Bowl - Rubber straps under melamine stand to ensure the...
- ★ WATER RESISTANT & ANTI SLIP. This elevated dog bowls is made from...
- ★ KEEPS CLEANER AND EASY TO CLEAN. Using this elevated dog feeder keeps...
- ★ SWALLOWING EASILY. This dog bowls stand provide ease of access to food...
So, what is your favourite?
Paw-some work to get to know all about raised dog stands.
If you confirmed that it's safe to use and already chose the best fit for your friend fur-ever, why not tell us in the comments section below.
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- References:
- Glickman, Larry & Glickman, Nita & Schellenberg, Diana & Raghavan, Malathi & Lee, Tana. (2000). Non-dietary risk factors for gastric dilatation-volvulus in large and giant breed dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 217. 1492-9. 10.2460/javma.2000.217.1492. Researchgate.net
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