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Are Raised Feeding Stations Good for Dogs?

Painted wood dog feeding station outdoor in grass with fallen autumn leaves

An elevated dog feeder usually consists of some sort of stand to elevate your dog’s food and water bowls. It raises the bowls several inches above floor level and helps in preventing the spilling of water/food. However, these feeding stations can pose some risks as well, like gastric issues. Keep reading to get a detailed analysis of whether raised feeding stations are good for dogs or not.

Should Dog Bowls Be on the Floor or Elevated?

This question pops up in the mind of almost every pet caretaker. Owners want to get the best option of dishes for their dogs and it seems different people have different views. Some believe that raised feeding stations are beneficial while others claim that they cause more harm than good. It actually depends on your dog’s age, health and height as well.

Raised feeding stations are designed to make the process of eating and drinking easy for dogs. They bring the food and water closer to your dog. It reduces the amount of bending, stretching, and leaning they have to do while eating and drinking water placed on the floor.

But if you have a smaller dog, bowls on the floor can be a good choice. Since the dog needs to bend his head and neck to get his meal, floor-level bowls work better for small breeds. Furthermore, floor bowls have deep sides that prevent your pooch from creating a mess.

Learn how to make an Easy DIY Puppy Feeding Station. Click here to learn more.

How Tall Should a Dog Feeding Station Be?

Poodle eating from a raised dog feeding station

The height of the raised feeding station should be appropriate for your pooch to get the desired results. This means that you should choose a shorter feeding station for small breeds and vice-versa. Hence, it’s highly recommended to measure your dog and compare his/her height with the feeding stations before purchasing one.

The general rule of thumb is to buy a feeding station with bowls 2-6 inches from floor level (for smaller breeds). For larger breeds, the height of the bowls should be between 7 and 14 inches from the floor.

Benefits of Raised Feeding Stations for Dogs

Overhead view of a raised dog food station.

Want to make a DIY Dog Feeding Station? Click here to learn how.

The following are some primary benefits of raised feeding stations that encourage owners to get them.

Prevent Joint Pain and Tenderness

Serving meals in a raised dog bowl for large dogs means your pup won’t have to bend down excessively to eat and drink. Therefore, it will put less strain on their joints and are more likely to stay healthy. Raised bowls are particularly ideal for dogs that struggle with mobility. Similarly, they are extremely beneficial for old dogs who suffer from arthritis and other joint problems.

Makes it Easy to Feed Your Dog

Feeding fresh water and food is the duty of a responsible dog caretaker. With raised dog feeders and an anti-spill water bowl, you can make the process simple tidy and more hygienic. You won’t have to worry about the mess your pooch makes while eating.

Provides a Healthier Posture

Generic dog feeding station isolated on a white background,

There is great pressure on the body of dogs when they eat with their heads down. By using elevated dog feeders, you can improve the eating posture of your pooch. These elevated pet bowls will also help your pup to maintain a good overall posture.

Keep the Feeding Area Clean

When your pup is eager to get the food or is mischievous, elevated pet bowls can put a stop to bowl tipping. This is because they are designed in such a way that prevents messing up the food on the floor. It will keep the feeding area tidy as your dog won’t be able to push the bowls over the floor.

Is it OK to feed dog with syringe? Click here to learn more.

Disadvantages of Raised Feeding Stations for Dogs

Yellow lab in a kitchen holding a metal dog food bowl in its mouth

Some of the major drawbacks of raised feeding stations are discussed below.

Risk of Gastric Issues in Dogs

In the past, raised food bowls were believed to minimize dogs’ chances of developing bloat. However, recent studies have shown that raised food bowls do just the opposite. According to experts, these feeders can make your pet more vulnerable to bloating and cause a lot of discomfort.

This is because elevated feeders may enhance the speed at which a dog eats. It increases the chances of Gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV), which is a serious gastrointestinal condition.

Expensive Option

Raised feeding stations are not pocket friendly and will cost a lot more than traditional bowls. This is one of the reasons why a lot of people choose to stick with floor bowls.

Difficult to Find the Right Bowl

Metal dog food bowl isolated on a white background.

You must consider the right measurements and the height of your dog to get the right feeding station. It can take a long time and rigorous effort to find a suitable product for your pooch. However, it is worth the hassle if you can get an ideal feeding station for your canine friend.

Hard to Train Older Dogs

Dogs that were initially used to feeding at floor level might struggle to feed properly on these elevated pet bowls. It would be very difficult for them to adopt a new way of feeding.

Concerned dog owners must first make sure that everything is just right for their pets, whether it relates to what they eat or how they eat it. You can also ask a veterinarian who will suggest you according to your dog’s health and requirements.

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