Have you ever wondered why you do not leave your plates on the floor when it’s time for dinner? The same way you should desist from keeping your dog’s plate/bowl on the floor.
Why make your dog eat off the floor? Be nice enough, and especially save yourself the stress of picking up food crumbs left behind after eating. Continue reading to find out why your dog should have the best elevated dog bowls.
Top 5 Elevated Dog Bowls and Stands (Summary)
11 Best Elevated Dog Bowls and Stands That We Recommend
1. Pet Zone Adjustable Elevated / Raised Raised Dog Dish with Double Stainless Steel Bowls
No matter the breed and size of your dog, Pet Zone Elevated Dog Bowl will adapt to its height since it comes as small, medium and large.
The ability to adjust from 2.75 to 12 inches means your dog will be able to use this bowl from his puppyhood to the adult years.
The legs of the frame come with pads that are made to be non-slip, so they’ll never tip and skid. In case they’re not needed, you can easily remove and store them under the feeding platform.
Inside the package, you get two bowls crafted from stainless steel that are resistant to rusting and very easy to clean. Being entirely adaptable means this item will prevent strain on your dog’s joints and neck.
Additionally, this improves your pet’s digestion and reduces bloating or other potential gastrointestinal problems.
- Entirely adjustable to three heights for different dog sizes
- Resistant to rust and very easy to clean
- Lowers strain on dog’s neck and joints
- Non-slip pads prevent tipping and skidding
- Legs don’t lock-in
- Not 100% stable
2. Neater Feeder Express Elevated Dog Bowls – Raised Pet Dish
Designed mostly for smaller and eventually medium-sized dogs, Neater Feeder includes two bowls that you can use both indoors and outdoors. The bowls are pretty sturdy and can be easily cleaned.
You can put all of their parts in the dishwasher, including the top and bottom basins. The product is crafted in a such way that any spilled food stays contained at the top basin, while spilled water goes into the catch basin.
That way the feeding area stays mess-free and your walls and floors clean. However, some buyers noticed that smaller crumbs of food can get stuck between the bowls, but this is not a problem a simple bowl washing can’t solve.
The elevated design makes this feeder safe from bugs getting into your dog’s food and also prevents your pet from having digestion and joint problems in addition to being more comfortable.
- Provides a comfortable feeding position and prevents digestion and joint problems
- Spill and mess proof design
- Durable and completely dishwasher safe
- Very easy to clean
- Not big enough for larger dogs
- Food can get trapped under the bowls
3. Bergan 88142-P Elevated Double Bowl Feeder, Stainless Steel
Easy to disassemble and clean, Bergan Elevated Dog Bowl has arched, detachable legs that allow you to adapt the feeder’s height and also clean it with ease when necessary.
The feeder itself is made of plastic, while the bowls are crafted from stainless steel. You can remove both of the bowls effortlessly when the time for cleaning comes.
Although plastic is considered to be a weak material, this product is a complete opposite of that. It’s really sturdy, prevents mess and spills and is also great for vegans and nature.
One thing you might find challenging though is legs assemble. They are adaptable, but they don’t tend to snap together that easy and you might need to put an additional effort into this.
- Completely adjustable with removable legs
- Easy to remove bowls and sturdy design
- No food spilling at all
- Vegan and environment friendly
Cons
- Legs are a bit challenging to snap together
- Made of plastic, except for the bowl that are stainless steel
4. IRIS Pet Elevated Feeder with Stainless Steel Bowls
No longer will you have to worry about your pet’s digestion problems or neck strains because IRIS Bowl for Dogs is elevated just enough to prevent such issues.
The stainless steel bowls are meant to be used for water and food and they don’t move while your dog is eating because they’re tightly secured.
Also, the raised edges guarantee there will be no spilled food or water, keeping the mess at the minimum.
Although made of plastic, the feeder is sturdy and lasts for a very long time. However, don’t take it on your travels since that’ll pose extra pressure and might result in cracking. In case your pet is small, you can always adjust the height by removing the legs.
- Easily removable legs
- Long lasting, durable plastic
- Raised edges prevent mess
- Comes with two sturdy, stainless steel bowls
- Plastic doesn’t hold well if you take it on your travels
- Bowls might be slightly small for larger dogs
5. OurPets Comfort Diner Elevated Dog Food Dish (Raised and Adjustable Dog Bowls) For All Dog Sizes
Comfortable feeding and reduced neck and joints strains are what you can expect OurPets Elevated Bowl will provide. This way, your dog won’t have any trouble with their bones and joints.
Additionally, this feature boosts your pet’s digestion keeping it healthy for a long time. Two bowls manufactured from stainless steel are pretty sturdy, easy to clean and you can remove them with ease.
They don’t move when your pet is eating, resulting in less spilled food and water that you would need to clean afterwards. There will be no tipping and skidding as well and you can rest assured that the bowls won’t rust either.
Each of them can take in up to five and a half cups of food. Constant supply with water can be ensured by replacing the bowl for water with a bottle of two liters.
- Decreases joint and bones stress
- Removable, easy to clean bowls
- Doesn’t rust at all
- Doesn’t tip or skid
- No grippers that prevent slipping of the feeder
- Some may find it too large
6. FOREYY Raised Pet Bowls, Bamboo Stand,Elevated Stand Feeder with 2 Stainless Steel Bowls and Anti Slip Feet
Unlike similar products, FOREYY Elevated Bowl for Dogs is crafted from durable bamboo that’s not only functional, it’s also durable, looks amazing and is highly water resistant.
In addition to that, it also has anti-slip properties, ensuring that the feeder doesn’t move around and scratch your floors. This feature makes it very stable and durable.
The bowls can be cleaned with a simple cloth wiping, but the product is designed to minimize mess anyway. You can expect this item to hold around four cups of food or 30 oz of water.
Designed for all types and sizes of dogs, it contains two premium grade bowls that don’t rust even after a long time of use.
- Anti-slip and water resistant properties
- Durable, non-deforming bamboo material
- Easiest to clean and constructed to prevent any mess
- Rust-free and non-leaching
- Challenging to put together
- The package comes with really small nails for assembling
7. PetFusion Elevated Dog Bowls, Bamboo feeder w/ Water Resistant Seal
Elevated just enough to prevent any pain in joints or strains of the neck, PetFusion Dog Bowl improves your pet’s digestion and is made of natural bamboo that’s water resistant.
Multiple coats of seal enhance the water resistant property, while plastic insets take care of the bowl stabilization.
That way you don’t have to worry that the feeder will slip or spin around. This also ensures a more comfortable meal for your furry friend.
Anti-slip property is one of the best things about this product. However, you should note that it’s mainly made for larger and medium-sized dogs, so if you have a small pet, you might want to look elsewhere.
- Made with three coats of water resistant seal and natural bamboo
- Very stable and anti-slip
- Improves dog’s digestion and provides comfort
- Has rubber insets to prevent spinning and spills
- The wood between the bowls tends to crack after some time of use
- Very large, so not very good for smaller dogs
8. SPOT Hi-rise Single Elevated Dog Bowl / Feeder
With an option to remove the bowl with ease and to reassemble it, Ethical Pet Bowl is very versatile and convenient for traveling.
It’s very lightweight and can be moved around the house easily. Healthy digestion is promoted thanks to the proper elevation that makes every meal of your pet safe and hygienic.
Crafted in a way that prevents spillage, this feeder will ensure less mess than ever and it’s also very simple to clean in the dishwasher. Although the bowl is light in weight, it’s very durable.
The fact that it’s resistant to bacteria makes it an even better choice for your dog’s feeder. However, it’s worthwhile mentioning that there aren’t any anti-slip properties, so it’s not very stable.
- Easily removable bowl and very simple to assemble
- Very lightweight with a sturdy wire stand
- Promotes good digestion and minimizes spillage
- Water and bacteria resistant
- Not very stable
- Doesn’t last for a very long time with regular use
9. Funkeen Elevated Dog Bowls Raised Pet Feeder Cat Food & Water Diner Stand Set
Reduced noise and comfort are two main things you can expect with Funkeen Elevated Bowl. The item is handmade and has undergone a few processes that made it more durable and resistant to scratches.
The stainless steel is truly durable and doesn’t rust even after many years of use. The manufacturer includes two free bowls for the price, which is an additional benefit.
Dishwasher safe design makes this product exceptionally easy to clean and the fact that it’s detachable makes it easy to store without taking too much space.
Protecting your pet’s health and spine, this feeder is also very stable thanks to its adaptable leg bottom and the sturdy frame that’s lifted from the floor just about enough.
- Doesn’t scratch or rust at all even after some time
- Adjustable leg bottom for increased stability
- Detachable and doesn’t take a lot of storage space
- Protects your dog’s spine and digestion system
- Way too high for smaller dogs
- Can be tough yo put together
10. Super Design Elevated Dog Bowl Raised Dog Feeder for Food and Water
Designed to encourage good digestion and prevent any potential neck, muscle and joint pain, Super Design Elevated Dog Bowl is safe to clean in the dishwasher.
More importantly, the higher edge it has prevents food and water from spilling on your precious floors.
You can expect this feeder to stay in place all the time while your dog is eating thanks to the rubber straps under the melamine stand.
When the time for cleaning comes, you can easily pick it up by taking it by its curved handle. Its bowls are made of stainless steel and are a breeze to clean.
- Significantly reduces neck pressure and joint problems
- The higher design prevents food and water spillage
- The non-slip feature ensures that the bowl stays in place
- Easy to maintain and has a convenient curved handle
- Takes a lot of space
- Not very tall
11. IRIS Small Elevated Feeder with Airtight Storage
Each of the IRIS USA Elevated Dog Bowls can hold up to two quarts of food and water. They’re made of stainless steel and are easily removable, so you’ll be able to clean them with ease.
For your convenience, there’s the extra storage below the bowls. This storage can take up to 64 cups of dog’s food.
This way you don’t have to think about where you’ll put your pet’s food. This space keeps the food fresh and dry at all times, while a snap-lock latch enables comfortable carrying.
There’s also a built-in, airtight seal that keeps away moisture, pests and humidity. The proper height makes this product great when it comes to preventing neck and muscle strains in your dog.
- Built-in, the airtight seal prevents moisture and humidity
- Snap-lock latch for ergonomic carrying
- Removable, stainless steel bowls
- Has convenient storage under the bowls
- Slightly flimsy
- No lip on the edge which may cause spilliage
Hence, get your pooch an elevated feeding platform. In essence, elevated dog bowl is a way to give your dog a dignified eating experience, and in a comfortable manner.
Yes, it’s high time you started giving your pooch a royalty treatment.
All dogs, irrespective of their breeds, should benefit from these incredible elevated and raised food dishes.
Many dogs will benefit from a raised dog bowl during dinner. And there are several elevated dog bowls in the market you can select from.
What Are an Elevated / Raised Dog Feeders
Elevated dog bowls are feeding materials that let pet owners make their dog’s feeding habits more comfortable, healthy and dignifying.
With elevated dog bowls, you can treat your dog like a family friend. Feeding all dogs are different in terms of food and the way the dogs feed.
Many dogs struggle with their food when their bowls are left on the floor, and many more of them can benefit from raised dog bowls. The market boasts of many raised dog bowls.
If you desire to give your pets easy access to food and water, then a raised bowl is the best option.
These models guarantee better feeding, and their raised position facilitates easy and fast digestion. In case your dog experiences health issues with its esophagus, a raised feeding bowl will ensure efficient and easy feeding.
That way, there will be no abnormal accumulation of food.
Benefits of Using an Elevated (Raised) Dog Bowls
Elevated dog bowls are specially designed to produce tons of benefits for you as pet-owner and for your pup.
While the biggest dog toys are significantly beneficial to your pooch, the following are the advantages of getting your dogs a non-spill dog bowl or elevated dog bowl.
Minimized Pain for Arthritic Dogs
Generally, older dogs are believed to have certain medical conditions that make feeding difficult for them.
This is what elevated bowl prevents. It ensures that eating is made easier for all dogs.
For example, arthritic dogs or the ones with spinal problems are very likely to eat more easily from an elevated dog bowl or sleep more easily on orthopedic bed for dogs.
Ensure a Cleaner Dog Eating Area
If you are tired of picking the left-overs of your dog’s food from the floor every now and then, or perhaps you do not even have the time to do all those timely and scheduled cleaning; an elevated feeding dish helps keep your dog’s eating area in perfect shape- clean and healthy.
In other words, food crumbs will certainly spill out of any bowl but with some elevated bowls or raised dishes, the food bits would be trapped under the bowl.
With that, you can see the food debris easily and clean them up more effectively.
Easy Maintenance
Another advantage is that it is very easy to fill and empty an elevated food dish because you do not have to go all the way down to access them.
This is not your dog’s problem anyway, but you also do not want to make things unnecessarily hard for yourself.
Older dog owners or disabled ones would find this more valuable.
Cleaner Bowls
With elevated dog bowls, less hair, dust and debris will be trapped in your dog’s dish.
No one would let their child feed off the floor even if it is the finest of floors because they are filled with bacteria.
Therefore, raising your dog’s food bowl some height above the ground will help keep the food and bowl cleaner.
Adjustable Height
Some models are designed to let you adjust the height of the platform so that it can accommodate your dog while it grows.
These models can be useful for vet offices, groomers, breeders and others that care for many dogs.
Improved Posture
Non-elevated bowls are difficult to use because when your pets feed on them, their necks are bent, and in an uncomfortable position.
Ideally, eating should be done in proper posture. This works well with large dogs. An elevated dog bowl makes your dog’s eating times very enjoyable and comfortable.
They are even more recommended for dogs with medical conditions and for older dogs.
Materials of an Elevated Dog Feeders
The best elevated feeders are constructed from high-grade stainless steel.
This is because of its high resistance to rust, coupled with its durability property.
In addition, the feeder’s stand is best made from hard plastics or some hardwood.
Relationship Between Bloat in Dogs and Elevated or Raised Dog Bowls
In light of this, bloat is a medical condition (which can become a real emergency condition) that occurs when a dog’s stomach twists or rotates along its axis. That means that the stomach twists itself in such a way that fluids and gases are trapped inside of your dog.
It is medically known as “gastric dilatation-volvulus” (GDV) or bloat. Bloat typical is an emergency condition that requires surgery and other measures to treat it.
The complications are quite common among dogs and dogs that are promptly treated might still end up passing away. This makes the condition a very critical one. Link to research.
According to a journal issued in 2000 by the American Veterinary Medical Association, about 20-52% of cases of GDV among the large breed and giant breed dogs were because of a raised feeding bowl. Link to research.
Now, regardless of the intensity of the problem, the reasons which trigger bloat remain unclear.
But here are few know facts which are associated with it and if your dog falls into one of the categories MOVE YOUR DOG AWAY FROM ELEVATED/RAISED DOG BOWLS. Just to be clear, bloat can and does occur in dogs that do not use elevated bowls or feeders but we don’t want to increase these chances.
MOVE – SHOO IF:
- Your dog has relatives who have bloated – littermates or parents
- Your dog is middle-aged or elderly
- Narrow and deep-chested breeds (like Akitas, Boxers, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Irish Setters, Weimaraners, Standard Poodles, Irish Wolfhounds, Old English Sheepdogs and Doberman Pinschers) have higher chances of being a victim of bloat.
- Dogs with large jaws that gobble down their food or water will end up consuming a lot of air in the process of eating or drinking.
- Dogs that eat large chunks of meals are more prone to suffer from bloat.
- Your dog eats meals very fast like he never ate before
Some methods are recommended to reduce the possibility of stomach-twisting but do not eliminate possibility:
- Do not mix water and dry-food together
- Keep your dog’s digestive tract healthy with a raw diet (meat)
- Include raw bones into his diet – it helps with strengthening his stomach muscles which helps with preventing stomach twist
- Prevent your dog from drinking too much water at any one time
- After eating let your dog rest for a few hours
- Do not use raised food bowls
- Spread meals into 2-3 smaller meals throughout the day
How to Feed Dogs at Risk for GDV – PetMD
Calming facts from all these researches
- According to research, 20% of dogs that are over 99 pounds will suffer from bloat at some point in their life span.
- Slow eaters are less likely to be bloated.
- Small and medium-sized breeds suffer less from bloat than giant dogs.
How To Choose The Best Elevated Dog Bowls
Many dog owners are not aware of the importance of elevated dog bowls.
They are, of course, beneficial to the different breeds of dogs and their respective owners.
Features that you need to consider before buying an elevated dog bowl are:
Adjustable Height
Elevated dog bowls come in different heights. It is, therefore, necessary to get one with the right height for your pet. If too low, it won’t serve any purpose, and if too tall, it may add the stain on their joints and neck.
To get the right height for them, measure the dog’s height from the floor to the shoulder.
To get the right feeder’s height, experts say you should deduct seven inches (17 to 18 cm) from the measurement. In essence, a great elevated dog bowl would come with an adjustable height feature.
Stability
Any raised dog bowl you choose must be stable and longlasting. If the bowl moves while the dog is feeding, it will cause a lot of mess and scuffing on your flooring.
A raised dog bowl with non-slip feet helps keep the system intact during feeding, and especially to prevent scuffing and scratching the floors.
Size and Shape
The bowl’s size is dependent on your dog’s eating habits. Their face shape is another consideration too.
If you are the type that feeds your dog with smaller meals on regular intervals, a smaller bowl is fine.
Deeper bowls are often recommended for larger dogs and those with long snouts. A shallow bowl is more appropriate for snub nose dogs.
Number of Bowls
If you feed your dog with dry food, it’s important to have a bowl of water next to the food bowl all the time. If you use one bowl, for food, consider getting an automatic dispenser for water.
Storage Space
Many food stations have a storage-box structure to make the food inside easily accessible.
Meanwhile, these kinds of units have a flat leveled bottom which has a disadvantage of trapping moisture and bacteria just like a regular food bowl placed on the floor.
Ideally, elevated food bowls must exude a unique feature of storage compartments that holds the dog’s food or keeps the bowls in place when not in use.
This is of no concern to your dog. It is just something that will make your life a lot easier.
Design
Elevated dog bowls come in different designs. These designs make them complement to your home decor someway. Common materials used in these designs are some type of hardwood, aged copper and wrought iron.
You are also likely to see some in hanging shapes and others often with some kind of dog artwork. In its simplest design, an elevated feeding bowl comprises a small box that has a food bowl resting on its top.
Many elevated feeding stations feature other things though, to improve the aesthetics and functionality. Put in mind that these features are only for aesthetics. But then, a stylish dog bowl does not hurt.
Nonslip
Regular or non-elevated bowls are more prone to skidding and spillage on your flooring. Many times, elevated bowls are designed with the top consideration of balance in mind.
Their construction includes rubber at the bottom or non-slip inserts that keep the bowls in position during feeding. Which means less cleaning for you.
Does Spending More Mean More Quality?
Spending to get value should be your priority as a dog owner. In other words, for whatever elevated dog bowl you would get, make sure it is one that serves the actual purpose of feeding your dog in a comfortable manner.
Meanwhile, if you spend so much on a feeding platform, it does not always mean you have made the best choice.
Work with your budget and go for the one which gives you value for your money. That, in essence, equals quality.
Cleaning and Maintaining an Elevated Dog Feeders
It is recommended that you keep all feeding apparatus clean with a damp sponge and warm water basically. Once you wipe the feeder down with this, dry it with a clean towel.
Make sure you do not use abrasives or scouring powders because these materials have the potential to scratch the surface of the bowl.
Having done all these, you will be protecting your dog bowls against any ant-infestations.
Do’s and Don’ts of Pet Bowls
Having said that the most attractive elevated dog bowl platforms must be clean, of modern design and made from strong wood, you have a responsibility to take care of your dog bowls the same way you handle some of the biggest dog toys.
The basic rule is that you keep the elevated dog bowls in an absolute hygienic condition, and go for lightweight, durable and naturally bacteria-resistant products, especially those made from stainless steel.
Also, such types allow for easy cleaning. As you can imagine, it’s harder to clean dog water dispensers then water bowl. One thing you must not do is to prioritize aesthetics over purpose in making a great choice.
Also importantly, since there are some potential dangers associated with raised food bowls, especially issues like bloat; it is paramount that you seek professional advice from veterinarians before choosing an elevated dog bowl.
Not only that, in case the pet has some type of health issue that requires using an elevated feeder, stick to the vet’s suggestions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I determine the correct height?
It is best to keep the top of your elevated dog bowl at the same level as the lower chest of the dog.
This is to prevent them from stretching upwards or lowering their necks. Before getting a raised bowl, first, measure your dog while standing.
Then, measure from the floor below the dog’s front paws to the dog’s shoulders. Then, take away 6 inches from the measurement.
How do I determine the correct size?
To determine the ideal bowl size, fill the current feeding bowl with water. After that, match its capacity to your preferred elevated bowls.
How to ant-proof dog bowls?
As you have with the best indestructible dog toys, which are must-have for your dogs, a lot of times, you are advised to get removable and washable feeding bowls especially the types that have stainless steel feeding bowls, dishwasher safe and help reduce the risk of bacteria growth with time.
Like you would with some of the best indestructible dog toys you previously purchased for your pets, look out for the material the stand is made from- choose durable molded plastic which is easy to clean.
In case you choose a wooden stand, make sure you go for one sealed with a waterproof sealant.
This will make cleaning easier and eliminate the risk of food particles being absorbed in the wood. That way, your dog bowls would be made ant-proof.
Conclusion About Elevated Pet Feeders
Having reviewed the different raised dog bowls, you now know how rational and lovely it is to keep your dog in good health, especially by modifying its feeding pattern.
Now, you can make a great choice among these elevated feeding bowls. For proper maintenance of your pet’s health, it is extremely important that you feed your dog according to their body requirements, and energy levels.
You will be doing them a lot of good when you make their mealtime easy and painless. Generally, dogs eat twice a day, but because they do many activities, they burn calories faster.
Also, since dogs are likely to suffer from joints pin with age or by accident. Therefore, providing food at an elevated level is a blessing for them.
This is what elevated dog bowls provide. Moreover, when food goes down the digestive tract more efficiently, digestion becomes easy and fast.
If you have any question feel free to ask them in the comments below.
Photos and videos from: belchonock / depositphotos.com, madWTF / depositphotos.com, guruxox / depositphotos.com, vitalytitov / depositphotos.com, sintendo / depositphotos.com, kkolosov / depositphotos.com.
Big pet lover and a dog training and behavior expert who loves to share his knowledge and experience. Happy owner of two amazing dogs Labrador Bela and Jack Russell Terrier Piksi and one cuddly cat Tom.
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