What’s the Point of Elevated Dog Food Bowls?

You’ve probably noticed a lot of different kinds of elevated dog food bowls, stainless steel stands, and non-slip feeding stations at the pet shop.

It’s not just a home decor trend. There are several practical uses and even health advantages for raised dog bowls. Let’s take a look at a few.

dog bowls and slow feeders

1. No more splash zone

If your dog is prone to pawing and digging at its water bowl and leaving a wet mess all over the kitchen floor, elevate it! Putting the dog water dish on a mess-proof elevated stand will put it out of paws’ reach. Plus, you won’t miss hearing the clanging and crashing of the stainless steel bowl.

2. Elevated dog feeders reduce orthopedic pain

Dogs with arthritis, elbow dysplasia, or hip dysplasia cannot comfortably bend or kneel down to eat and drink. Elevated bowls that reach your dog at a comfortable height can help.

3. Reduces neck strain

Ideal for large breeds, elevated dog bowls help reduce neck strain. Tall, large breed dogs like mastiffs and greyhounds have to lower their heads quite a ways down to eat their pet food.

4. Megaesophagus-friendly

Dogs with megaesophagus cannot move food into the stomach properly. Elevated pet feeder bowls and raised dog bowl stands can help move kibble down the esophagus easier.

5. Keeps bowls in place

Keep your dog feeding station clean. Dog bowl stands keep food dishes in place and are great for dogs who tend to move their dog dish around with their snout. Another solution for keeping the stainless steel dog bowl clanging noise at bay!

A word about GDV

corgi on a shag bed

It’s a common misconception that elevated bowl feeders can slow down eating to prevent bloat (aka gastric dilatation-volvulus).

There is no scientific evidence to support this, but there is scientific evidence that refutes it. One study found that extra large dogs using elevated feeding bowl sets were actually at higher risk for GDV.

The good news is that Outward Hound makes raised dog feeders that are also slow feeders. These adjustable elevated feeders are designed with ridges within the bowl to slow down your dog’s eating pace by 10 times.

The best elevated dog bowl: 3in1 UP Feeder with adjustable heights

elevated dog food bowls

The high-quality 3in1 UP Feeder can be adjusted to suit dogs of all heights. You can use it at floor level like a traditional non-skid pet bowl for small dogs, or adjust it to six or 10 inches high for medium dogs-large dogs at mealtime. The maze insert is removable and dishwasher-safe.

These bowls are great for dry, wet, or raw food diets. Adjustable elevated slow feeder dog bowls hold up to 4 cups of dry or wet food.

You can find all of our slow feeders, dog & cat bowls, dog treats, and more on our website, Chewy, Amazon, or your local pet shop.