Pros and Cons of Elevated Dog Feeders
All dog owners want to do their best for their canine friends, and elevated dog food and water bowls may be the best way to create a safe and comfortable feeding station. Raised dog bowl dishes and weighted dog water bowls have become increasingly popular in recent years, but are they right for your pooch?
To help you get an idea of whether raised food and water bowls for dogs are best for your pup, take a look at our handy checklist for the pros and cons of elevated dog feeders…
Pros
Prevents joint pain and discomfort
For large and medium dogs, straining down to floor level can be uncomfortable and even harmful. Serving food in a raised dog bowl for large dogs means your pooch won’t have to bend down excessively to eat and drink. As a result, raised dishes may be the best dog bowls for large dogs.
Remember – dogs will spend a considerable amount of time eating and drinking throughout their lives. Using elevated pet feeders from the outset can help to reduce the risk of developing joint discomfort in the future.
Helps minimize arthritis symptoms
Arthritis isn’t uncommon in older dogs and, just like in humans, it can cause a significant amount of pain and discomfort. In dogs of any size or breed, eating or drinking can exacerbate the symptoms of arthritis. Of course, it isn’t consuming food or water which worsens symptoms; it’s trying to bend down to reach a bowl on the floor.
When you offer food in an extra-large elevated dog feeder or in elevated dog bowls for medium dogs, you may notice that arthritic canines become more interested in mealtimes. With extra height, elevated food bowl for dogs ensure your beloved pet won’t have to struggle to reach food or water, despite any symptoms they may be experiencing.
Easy post-operative feeding
Dogs and cats undergo surgery for a variety of reasons and they often require specific post-operative care. Whilst your pet is recovering from treatment, they may find it difficult to bend down to reach dishes on the floor.
Raised, weighted cat bowls and extra tall dog bowls can be the ideal solution for post-operative feeding and drinking. In accordance with your vet’s instructions, nutrition and hydration should be carefully monitored after any medical intervention. By using extra-large raised dog bowls, you can ensure your pet is eating and drinking well, regardless of any residual discomfort they might be experiencing.
Helps reduce symptoms of megaesophagus
Although megaesophagus isn’t a super rare condition, it can be distressing if waiting for a diagnosis. Megaesophagus occurs when a dog’s oesophagus is enlarged, and limited motility occurs. This means that food doesn’t travel from the throat to the stomach. Instead, it rests in the oesophagus and causes a variety of unpleasant symptoms, such as vomiting.
Switching to elevated dog bowls large and raised bowls for dogs can greatly reduce the symptoms of megaoesophagus. By raising the height of your dog’s feeding station, elevated dog dishes ensure gravity can do its job. This helps food to travel through the oesophagus and reach the dog’s stomach, thus alleviating symptoms caused by megaoesophagus.
If your dog has been diagnosed with any type of digestive condition, ask your vet whether high dog food bowls or a tall dog water bowl could help to minimise their symptoms.
Stops bowl tipping
Whether your pup is eager to get to its dinner or they’re simply mischievous, weighted pet bowls can put a stop to bowl tipping once and for all! Whether you’re using elevated dog bowls for large breeds or no-tip bowls for medium dogs, the added weight and height ensure that dogs can’t upturn their food and water bowls, however much they try!
Easier feeding for humans
Feeding your dog and delivering a constant supply of fresh water is part and parcel of responsible dog ownership. With raised dog feeders for large dogs and an anti-spill water bowl, you can make the process easier, cleaner and more hygienic.
If your dog continually tips their food bowl over or spills water across the floor, you’ll spend a lot of your time cleaning up after them. With weighted pet food bowls and a weighted water bowl, you can take the hassle out of mealtimes.
As well as saving you time and hassle, weighted dog food bowls and elevated pet dishes make it easier to keep things clean. With no spills to clear up, you can ensure feeding stations are kept in tip-top condition.
tall-dog-bowl Cons
Designed specifically with dogs in mind, there are very few cons associated with large raised dog bowls or elevated pet feeders for large dogs. In fact, there’s really only one potential downside that you need to consider.
May not suit fast eaters
Some larger dogs can be prone to a condition known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) complex. Also known as bloat, this occurs when the stomach distends by an abnormal amount and also requires medical treatment. Although GDV is extremely rare, it tends to affect larger breeds when it does occur. Furthermore, large dogs who eat at a quick rate may be most prone to developing bloat.
Whilst eating at an elevated height is typically more comfortable for dogs, it’s important to slow down fast eaters. If you’re concerned that your dog may be at risk of developing GDV, ask your vet what the best type of feeding station is for your pooch. In many cases, a raised dog feeder and with an added anti-gulp mechanism is a great option for dogs who tend to scarf their food and drink.
Choosing the best dog food bowls
With so many advantages associated with extra-large elevated dog bowls and extra-large dog bowl stands it’s not surprising that they’ve become so popular. Suitable for the vast majority of dogs, raised pet feeders and elevated no-spill water bowls can make mealtimes a joy for dogs – and their owners!