Elevated feeders for dogs: The benefits of raised dog bowls

Updated 03/09/2024

Elevated feeders for dogs have a range of benefits for all types of furry feeders. From fussy pups who won’t eat their food, to our living trash cans that inhale their daily dinner, to those elder doggos who need some extra support, raised dog bowls can make everyone's life a little easier.

Let’s find out a bit more about the world of elevated dog feeders and how they can be helpful to your hound and your home. Ring that dinner bell, it’s time to serve up some facts!

What are elevated feeders for dogs?

It does what it says on the tin! An elevated dog feeder is basically a dog food bowl stand, a small, raised stand that lifts your pup’s food and water bowls off ground level. These come in a variety of sizes, styles, and prices to suit your pup's needs and bone structure. Some can be as basic as a wireframe, while others will look like something from a Modern Art Museum. The design preference is yours, but the need should be talked about with your vet beforehand.

While raised dog bowls have been about for a while, they have begun to weave their way back into doggo feeding areas. So, what are the benefits of a raised dog feeder?

How raised dog bowls are beneficial to dogs

They’re a slow dog feed bowl option

For some pups, dinnertime is also a chance to show off how quickly they can finish their food. A few are so determined to beat their high score record that they hardly even chew. If this sounds familiar, you’ve probably heard or seen slow dog feed bowl options. These are essentially puzzle feeders designed to help your pooch take their time to eat. Raised dog bowls can also help with this.

As an elevated dog bowl straightens out their posture out a pup’s posture (yes, pups have posture too, you know) it helps reduce their reflex in gulping down their food. Of course, this won’t work for all doggos, but it could be something to discuss with your vet.

Great for older dogs or pups with joint pain

As pups age their risk of developing joint pain or arthritis increases, particularly in big breeds like Labradors, Goldies, and German Shepherds. Having raised food and water bowls can make feeding time a lot easier for these pooches as it’s further for them to reach. Doggos who suffer from back problems or have had recent spinal surgery will also find a raised dog bowl much more comfortable to eat from.

It’s easier to keep the food and drink area clean

Yes, this may sound like a silly benefit, but keeping a clean eating area is just as important for your pup as it is for your cleaning schedule. Many pups struggle with table manners and believe licking counts as washing up. With a raised dog bowl it’s much easier to keep the mess contained while being able to hoover and mop underneath it.

For pet parents with back problems or joint issues, this can also help you during feeding times. It’s not as far down to bend and the stands offer additional purchase or grip. 

Possible issues with elevated dog feeder

Increased risk of bloating and gastric dilation volvulus

While some pet parents will consider elevated dog bowls the very best when it comes to feeding time, it's im-paw-tant to point out some possible flaws. The biggest issue is gastric dilation volvulus also called bloat.

Back in 2017, the University of Edinburgh published research on how beneficial raised dog bowls are. After studying nearly 3000 dogs over five years, they found a correlation between increased cases of bloat, especially in very large breed dogs. This did depend on the height of the bowl and the size of the dog though. Gastric dilation volvulus is a relatively common illness in pups but one that can be dangerous. This is why you should always talk to your vet before introducing an elevated dog bowl into your pooch’s home.

Might be a big stretch for little dogs

That makes sense, right? A small dog with little legs and a tiny neck isn’t going to benefit from an elevated dog bowl when floor-level feeders are already a stretch. Teacup teddies, compact Chiuahahas, and miniature mutts might struggle to reach even the shortest of dog bowls, so make sure you find something made for measure.

Elevated bowls for dogs aren’t necessarily designed for pint-sized pooches, though they do exist because the Internet exists. Again, talk to your vet first, and see what they recommend before you decide to splash out on a fancy new raised dog feeder.

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

Remember, always talk to your vet first before changing anything to your pooch’s routine. For our Standard and Premium members, you have access to our 24/7 Vet Advice Line if you’re ever worried about the risk of bloat or other issues. Not a member yet? You can still be a part of our Community Forum - connect with other pup parents and find out what they think of elevated dog feeders.