Let’s face it, most pet owners consider their dog part of the family. I know I do. So now might be the time to remove those dog bowls from the floor and offer our dogs elevated dog bowls. There are many benefits provided to your dog from them eating out of elevated dog bowls.
Older dogs and large dogs have a hard time reaching bowls on the floor
I am going to provide you a review of the best elevated dog bowls and the benefits of elevated dog bowls, along what you should look for with elevated dog bowls. Let’s look at the best elevated dog bowls first. Here are my top 5 best elevated dog bowls.
Table of Contents
Petfusion Elevated Pet Feeder – Works From Small To Large Dog
Metallic gray finish that will look good with all styles. Anodized aluminum which is more corrosion resistant than most grades of stainless steel. Color infused to prevent chipping. Long lasting, lightweight and easy to clean
Available in 2 sizes. Short, which is ideal for small dogs or cats. Measuring 17.3 x 10.4 x 4″ high. Tall for medium to large dogs. Measuring 21.5 x 13.8 x 8″ high.
Short, size comes with 3 bowls included made of U.S. food grade stainless steel. Two bowls sized for 3 cups each and 1 shallow bowl 13 ounces in size.
Tall size come with 2 U.S. food grade stainless steel bowls.
Anti-slip feet and bowl insets.
Pet owners that have purchased this product are overwhelmingly happy with the product. 84% of the people who have purchased this product rate it at 5 stars out of 5 stars. Although it is a bit expensive, especially for large dogs, all felt that it is well worth the purchase price.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $$$
Pros:
- Anti-slip feet
- Fully assembled
- 12 month warranty
Cons:
- Not Adjustable
Neater Feeder Deluxe – For The Messy Eater
If you have a messy eater, this is the elevated dog feeder for you. It will protect the walls, holds spilled food on upper reservoir while spilled water flows down a gentle slope through a filtering system and drains into a lower reservoir for emptying at a later time. It keeps water and food off the floor.
It is kick proof and spill proof.
Available in small, medium and large. Colors available are bronze, camo green, cappuccino, cranberry, gunmetal grey, and midnight black to match any decor style you have.
Small size measures 14″ x 9″ x 6″, Medium measures 18″ x 11″ x 10″ and large measures 21″ x 13″ x 14.5″.
Small fits a shoulder height up to 9″ high, medium shoulder height of 9 – 14″, and large over 14″ shoulder height.
Available to purchase extensions for each of the sizes if you need a bit more height.
Small size includes one 1.5 cup bowl for food and 2.2 cup bowl for water. Medium size includes one 3.5 cup bowl for food and one 5 cup bowl for water. Large size includes one 7 cup bowl for food and one 9 cup bowl for water. All bowls are stainless steel.
Pet owners who have purchased this product love it. 82% that have purchased the Neater Feeder Deluxe have rated it 5 stars out of 5 stars. They love how before their messy eaters and drinkers would slobber all over the floor, and now their floors stay clean. If you have a messy eater and drinker, this is the feeder for you.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $$$
Pros:
- Kick Proof
- Spill Proof
- 3 Sizes
- 6 Colors
- Non-skid Pads
- Made In U.S.A.
Cons:
- None
IRIS USA Elevated Feeder With Airtight Storage
This elevated feeder gives you the convenience of an elevated feeder with airtight storage below. One product that can do two jobs for you. I do want to caution you, that if you are going with this model, it is best to keep your dog food in the original bag and place the entire bag in the storage container. Here are best practices for storing dry dog food to keep the food fresh and your dog healthy.
This feeder provides airtight seals and snap-lock latches that will keep dry dog food fresh and pests out.
Includes 2 stainless steel bowls that are removable for easy cleaning.
Available in small, medium and large sizes. The small size is 17.36″ x 9.41″ x 5.94″ high and will able to store 5 pounds of dry dog food. The medium size measures 19.57″ x 10.31″ x 8.97″ high and stores 13 pounds of dry dog food. Bowls will hold up to 1 quart. The large size measures 21.53″ x 14.29″ x 15.04″ high and stores 47 pounds of dry dog food. The bowls hold 2 quarts each.
Available in 3 colors: Almond/Clear, Black/Smoke, and Green/Clear.
Great for indoors, outdoors, camping or traveling. Bowls and storage of food all in one place.
Pet owners who own this product have generally been happy with the product. 77% of the people that have reviewed it have given it 5 stars. If you have a dog that gets water all over, you will have to remove the bowls to clean up the mess.
Rating: 4 Stars
Price: $$
Pros:
- Rubberized Feet
- Great For Traveling
- 1 Product For Storage And Feeding
- Saves Space
Cons:
- No Adustable Height
- A Bit Bulky, Not Much Style
- Snap Lock Latches Are A Bit Flimsy
Petsfit Wooden Elevated Dog Feeder
The Petsfit Wooden Feeder looks like a piece of furniture in a dark Espresso color. It is wooden and weighs over 5 pounds, preventing strong dogs from tipping it over or moving it around.
It has a wooden border around the top to prevent dogs from making a mess on your floor. Feeder is available in 3 sizes. The smaller size is perfect for medium-sized dogs measuring 21″ x 10″ x 10″. The larger size measures 21″ x 12″ x 15″. They also have an adjustable model available that will work great from puppy size to adult size.
The adjustable model measures 21″ x 12.5″ x 18.5″ You can adjust the height at 5.5″, 9.5″ or 15″ as your dog grows. This model is also great because it has high sides and back panel to help reduce the mess on the floor.
Includes 2 stainless steel bowls that are removable for easy cleaning. The smaller model and the adjustable model has bowls with a diameter of 6.2″ and fits 3.5 cups. The larger model has a diameter of 7.8″ and fits .4 gallons.
The feedback on this product is fairly positive. 56% of the owners rated it 5 stars out of 5 stars. There were some lower ratings due to it needing to be assembled. Also, you would need to apply a water resistant finish to protect the wood.
Rating: 4 Stars
Price: $$$
Pros:
- Adjustable Model
- Attractive
Cons:
- Assembly Required
- No Stain/Not Water Resistant Finish
Pet Zone Designer Elevated Feeder
The height is adjustable from 2.75″ to 8″ to 12″ tall and is collapsible for easy storage or for taking along when you are traveling.
There is some assembly needed, but all have reported that it is very easy to assemble and it includes an Allen wrench to get the job done. Instructions are not included on how to assemble, but it is easy and straight forward.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Price: $
Pros:
- Low Price
- Adjustable Height
Cons:
- Assembly Required
Benefits Of Elevated Dog Bowls
Elevated dog bowls can be of great benefit for arthritic dogs, dogs with hip dysplasia, and particularly older dogs that have medical conditions. You might start noticing an older dog having problems getting up off the floor or getting down to the floor. You might hear more of a thump when they go down, since they aren’t as agile as they once were. Their joints are stiff and they aren’t able to stretch down like they once could.
Elevated dog bowls have great benefits for large dogs and older dogs
An elevated dog bowl will reduce pressure on their necks and joints, and this is a real problem with older dogs and large breed dogs needing help.
Raised bowls provide a more natural posture, which promotes healthy digestion.
Elevated dog bowls help with better digestion, because the angle that they are eating is more natural. Dogs that gulp their food when eating from floor level can take in air which can lead to digestive issues, excessive gas, indigestion and vomiting. This will be reduced at a raised level.
You might also want to consider getting a slow feeder bowl if you have a dog that gulps his food down. These generally have protrusions on the bottom of the bowls that will make your dog slow down when eating.
Dogs that suffer from laryngeal paralysis will greatly benefit from eating from raised bowls. A dog with this condition already have a harder time breathing and can have a very hard time eating without choking. I have a dog with this condition, and there were great improvements with him not choking when eating once I raised his bowls up. This came as a recommendation from my veterinarian.
Elevated dog bowls will stay cleaner with less dirt and bacteria in the bowls.
If you have an enthusiastic eater that moves his bowl half-way across the kitchen floor when eating, switching them to elevated dog bowls will eliminate that issue.
Your dog’s eating area will remain more clean. With elevated dog bowls, more water and food will stay in the bowls instead of all over the floor.
Dog Bloat And Elevated Dog Bowls
There has been many debates as to if elevating your dog’s bowls will help prevent dog bloat, or if it increases the chance of dog bloat. I have to say, the results on this issue are still out. There are arguments on both sides and a final decision has not been reached.
If you have a dog that runs a higher risk of getting dog bloat, it would be best to speak with your veterinarian first, before switching your dog to an elevated feeder, to see what their thoughts are about your dog.
If you want a better understanding of dog bloat or risk factors to dog bloat, you can read the linked article.
What To Look For In Elevated Dog Bowls
Adjustable Height – Some models allow you to adjust the height, which can be beneficial for a growing dog.
Stable – You don’t want a feeder that is easy to knock over or move. That will create a mess on your floor. Choose a feeder that has non-slip feet.
Cleanliness – Make sure you are able to remove the bowls for washing. Stainless steel bowls and dishwasher safe bowls will help to reduce the risk of bacteria growth. The stand should be easy to clean as well. If you choose a wood stand, make sure it is sealed with waterproof sealant, or apply a waterproof sealant yourself. This will eliminate water and food particles from damaging the wood.
Bowl Size – Shallow bowls work best for snub nose dogs and deeper bowls are best for larger dogs or dogs with long noses.
Avoid Plastic Bowls – These can become scratched which will allow bacteria to form over time. Ceramic bowls are easy to break, creating another safety issue. Stainless steel bowls are best.
Style – With so many options available, you will want to find a feeder that matches your home. This will have no added function for your dog, but it might look better.
Measure your dog to get the correct height of elevated dog bowls
Proper Height – Your dog’s elevated feeder should stand 4-6″ below your dog’s shoulder. If the height is too low, there is no benefit you are providing your dog. If the height is too high, you are adding strain on their neck and joints.
Measure your dog from the floor to the front of their shoulders. Subtract 7″ and that is the height the feeder should be for your dog.
Summary
When it comes to picking out the right elevated feeder for your dog and your home, there are many to choose from. I have provided you with what I feel are the best elevated dog bowls based on price, features, reviews and durability. One of these should be able to fit most dogs and homes.
You should be able to see the benefits of elevated dog bowls, now you just need to figure out which style is best for your dog.
In a pinch, even this can help your dog, but you will still have the mess
It is important to get a proper fitting elevated feeder for your dog, not only on the height but also the bowl size that is available. If you get the right size, I believe you will notice your dog having an easier time eating and drinking, and a cleaner eating area.
Since I switched my dog to an elevated feeder, my floors are much drier. No longer is he tripping water everywhere, where before there always seemed to be a pool of water around the bowls
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Some of the links within this post are affiliate links of which I might receive a small compensation from sales of certain items.
Thank you for the very informative arcticle. I have had several dogs over my life and wish I had provided an elevated feeding system for them. I am going to do this with my next dog with out question.
Glad you found the article valuable. I have added elevated dog bowls for my dog and it has made a big difference since he is getting older and was having problems getting down to his bowls. There are very helpful for older and larger dogs.