The raised bowl is often presented as more comfortable for the dog. The reality is more nuanced: it helps some dogs, and for others its value is debated. Here are the guides to decide, and the questions to ask your vet.
What we mean by a raised bowl
It is a bowl placed on a stand, so that the dog eats without lowering their head all the way to the floor. The stand can be fixed or height-adjustable, in wood, metal or ceramic. Some models hold two bowls, one for water, the other for food.
Which dogs it can help
- Older or arthritic dogs. Lowering the head and bending the front legs can be painful with pain in the neck, back or elbows. A slightly higher bowl limits this effort.
- Dogs that struggle to bend down after an injury or an operation, for the length of their recovery, on the vet's advice.
- Some swallowing disorders, for which the vet may recommend a specific eating position. In that case, follow their instructions to the letter.
- Dogs that push their bowl all around the kitchen. A stable stand often solves the problem.
If your dog is older, our guide to the bed for an older or arthritic dog complements this advice, on the rest side.
The point of caution: large deep-chested dogs
Large dogs with a tall, narrow chest (Great Dane, setter, pointer, German Shepherd and so on) are more at risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus. The stomach fills with gas, then can twist on itself. This is a life-threatening emergency.
The link between a raised bowl and this syndrome is debated. Some observations have raised the question of a higher risk, others have not. So we cannot say that a raised bowl protects these dogs, as is sometimes read. If your dog belongs to an at-risk breed, ask your vet's opinion before buying one.
Other precautions are often advised for these dogs: split the daily ration into several meals, avoid intense exercise just before and just after the meal, and slow down dogs that gulp their food. Call the vet as an emergency if your dog has a swollen, hard belly, tries to vomit without managing to, drools heavily or is restless for no reason.
For a healthy adult dog
A healthy adult dog eats very well from a bowl on the floor. It is their natural posture. A raised bowl is then mostly a matter of your preference: a cleaner floor, a bowl that no longer slides, a tidier feeding corner.
Choosing well
The height
Your dog must be able to eat with the head slightly lowered, without stretching the neck upwards or bending sharply. A guide often given: measure your dog standing, from the floor to the bottom of their chest, and aim for a bowl at about that height. Then watch them for a few meals, and adjust. An adjustable stand follows a growing puppy or an ageing dog.
Water too
An older or arthritic dog drinks several times a day. A water bowl at the same height as their food bowl saves them from bending down each time. Change the water and wash the bowl every day.
Stability
The stand must neither tip nor slide. A wide base or non-slip feet prevent spills, especially with an enthusiastic dog.
Materials
Prefer bowls in stainless steel or glazed ceramic. They wash easily and hold smells less than plastic. Wash them every day, like your own dishes.
Where to put the feeding corner
- In a quiet place, away from busy routes, so that they eat without being disturbed.
- At a distance from their bed: it is cleaner for both.
- On a floor that is easy to clean, or on a washable mat.
- With fresh water always accessible, even if the food bowl is put away between meals.
We do not offer a bowl at the moment. For their resting corner, you will find our beds in the dog collection.
In short
- Useful for some older, arthritic or recovering dogs.
- For large deep-chested dogs, the subject is debated: ask your vet's opinion.
- Swollen belly, efforts to vomit with no result: this is an emergency.
- Choose a height that keeps the head slightly lowered, a stable stand and bowls that are easy to wash.