Make mealtimes more enjoyable, and safer, for your dog by using an elevated dog bowl - especially if you own a large or giant breed dog, or a long-necked breed (such as a Greyhound).
Why? Because raised dog feeders like this make mealtimes more enjoyable, and safer, for your dog.
Here are just a few of the benefits of feeding your dog this way:
Alleviates stress on bones and joints. Particularly on the pasterns (lower joint in front legs), shoulders and hips
Helps to reduce the wear-and-tear on joints which can lead to degenerative conditions such as canine arthritis
Makes digestion easier for your dog as his food will have a more straightforward passage into his tummy and he'll swallow less air as he eats
May help to reduce the risk of canine bloat in large, deep chested breeds or those who are predisposed to this condition. Note: There are also studies that suggest feeding a dog who has a family history of bloat, or who has experienced this condition previously, in elevated bowls may actually increase the risks. So a lot depends on the individual dog.
Elevated dog food bowls are recommended for dogs who suffer from esophagus problems such as Megaesophagus, or dogs with acid reflux and other digestive problems.
If you're looking to buy an elevated dog bowl for your big dog, check out the reviews below first, then visit my Choosing The Best Elevated Dog Bowls page where I feature many more of the best designs available.
Choosing wisely will mean better value for money and a happy dog too!
Elevated Dog Bowl Reviews....
'Our Pets' Big Dog Feeder - 16" High
'Our Pets' Big Dog Feeder is a fairly 'basic' style of elevated dog food bowl, but it's also one of the most popular choices.
There are two stainless steel bowls (each holds 4qts. or 16 cups.. these are huge!) set in a sturdy and durable, yet lightweight, plastic frame.
The top of the feeder is 16" high, and this model is especially designed for large dogs who are over 19" tall at the shoulders and weighs over 50lbs or more. Overall dimensions are 28"L x 14"W x 16"H.
It's in the mid-range when it comes to price and you'll find they can vary from store to store. Generally you'll find it online for anywhere between $40.00 and $50.00 (maybe even a little lower from time to time). It's excellent value for money and will last for years.
You'll be hard pushed to find any negative reviews of this elevated dog bowl design and it definitely deserves serious consideration!
Pro's
Stainless steel bowls are hygienic and easy to keep clean (dishwasher safe). Smooth plastic frame is also easy to wash, or wipe down with warm, soapy water
The special 'spill ridge' that's built into the top of this raised dog feeder helps to keeps food and water off the floor
Lightweight yet sturdy design makes it easy to move around, but if you want a little bit of extra weight (useful if your big dog likes to push his food bowls around the floor!), you can fill the hollow legs with gravel, rocks, cat litter, sand etc.
Excellent value for money. The simple design and quality construction results in a product that will 'go the distance' and provide years of use
Con's
Big dogs can be 'splashy' and 'slobbery' when they drink! When this happens water can leak under the bowls. It's simple to remove the bowl and wipe out the plastic depression daily... but if you forget it can get a bit yukky!
The fact that it's fairly lightweight can mean food/water gets spilled if you have a big, clumsy pup or a dog who gets over-excited at mealtimes. Filling the legs really helps with this though
The bowls really are XL, so it's easy to overfeed your dog! Measure out his food rather than filling the bowl
Overview
Definitely a great pick for large and extra-large breeds if you're looking for a reasonably priced, practical, sturdy and long-lasting elevated dog feeder.
You'll be hard pushed to find any negative reviews of this product and it deserves serious consideration!
Double Diner Elevated Dog Bowls is a design featuring two stainless steel bowls set in a stainless steel frame with a light, airy design and rubber-tipped legs.
The chrome-plated frame is reinforced and vinyl coated, so it's strong yet lightweight, rustproof and easy to clean.
The stainless steel dishes are easy to keep clean too and fully dishwasher safe.
The heavy-duty bowls hold 2qts or 8 cups.
Overall dimensions on this model are 17"L x 12"H.
This elevated feeder comes in a range of sizes including
9" high with 1qt (4 cup) bowls and 18" high with 5qt. (20 cups) bowls.
At the lower end of the price spectrum, the 12" version can generally be found for between $23 and $30 online. Prices may vary.
Pro's
Both bowls and stand are very easy to keep clean
Lightweight but sturdy construction that's attractive and practical
Available in a range of sizes to keep multi-dog kitchens looking stylish and 'in-sync' - plus you can just buy the next size up as your pup grows!
Con's
If you have a big, heavy dog he may be able to knock this over, or unbalance the bowls
There's no flat surface around the bowls to catch stray pieces of kibble, or slobbery splashing
Overview
An attractive, hygienic and versatile elevated dog bowl design. Excellent value for money and there's an option to fit most dog breeds/sizes.
Stainless steel bowls fit into the top which is made from ultra-dense hardboard with a polished veneer finish. Fully adjustable solid metal legs with non-skid feet. Available in black, cherry or oak finish.
It comes in four different sizes, and all but the smallest one can be quickly and easily adjusted to multiple heights. This feature makes these raised dog bowls great for growing puppies, or for dogs who aren't used to having their bowls above floor-level and may need a get used to it gradually - one notch at a time!
The bowls can be popped in the dishwasher daily and stainless steel is the most hygienic option for dog bowls. The polished top is easy and quick to wipe clean too.
Available sizes (measured according to bowl size):
1 Pint: 14.5"L x 8.23"W x 2.6"H this size is NOT adjustable
1 Qt (4 Cups): 17"L x 9.5"H adjusts to between 5" and 7" tall
2 Qt (8 Cups): 20.5"L x 11"H adjusts to between 8" and 12" tall
3 Qt (12 Cups): 24.5"L x 13"H adjusts to between 11" and 18" tall
Again these elevated dog bowls are towards the lower end of the price spectrum.
The smallest size starts at around $20 and the largest around $50 (although I've seen it lower). Again, remember prices can vary a LOT from store to store, online or off, but it's so much easier to comparison shop with your mouse!
Pro's
The attractive design and 3 colors/finishes means that this elevated dog bowl can easily be matched to your kitchen decor.
It's easy to make sure your dog has his bowls at exactly the height he wants due to the easily adjustable legs.
Stainless steel bowls and wipe-clean surface make it hygienic and practical
Con's
The bowls aren't a really tight fit and may move around a little
There's no 'spill ridge' or groove to catch run-away kibble or water drips
Although the design is generally sturdy, when the legs are extended fully it may wobble a little (particularly the larger sizes)
Overview
A good looking product that's practical and extremely versatile. There's a size to suit most sizes and/or breeds of dog. Very reasonably priced.