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Elevated Dog Bowls: Benefits, Bloat Risk and the Right Height
Elevated dog bowls have gone from niche to everywhere. They look tidy, they keep food off the floor and many owners say their dogs eat more comfortably. But you've probably also heard that raised bowls can cause bloat. So which is it?
Here's what the research actually says, who benefits from an elevated feeder and how to pick the right height for your dog.
What Is an Elevated Dog Bowl?
An elevated dog bowl, also called a raised dog bowl or raised feeder, holds the food and water bowls off the floor in a stand. Stands range from a couple of inches high for toy breeds to well over a foot for giant breeds. Some hold a single bowl. Others hold two side by side for food and water.
Benefits of Elevated Dog Bowls
- Less bending for stiff dogs: Dogs with arthritis, neck pain or back problems may find it more comfortable to eat without lowering their head all the way to the floor.
- Easier for some large dogs: Tall dogs don't have to crouch or splay their front legs to reach a floor bowl.
- A tidier feeding area: A stand keeps bowls from sliding across the floor and helps contain spills, especially with a mat underneath.
- Cleaner bowls: Bowls held off the floor pick up less dust and debris.
- Better-looking kitchens: A well-made wood stand looks like part of your home instead of a pet supply.
Do Elevated Dog Bowls Cause Bloat?
Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is a life-threatening emergency in which the stomach fills with gas and can twist. It's most common in large, deep-chested breeds such as Great Danes, Standard Poodles, German Shepherds and Weimaraners.
For years, raised bowls were recommended to prevent bloat. Research has not supported that. A review published in Veterinary Evidence found only two relevant studies, by Glickman and colleagues (2000) and Pipan and colleagues (2012), and their results conflicted. Only one found a significant link between feeder height and GDV in large and giant breeds.
The review's bottom line: there's no evidence that raised feeders protect against bloat. Because of that, it suggests owners of at-risk breeds consider feeding from the floor.
What this means for you: If you have a large, deep-chested breed or a dog with a history of bloat, talk to your veterinarian before switching to an elevated feeder. For small and medium dogs, and for dogs with joint or neck discomfort, an elevated bowl can be a comfortable choice. Your vet can help you weigh the benefits for your dog.
How High Should a Dog Bowl Be?
A common guideline is to set the top of the bowl roughly level with the bottom of your dog's chest, so they can eat with their head slightly lowered and without stretching up. To find the right height:
- Have your dog stand square on a level floor.
- Measure from the floor to the lowest point of the chest, just behind the front legs.
- Choose a feeder whose bowl rim sits at or slightly below that measurement.
Your dog shouldn't have to reach up or stretch the neck forward to eat. If your vet has suggested a specific height for a medical reason, follow that.
What to Look for in a Raised Dog Feeder
A Stable Base
The stand shouldn't tip or slide when your dog pushes into the bowl. A wide, solid base works best.
Safe, Easy-to-Clean Bowls
Lead-free ceramic and stainless steel are both easy to clean. Dishwasher-safe bowls make daily washing simple.
The Right Bowl Size
Match the bowl capacity to your dog's meals. A bowl that's too small overflows, and one that's too large makes portions hard to judge.
Single or Double
A double feeder keeps food and water together. A single feeder works if you prefer to place water elsewhere, or you can pair two singles.
Materials That Handle Spills
Water-resistant wood or bamboo stands look good and wipe clean. Add a washable mat underneath to protect your floor.
Our Picks: Bowsers Artisan Wood Feeders
Bowsers Artisan feeders pair a handcrafted wood stand with lead-free, dishwasher-safe ceramic bowls. Each comes as a single or double feeder in four sizes, from extra small for cats and toy breeds up to large, and you can add more feeders as your household grows. Check the size chart on each product page to match the height and bowl capacity to your dog.
- Bowsers Walnut Artisan Wood Feeder: a rich walnut finish on water-repellent rubberwood that suits darker floors and modern kitchens.
- Bowsers Fossil Artisan Wood Feeder: a rustic, weathered fossil finish for farmhouse and neutral spaces.
- Bowsers Bamboo Artisan Wood Feeder: a light, natural bamboo finish for bright, airy rooms.
Need an extra or replacement bowl? The Bowsers Artisan Ceramic Bowl is handcrafted, lead-free and dishwasher safe, in sizes holding from 3/4 cup to 8 3/4 cups. To protect your floor, set the feeder on the Bowsers Gourmet Placemat, which has a non-skid recycled rubber back and goes in the washing machine.
See all our options in the dog bowls and feeders collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are elevated dog bowls good for dogs?
They can be, especially for dogs with arthritis, neck or back pain, and for some tall dogs. For large, deep-chested breeds at risk of bloat, ask your vet first, because research hasn't shown raised bowls prevent bloat.
Do vets recommend raised dog bowls?
Vets may recommend them for dogs with orthopedic problems or certain medical conditions. They no longer routinely recommend them to prevent bloat, because the evidence doesn't support it.
How do I know what size elevated bowl to get?
Measure from the floor to the bottom of your dog's chest while they stand, and choose a feeder with the bowl rim at or slightly below that height. Then match the bowl capacity to your dog's meal size.
Are ceramic dog bowls safe?
Lead-free ceramic bowls are a safe, easy-to-clean choice. Replace any ceramic bowl that chips or cracks, since cracks can harbor bacteria.
The Bottom Line
Elevated dog bowls can make mealtime more comfortable and keep your feeding area neat, but they aren't a bloat cure. Measure your dog, choose a stable feeder with safe bowls, and check with your vet if you have a large, deep-chested breed.
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