Raised feeders are a very good option for feeding our dog. For sale you will find different models to choose from, but, if you have not yet decided to get one, in this article on our site we explain all the benefits of tall dog bowlsIn addition, we give you the guidelines to choose the most appropriate according to the characteristics of your dog. At the end you will find, finally, ideas so you can make a fully personalized high feeder at home.
Keep reading and discover with us why elevated dog bowls are a good option and how to make a homemade one.
Advantages of raising the dog bowl
The first point that can make us opt for a raised feeder for our dog is he alth. A feeder of this type does not force the dog to lower his headto the ground to feed, allowing him to maintain a more comfortable and physiological position while he swallows. This aspect is especially important for those specimens that suffer from mobility problems. An example is arthritis, more common in older dogs, or cervical disorders. These dogs will appreciate not having to lower their heads to the ground. On the other hand, if our dog has been diagnosed with megaesophagus, a high feeder is part of the treatment and will be recommended by the vet This pathology affects the functionality of the esophagus and dogs benefit from eating without having to lower their heads, which helps food reach the stomach, making regurgitation difficult. For more details, see our article on "How to feed a dog with megaesophagus?"
If you pay attention to how the dog's posture varies when eating on the ground compared to the position in front of an elevated feeder, the difference can be understood. A good posture at the time of eating favors the entire digestive process. Of course, as it is easier to eat, high feeders are not the best option for specimens that eat too eagerly or quickly. In this sense, see what to do if your dog is obsessed with food in this other article. On the other hand, if your dog is a puppy, raising the feeder prevents him from sticking his paws into it and ending up dirtying the food or staining everything; it also prevents you from sliding it around the house.
Finally, when evaluating the benefits of high feeders for dogs, it is necessary to assess hygiene By not being in contact directly with the ground, there is less chance of dust, hair or other dirt falling on them. They also help keep the feeding area clean. The dog that eats up high tends to stain less.
Ideal Dog Bowl Height
To make the most of the benefits of tall dog bowls, it is important to consider the height. Logically, this will differ depending on the size of our dog. Ideally, this should be enough so that the dog does not have to bend down to eat. You can reference the height of your elbow, which should roughly coincide with the bottom of the feeder. Another calculation can be made by measuring the dog from the ground to the shoulder blades and subtracting about 15 cm. In any case, if you have doubts about the exact measurement, choose a height-adjustable feeder. In this way, you can adapt it to the size of your dog. These adjustable feeders are also a good option if the dog is still a puppy, since the adjustable feeder will be able to grow with him.
How to choose the best tall dog bowl?
As there is not just one perfect elevated feeder, but rather the ideal one for each dog based on its characteristics, it is worth paying attention to certain details that will make the difference when making our choice. The size of the bowl and the height are the first important aspects, since they must be adapted to the dimensions of the dog so that it can feed comfortably. The larger, the less chance of food falling on the floor.
Also look at the materials and opt for the most hygienic, resistant and easy to clean. Plastic is not recommended because some specimens can cause allergic contact dermatitis. In addition, it absorbs odors and degrades over time. The stainless steel, on the other hand, is a very good option, resistant and easy to clean. Ceramic or Glass are fine, but easy to break.
On the other hand, there are many elevated feeders for dogs that include a container for food and another for water on the same support. Make sure they can be removed for better hygiene. Having these two feeders next to each other is not always a good idea. It is normal for dogs to drip when drinking, and if the water falls on dry food it can moisten it, which makes it a product that will spoil easily if the dog does not eat its entire ration quickly or is used to always having it on demand.
Finally, as there are several models, for example, the support ones on which the bowls are hung or the tray type with legs, in addition to attending to the benefits of high dog feeders, they also you can be guided by your personal taste or even by the decoration of your home.
How to make a raised dog bowl?
Don't think you need a big investment to reap the benefits of tall dog bowls. If you like crafts or DIY, you can make your own raised feeder at home and, also, personalized. In order not to complicate yourself you can look for a ready-made support, such as, for example, the typical one for pots or any stool or table that adapts to the height your dog needs. You will only have to buy a feeder of your liking that fits. If you choose the simplest option, which is the planter stand, you will only have to place it on the ring. On the contrary, if you have the smooth surface of, for example, a small table, you will have to support the feeder on it by the narrowest part and draw its outline to cut out the circle and be able to fit the feeder.
Another option is to build the stand yourself, eg out of wood. In any case, you always have the possibility to personalize it by painting or decorating it to your liking, for example, with the dog's name or a design that you like. Of course, always use natural, non-toxic and washable paints or varnishes. In this video we show you the steps to follow.
