Are you looking for ways to improve your furry friend’s mealtime experience? A raised or elevated dog bowl may be the answer! Our guide provides information on the benefits of elevated dog bowls, the different types available and some handy tips on how to keep your feeding area clean and tidy. With our guide, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision and provide your pet with the comfortable and enjoyable mealtime they deserve!
Best for Messy Eaters
Neater Feeder
a spill-proof design, catches spills and makes feeding easy with its removable components and stainless steel material.”
Best for Travel
IRIS
raised dog bowls with airtight pet food storage container, dry food bin, perfect for on-the-go feeding during road trips
Best for Older Dogs
Vantic
vertical & horizontal adjustable with a non-slip base to help older dogs with mobility issues eat comfortably
Best for Chewers
WeatherTech
stand and mat are made from tough and durable non-toxic plastics that can withstand the most aggressive eaters.
Best for Multiple Pets
BearWood
a three bowl feeding area with sturdy base allowing dogs to eat together without knocking everything onto the floor.
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Neater Feeder
Our choice for best elevated dog bowl for messy dogs is the Neater Feeder. An innovative design features a raised platform with contoured edges to catch and contain spills. Removable stainless steel bowls and trays are dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean and maintain. The stainless steel material is resistant to bacteria buildup, ensuring that your pet’s feeding area stays hygienic and healthy. Overall, the combination of the elevated platform and removable components make it an exceptionally easy-to-clean and practical feeding solution for messy eaters.
Benefits of Elevated Dog Bowls
Benefits of a raised dog bowl can be found for dogs of all ages, but for older dogs it may be essential. The best elevated dog bowls help reduce or eliminate the need for dogs to position their head downward during feeding resulting in your dog swallowing less air. Moreover, dogs suffering from arthritis can feed with reduced pain. Overall, an elevated dog bowl provides a more comfortable and convenient feeding position.
- Posture: An elevated dog bowl allows a dog to eat without leaning down and forward putting stress on an older dogs back and forelegs.
- Reduce Choking: Senior dogs can develop a condition called mega-esophagus or an enlarged, flaccid esophagus. In this disorder the food doesn’t flow to the stomach properly and will stick in the dog’ throat causing them to make choking sounds while they regurgitate the food lodged in the esophagus. An elevated feeding bowl will allow gravity to help get the food down to the stomach.
- Nutrition Needs: Older dogs that suffer from arthritis, stiff muscles and joints can be in pain while eating. This is often caused by having to lean forward and hold their neck down constantly and subsequently they may eat less than required. An elevated dog bowl can reduce the stress on the canine neck, back and shoulders allowing them to feed for a sufficient time to meet their nutritional needs. Raising food and water to their level by using an elevated dog bowl and feeder encourages eating and drinking.
- Cleaner: Elevated dog bowls keep feeding areas cleaner by keeping the food and water in the bowls and not on the floor. Dogs are less likely to drip water on the floor when drinking from an elevated water bowl.
IRIS: Airtight Elevated Pet Feeder
This innovative feeder goes beyond convenience, featuring an airtight storage container with a secure buckle design to keep your pet’s dry food fresh and spill-proof. The lid doubles as bowls, and with two removable stainless-steel bowls, cleaning is a breeze. Each bowl holds a generous two quarts of water or food. Whether you’re at home or on the go, this feeder ensures that your best pal can enjoy their meals without discomfort.
Choosing the Best Elevated Dog Bowl for Your Dog
- Dog Height – Bowl should be no higher than 6 inches below your dog’ front shoulders. (4 inches for very small dogs.)
- Material of Feeding Bowl – Lightweight, rust and rot resistant. If you feed hot food to your dog, stay away from heat conducting metal.
- Construction of the Stand – The stand needs to be sturdy enough for daily use.
- Capacity – This can range from 2 to 16 cups in volume. Consider how much your dog eats at mealtime and figure accordingly.
- Design/Number of Bowls – Do you need a 2 or 3 bowl feeder? Do you have more than one dog that you will feed at one time? Consider your pet’s needs when making your selection.
- Elevated dog bowls vary in price so look for the best quality and a design that fits your budget.
- Read the product details closely. Sometimes stands are sold separately from bowls so verify before purchasing that bowls are included.
Keeping Elevated Feeding Stations Clean
- Clean the feeding station after every use to prevent leftover food and bacteria from accumulating.
- Use a mat underneath the feeding station to catch any spills, protect floors and make cleaning easier.
- Choose a feeding station with removable bowls for easier food preparation and clean up.
- Use a mild soap and warm water to clean the bowls and feeding station, and rinse thoroughly.
- Disinfect the feeding station and bowls regularly using a pet-safe disinfectant.
- Use a toothbrush or small cleaning brush to clean and crevices or hard-to-reach areas.
- Store the feeding station and bowls in a clean and dry area when not in use.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives that could damage the feeding station or bowls.
- Inspect the feeding station and bowls regularly for any signs of wear or damage and replace them as needed to maintain cleanliness and safety.
Vantic: Adjustable Raised Dog Bowls
Our choice for best elevated dog bowl for old dogs is the Vantic adjustable raised dog bowl. The four levels of height adjustment allow you to adjust as your dog grows while also being able to tilt the feeding area to a 15 degree angle to promote better digestion and reducing neck strain. The unique design allows you to raise the height quickly and with no screws required you can also quickly disassemble and store away.
Dog Bowl Materials
One component of an elevated feeding station is the bowl. Bowls are made from many different materials each providing its own benefits. We’ve compared the five most popular materials which will help you find the best elevated dog bowl for your dogs’ mealtime.
- Stainless Steel: Durable, easy to clean, doesn’t hold onto bacteria or odors.
- Ceramic: Comes in a variety of designs and colors, heavier than other materials which can help prevent spills, but more prone to cracking or breaking if dropped.
- Glass: Stylish but requires careful handling during cleaning, may be heavier than other material and come with a higher cost due to being fragile.
- Plastic: Affordable and lightweight, but may not be as easy to clean as other materials and can absorb odors over time.
- Wood: Stylish and can complement home decor, but not as easy to clean as other materials and may be prone to warping or cracking over time.
WeatherTech: Double High Pet Feeding System
This system comprises a thoughtfully designed stand and protective mat, creating an elevated dining solution for your pet. The stand lifts the bowls, promoting a comfortable eating and drinking posture, while the mat, with its raised outer lip, keeps mealtime messes at bay. The unique bowl shape ensures that your dog can enjoy every last bit of food or drop of water without straining their neck.
Elevated Feeding Station Stand Material
You can find raised feeding stands made from various materials that include wood, metal, and plastic, each with its unique features and benefits. By using our best elevated dog bowls guide we hope finding the best option for your dog to be a quick and frustration-free process.
- Wood: The most popular material used for elevated dog bowl stands is wood. Wooden stands are sturdy, durable, and can be customized to fit any home decor. They are also relatively easy to clean and maintain.
- Wrought Iron: Known for their elegant and timeless look. They are durable and heavy, making them ideal for large or active dogs.
- Stainless Steel: Easy to clean, rust-resistant, and hygienic. It is also a good option for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.
- Bamboo: becoming increasingly popular. Bamboo is eco-friendly, sustainable, and lightweight. It is also a durable and water-resistant material.
- Ceramic: Popular due to its stylish and decorative appeal. Ceramic stands come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them a great option for pet owners looking for a unique and personalized stand.
BearWood: Farmhouse 3-bowl Elevated Dog Feeder
Our choice for best elevated dog bowl for multiple pets is the BarWood 3-bowl elevated dog feeder. With multiple dogs eating at the same time, durability of the stand is very important. The heavy base will make sure the stand stays in place during feeding time. The stainless steel bowls fit tightly in place to prevent water leaking onto the floor.
