Safe feeding: Regular dog bowl vs elevated large dog bowl

Everyone talks about what food you should feed your dog. From deciding between kibble and wet foods to trying out a raw diet, there are many options, and it can be a minefield to navigate them. But, there is something else you also need to consider. You need to choose what type of bowl you use to feed your dog.

Of course, dogs need bowls. But should you be feeding your furry friend from a regular dog bowl or jumping on the trend and using an elevated large dog bowl?

Let’s take a look at the differences between the two bowls.

Regular dog bowls

When we talk about a regular dog bowl, we are simply referring to what most owners use. This bowl sits on the ground, forcing dogs to lean down to get their food or water.

There are some benefits to choosing a regular dog bowl. The design is more affordable, and the bowls are easy to find in pet stores.

For example, if you are adopting a new dog or buying a puppy from a breeder, you have a lot of accessories to purchase before you bring your dog to its forever home. So, a regular dog bowl is a cheaper purchase.

However, there are also some concerns regarding regular dog bowls that owners need to know. Primarily, you need to consider your dog’s comfort if it is a large breed and has to hunch over its bowl.

Those bowls force a big dog to bend its neck, which can be unnatural and uncomfortable. If the dog has arthritis or painful joints, this position can exacerbate their problems. In addition, some studies suggest forcing big dogs to use bowls that sit on the ground can make digestive issues worse.

From an owner’s point of view, regular dog bowls also can be messy. The bowls typically are made of lighter materials, which means they can slide while your dog is eating or drinking. That motion can spill food or water and cause mealtime chaos if you have more than one dog.

Elevated large dog bowl

If you have a big dog, you can consider using an elevated feeder for your dog. As the name suggests, the design lifts your dog’s bowls off the ground and elevates them to the dog’s height.

The design lets your dog eat without having to stretch its neck like it would with regular dog bowls. Of course, this is the major advantage of an elevated feeder.

Elevated large dog bowls are preferable for larger dog breeds because they eliminate strain and discomfort during mealtimes.

Think about it; the bigger the dog, the more it must lean down in an uncomfortable position to eat its food. So, using an elevated feeder makes meals more accessible.

Accommodating aging dogs

If your furry friend has arthritis or is getting older, you want to ensure that you make adjustments to keep them comfortable. 

Using an elevated large dog bowl will make them more comfortable by eliminating the need to stretch to get their food or water. The elevated bowl reduces strain on joints that might already be inflamed and stiff.

A bowl set to your dog’s height offers relief during meals.

Some dogs experience a condition called megaoesophagus. This occurs when the esophagus becomes weak and flaccid, which makes it difficult for dogs to swallow. Some dogs even choke or vomit during meals while trying to eat from their bowls. 

You can make eating easier for your dog by using an elevated large dog bowl. This allows gravity to help your dog swallow its food.

Elevated bowls provide another benefit for you — less mess. Lightweight bowls can slide, letting food and water splash around the kitchen. But elevated feeders are often weighted, which makes them more difficult to move. That means it’s less likely your dog can spill food or water at dinner time.

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