Do Large Breed Dogs Need Raised Bowls? 5 Pros & 1 Con

I applaud you for wanting what’s best for your furry companion, it shows you’re a responsible pet owner, and I like that about you! So let’s discover the answer to the question, do large breed dogs need raised feeding bowls?

Raised dog-food bowls can ease the strain on a dog’s neck and make mealtime more comfortable for dogs that have joint issues for certain sized dog breeds. However, raised bowls can be a hindrance to some large (or giant) dog breeds, and can even be dangerous…According to the experts. Today we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of using a raised bowl for your dog.

I’ve compiled the most expert and up-to-date information and will present it all right here, in one convenient location so that you can decide exactly what’s best for your big dog! This information was sourced from sites like Pet Md, the American Kennel Club, Vet Info, and big dog owners across the country.

If you’re wondering, I do not utilize raised food and water bowls for my own big dog.

Welcome to the Big Dog Den, I’m glad you’re here!

In this article, you’ll discover:

• The Possible Risk of Raised Bowls for Certain Dog Breeds
• The Pros and Con of Raised Dog-Food and Water Bowls
• Which Raised Bowl(s) is Right for Your Dog
• Different Raised Bowl Styles
• Tips for Safely Feeding Your big Dog

…And So Much More!! We’ve got a lot of great information to sort through, so let’s get started with the most important factor…

Are Raised Dog Food Bowls Dangerous for Large Breed Dogs?

(The One Con?)

Some studies have shown that using a raised dog-food bowl poses a risk to some big dogs. Certain large-breed dogs are predisposed to bloat.  Most veterinarians believe that using raised dog-food bowls for these breeds may promote bloat because the dog swallows more air when eating from a raised bowl than when eating with their head down like dogs were “designed” to eat.

The medical term for this bloat is Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV). Bloat is a serious, and even life-threatening condition, in which the dog swallows too much air, or even too much water, as he (or she) eats. Bloat can also be caused by certain ingredients in certain dog-foods, an under-laying medical condition, or by eating “gassy” foods designed for humans.  Read more in this study by Dr. Glickman.  (Source)

 Dog Breeds at Risk for Bloat:

Dog breeds that are deep-chested (having a large, broad chest) are the breeds that have a higher risk of developing bloat.  Read more in this study by The Institute of Canine Biology (Source).

These breeds include:

• Great Dane
• Saint Bernard
• Weimaraner
• Irish or Gordon Setter
• Standard Poodle
• Doberman Pinscher
• Sheep Dog

Please Note: The above list is not exhaustive. It is simply to give you the general idea of the size and shaped breeds that are at a higher risk for developing bloat than other breeds.

If your dog is one of the breeds mentioned or has a deep chest as defined above, using a raised dog-bowl is not recommended, according to these studies.

Should you decide you do want to use raised bowls for feeding and watering your big dog for whatever reason (and you’re certainly allowed to make that decision!) then the platform for the bowls should be no higher than your dog’s knees.

I would be remiss not to mention that not all veterinaries and/or experts in the canine field agree with the above theory of raised food-bowls causing bloat. I want you to have ALL the information, so you can make the absolute best choice for your big dog.

There’s another study that suggests just the opposite, stating that raised dog-food bowls can actually prevent bloat! Read more in this study from the Institute (Source)  This study claims that raised bowls in and of themselves aren’t the issue in regards to bloat, but rather the ratio of your dog’s height to the height of the raised bowls.

Whenever there is conflicting medical evidence, the absolute best thing for you to do is ask your dog’s veterinarian what he (or she) recommends for your dog’s unique needs. They ask why.

INTERESTING FACT: Male dogs are more susceptible to bloat than female dogs!

5 Pros of Raised Dog Food Bowls

Raised bowls to offer some attractive benefits to dogs and their owners, alike.

5 Pros of Using Raised Dog-Food Bowls Are:

1. Less Neck Strain: As most dogs begin to age,  joint inflammation and pain can develop, making eating and drinking a challenge. Raised food and water bowls can make mealtimes much less strenuous.
2. Helpful After Surgeries or Other Medical Procedures: There are many medical procedures and surgeries that can limit your dog’s mobility during the recuperation period. Ask your dog’s veterinarian when scheduling any medical procedure if raised bowls will make recovery more comfortable for the dog!
3. Less Mess: Many raised platforms for food and water bowls have a nice surface size that will catch any mess your dog may make when eating, offering you easier clean-ups than constantly sweeping and mopping the floor.  Some raised bowl serving centers even have storage underneath to stow your dog’s food away! Additionally, raised dog bowls can help eliminate spilled bowls, saving you time and effort.
4. Easier on Humans: Dog owners that use raised food and water bowls for their dog(s) say that feeding and watering their dog using a raised surface is more convenient all-around. It’s especially helpful to dog owners that have their own physical limitations. Stooping to floor-level can be painful for some!
5. Helps Keep Pests Away: In certain climates, pests are a concern. Here in Florida, for example, many people have pest exterminators on their speed-dial. It’s just how it is. Raising your dog’s food and water bowl is a deterrent to most “floor-level” pests like ants or roaches.

How High Should a Raised Dog Food Bowl Be?

We’ve already covered the instance in which a raised dog-food bowl should be no higher than a dog’s knees, and that is if your dog is a breed at an increased risk of developing bloat.

If you’ve determined that bloat is not an issue, then you want the height of your big dog’s raised bowls to be level with the middle of his (or her) chest. This will allow your dog to eat and drink with minimal strain on the neck. You can use a tape measure to determine how many inches the center of your dog’s chest is from the floor to purchase the right raised bowl platform. Some are even adjustable!

Carefully observe your dog eating from a raised bowl. He (or she) should be able to easily reach the bottom of the food and water bowls.

Which Raised Dog Food Bowls are Best for Large Breed Dogs?

Because of the cleanliness factor, I recommend using stainless steel bowls for both dog-food and water. Stainless steel doesn’t absorb bacteria and odor like plastic bowls can, and using glass bowls poses a risk for injury, should they break for any reason.

The base of your dog’s raised bowls should be skid-proof or placed on a mat. You’ll want a base that keeps the bowls secure to prevent spilling, as well as having a design that makes it easy for you to remove the bowls for cleaning.

REMEMBER: ALL pet food and water bowls should be washed daily with dish-washing detergent and rinsed thoroughly.

3 Raised Dog Bowl Styles for Your Big Dog

I’ve done the research and read the reviews to save you time and headaches. I’ve gathered 3 great options and will present them here, in one convenient place. Each link below will take you directly to the product on Amazon. Check these out!

(1) Pet Zone Designer Diner: This raised bowl option is a great place to start because the height is adjustable. You can raise or lower it until you find the best position for your big dog. 

It comes with two stainless steel bowls and can be set at three different heights. People love that it’s easy to clean and hard to spill.
Get the Designer Diner Here

(2) Yangbaga Elevated Dog Bowls: This set also includes stainless steel bowls and features non-slip footing. The stand is made from pine, easy to keep clean, water-resistant, and attractive! The base stands just over nine inches tall. In addition, this raised bowl set comes with an attractive floor mat to help minimize any mess.

You’ll find the Yangbaga Elevated Dog Bowls Right Here

(3) PawHut Raised Pet Feeding Storage Station: This attractive set allows you to store Fido’s food, treats, and vitamins, keeping everything together! Two removable stainless steel bowls are included, and the top lifts off for stowing whatever you care to stow inside. This set is just over 16 inches tall and is dark brown in color.

Snag the PawHut Raised Pet Feeding Storage Station Here

All three of those options are highly rated in customer satisfaction, and won’t “break the bank”. You aren’t limited to purchasing a raised bowl set for your big dog, though! If you or a member of your tribe is handy with a Jig-Saw or Sawzall, you can build a raised platform for feeding your big dog yourself!

Since I am NOT handy with a saw, I did a little digging to find you an awesome design plan from a reliable source (This Old House), customizable to your specific taste and decor preferences.  The skill level is “easy” and the cost is marked at about $40, although you may have some of the materials in your garage already. The time it will take to build the platform is estimated at 4 hours. Look at this beauty, with its own storage station…

You’ll discover the plans for building this raised bowl set by following this link to the “This Old House” web-site.

Tips for Feeding Your Dog Safely

I can’t overstate the importance of observing your dog from the day he (or she) arrives at your home! Other than the fact that dogs use body language to “speak” to us, with careful observation of your dog’s “normal” anything abnormal will be easy to spot. This is especially true when it comes to implementing ANY changes in the dog’s life.

When it comes to feeding your dog, the nutritional content of his (or her) food is your TOP PRIORITY, whether you feed from the floor or from a raised platform.

Dogs are omnivores. Their health thrives when fed a diet of meat, vegetables, healthy grains, and healthy fats. When we break that down per serving, your dog’s food label should read like this:

Proteins from a specific meat source and vegetable proteins: About 25% Daily Value

*This need can rise as high as 28% during peak times of growth and activity.

Healthy Fats: 10-15% Daily Value, depending on the dog’s activity level

*For growing puppies and extremely active dogs, the requirement for healthy fats can rise to 30% Daily Value.

Carbohydrates: Up to 50% Daily Value. Use Dog Foods that use good carbohydrates like these:

What’s Normal for Your Dog?

• Appetite: It’s absolutely acceptable for your dog’s appetite to fluctuate. These fluctuations up or down can indicate growth spurts, activity levels, aging, or a plethora of conditions that do fluctuate throughout a dog’s life. Some dogs will even skip eating for an entire day. When it comes to a decrease in appetite, though, do pay close attention. If the decrease in appetite is drastic and ongoing  (more than 3 days) consult your dog’s veterinarian.
• Breath: Some people love “doggie breath” and some people hate it. Either way, you should be familiar with the odor of your dog’s breath. A sudden change in breath odor or a down-right foul odor in your dog’s mouth can be an indication of a food allergy, an infection, or an underlying stomach issue.
• Bowel Movements: Your dog’s poop is a HUGE indicator of his (or her) overall health! It’s imperative you know your dog’s normal. When observing your dog’s poop, notice the Four Cs about it. Color, Consistency, Coating, and Contents.  When something changes drastically in any of these areas, your attention, or a veterinarian’s attention, may be required.
• Activity Level: Your big dog is the most active during his (or her) adolescence. Depending on the breed, this is usually until about age 2. In adulthood, again affected by breed, your dog will likely slow down a bit, and that’s okay. What you need to observe in this area is the difference between slow down and become lethargic. Dogs that have simply slowed down with age are still perfectly able to enjoy playtime with you and to get excited at seeing their favorite toy or treat. Lethargic dogs are hard to rouse, even for feeding times, and should be examined by a veterinarian sooner rather than later.
• Skin and Fur Conditions: Many health conditions can affect your dog’s skin or fun. If suddenly your dog develops dry skin or sores on the skin, or there are sudden changes in the look or feel of his (or her) fur, go ahead and give the veterinarian a call. It’s always better to be safe than sorry later.
• The “Feel” of Your Dog’s Stomach: Your big dog’s stomach should feel soft, and it shouldn’t cause your dog any discomfort whatsoever for you to touch it. Like us, dogs are susceptible to occasional stomach upset, and even some gas. With some breeds, being generally gassy is normal. Again, what we are looking for here is the change in normal. If your dog’s stomach is distended and it is painful for him (or her) when you touch it, ask your dog’s veterinarian if there’s an over-the-counter medication you can give the dog to offer relief.  If the dog is one of the breeds in which  (bloat) is a concern

When you see a variation from those normals that lasts longer than 3 days, consult your dog’s veterinarian.

FOR FURTHER LEARNING: Find everything you need to know about dog food right here in the Big Dog Den by using our convenient search bar. Simply type in the words “dog food” to discover a treasure trove of information! Incidentally, the search bar is useful for any subject pertaining to big dogs, from general information to breed-specific topics. The right keywords will uncover just what you need to know!

 

I’m confident that by now, you know the answer to whether raised bowls are a wise decision for your particular breed of big dog(s). The heart of the Big Dog Den is to arm you with the most accurate and up-to-date information as possible. The more you know about your big dog’s needs, the more successfully you can meet those needs!

If you want to learn what’s best to fill that dog-food bowl with, raised or not, The Big Dog Den has you covered! Read all about it right here!

Until we “meet” again, I wish you and your dog(s) good health!

 

*This article has been reviewed in accordance with our editorial policy.