Elevated dog bowls offer several benefits over traditional models that make them popular among pet owners. Since they are elevated closer to your dog’s mouth, they make it easier for some dogs to eat by reducing joint strain, and they also minimize the chances of kibble getting knocked everywhere and making a mess. It doesn’t hurt that many also have an attractive aesthetic that makes them a charming addition to your home.
An elevated dog bowl should be both sturdy and stylish, such as the Pawfect Pets Elevated Dog Bowl Stand. This model is made from thick bamboo that gives it a modern appearance, while also making it heavy enough to stay in place when a dog is eating. As an added bonus, it is smartly designed with silicone pads around the bowls, so they won’t spin and make a lot of noise.
What to know before you buy an elevated dog bowl
The benefits of an elevated dog bowl
Elevated bowls are often recommended for dogs with arthritis, certain orthopedic joint conditions and those with limited mobility. This is because raising the height of the bowl allows them to eat and drink more easily, without having to strain their neck and back by bending their head to the ground. They also prevent dogs from pushing their bowl around, making a mess while eating.
How high should an elevated dog bowl be?
To determine how high of an elevated bowl you need, measure your dog’s height at the withers, which is the ridge of the shoulder blades. The ideal height for the feeding bowl should be four to six inches below the height of their withers.
Material
The majority of elevated dog bowl stands are made from wood, metal or plastic. The first two materials are generally the most decorative, while those made from plastic are often the most affordable. The bowls themselves may be made from plastic, metal or ceramic.
When choosing a model, consider the style of the material, how durable it is and your dog’s behavior. If your dog is a chewer, you may want to avoid plastic and wood options. If you live in a very humid climate, certain types of metals, such as iron, may be a poor choice. If you are cultivating a rustic ambiance in your home, steel options may not fit in well.
Stability
How stable an elevated dog bowl is will be dependent on several factors, including the build materials, its weight, how wide the stance is and whether or not it has non-slip feet. The taller a model is, the wider the stance and the heavier it needs to be to remain stable when your dog is eating.
Elevated dog bowl features
Food capacity
Just like standard dog bowls, elevated dog bowls come in different capacities. Ideally, a dog bowl should be large enough to accommodate a full portion of your dog’s food, and deep enough that they won’t knock a bunch of kibble out when eating.
Adjustable height and position
If you aren’t quite sure what feeding height will be most comfortable for your dog, or you have a puppy that is still growing, choosing an elevated dog bowl with an adjustable height is a smart idea. Some offer as many as three height settings.
Along with an adjustable height, there are many models that allow you to adjust the position of the bowl from flat to angled. This latter position can make it easier for a dog to reach their food, especially flat-faced breeds like pugs and bulldogs. It also reduces the stress on their neck while eating.
Food storage compartment
Some elevated dog bowls feature a food storage compartment below the feeding station. This is especially convenient for those with small homes who need to maximize the use of their space. It also means there will be one less thing to buy for your dog.
Elevated dog bowl cost
Elevated dog bowls start around $20, with some premium or custom models costing as much as $150. Most people can find a well-made and often stylish option suitable for their needs between $25 and $50.
Elevated dog bowl FAQ
Does an elevated dog bowl reduce the risk of bloat?
A. While many used to believe that elevated dog bowls reduce the risk of bloat, there is now some evidence that shows they may actually increase it. This means they may not be a good choice for Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Doberman pinschers and other large breeds that are predisposed to bloat
Are the bowls replaceable on elevated dog bowls?
A. The majority of elevated dog bowl stands accommodate standard-sized bowls that you can easily find in most pet stores, so you should have no trouble replacing them when the time comes. However, there are some models in which the bowl and the stand are a single piece. On these, the bowl is not replaceable.
Which elevated dog bowl should I get?
Best of the best elevated dog bowl
Pawfect Pets Elevated Dog Bowl Stand: available at Amazon and Chewy
Our take: This attractive bamboo dog bowl stand has a modern aesthetic and is heavy enough to stay in place when your dog is eating.
What we like: It features silicone pads to minimize noise during feeding, and it comes with two sets of bowls so you will always have a clean pair ready to use.
What we dislike: The wood can discolor from constant exposure to water.
Best bang for your buck elevated dog bowl
YML 10-Inch Black Wrought Iron Stand with Single Stainless Steel Feeder Bowl: available at Amazon
Our take: An ornate option made from wrought iron, this elevated bowl is ideal for country homes and anyone else cultivating a rustic style.
What we like: It has a sturdy build with non-slip feet to keep it in place, and the included bowl is very deep to help minimize messes.
What we dislike: It only holds a single bowl.
Honorable mention elevated dog bowl
Iris USA Elevated Feeder: available at Amazon and Chewy
Our take: Combining a feeding station with a food storage container, this is a convenient multi-purpose option that is perfect for small homes and apartments.
What we like: The airtight container does a good job of keeping food fresh.
What we dislike: It can be a bit of a hassle to clean.
Brett Dvoretzis a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
