How to Use Elevated Feeders for Dogs

For older dogs or dogs suffering from mobility issues, it can be quite painful to stoop low enough to eat from a bowl on the floor. Elevated feeders hold the dog's water and food bowl off the ground, making it easier and more comfortable for your dog to reach the bowls and maintain a comfortable posture while doing so. Elevated feeders also stop bowls from sliding around, a common side-effect of a metal bowl, tiled floor and enthusiastic dog.

  1. Feeder Height

    • The feeder height should enable your dog to reach his food and water comfortably, but dogs must stoop slightly to eat and drink otherwise they can't bite into the food or lap at the water. Select a feeder that is approximately the same height as the mid way point between the ground and the top of your dog's front legs. Feeders come in a range of sizes. If you are unsure, measure your dog's standing height from his head to the ground. Tell the sales assistant the height and breed and they can advise.

    Bowl Size

    • Typically an elevated feeder comes with two bowls, one for food and one for water. The circumference of the bowl must be slightly greater than the circumference of the feeder recess, otherwise the bowl will fall through the recess.

    Hygiene

    • Clean the feeder every two or three days. Although feeders typically reduce the amount of mess a dog can create when feeding, it is still necessary to take sanitation precautions. Use a damp cotton cloth to wipe away any food residue that collects on the feeder. For tough stains, use dish washing liquid on the cloth. Dry the feeder with a towel.

    Stability

    • Place the feeder on a mat. If you have a tiled or polished wood floor, even the most robust feeder can move if nudged firmly enough by a hungry dog.

    Feeding

    • Fill the bowls and place them in the feeder. You can fit a deeper than normal water bowl into an elevated feeder. This is useful if you are going out for the day, as it means you can leave more water for your dog. Don't over-fill the food bowl. If necessary, measure the food out to avoid making your dog obese.

    Routine

    • Follow your normal feeding time routine. Don't feed your dog until you have eaten, unless he is in a different room. If your dog gets his food before you do, he may mistake this for a sign of pack superiority. If your dog leaves his food and begs for human food, take the bowl out of the feeder and place it outside. If he thinks his food is always going to be available, he'll seek out extra food. If he thinks his food may temporarily disappear if he seeks out other food, he'll be less likely to beg for food.

    Veterinary

    • Elevated feeders are not suitable for all dogs. Large-chested breeds such as German Shepherds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Dobermans are prone to gastric torsion, or "bloat." Feeding from an elevated position encourages some dogs to eat faster, which could increase the chances of bloat. Consult your vet before using an elevated feeder.