Elevated Wooden Dog Feeders

Many owners choose t o feed their dogs out of raised dog feeders for several reasons. Raised dog feeders keep the bowls in place, so if you have an energetic eater the bowls won't travel around the room as your dog eats. Some may also need a raised dog bowl for health reasons. Wooden elevated dog feeders tend to coordinate with a house's decor much better than plastic ones.

  1. Description

    • The wooden elevated dog feeders have two circles cut out of the tabletop of the feeder to place metal bowls. The metal bowls usually come with the feeder as they are sized specifically for that feeder. You can find these types of dog feeders in simple and budget friendly designs and with ornate designs at a luxury price. They also come in most any wood color or with painted wood. Whatever your taste, there's sure to be a raised dog feeder that fits your decor and budget.

    Health Benefits and Concerns

    • For some dogs, feeding in raised dog bowls is recommended by a veterinarian. Dogs with a condition known as megaespohagus need to eat at a higher level to help them swallow food. Large dogs with arthritic necks and backs or injuries can experience less pain when eating their food at a higher level than the floor. However, a 2004 Purdue University study, raised concerns that raised dog feeders may contribute to bloat or torsion. Before getting an elevated wooden dog feeder, talk to your veterinarian about what is best for your dog.

    Choosing a Wooden Raised Dog Feeders

    • When choosing a wooden raised dog feeder the primary concern is what height is best for your dog. Secondarily you can look at what color and style you want. The height you need will depend on the height of your dog and the medical condition you are trying to alleviate with raising the dog bowls. For dogs with megaesophagus, a condition that causes regurgitation, Maybeck Animal Hospital veterinarian Roger L. Welton states, "The dishes should be elevated to a height where the dog can just barely reach the bowls, making certain that the dog really has to extend the neck to eat or drink." Ask your veterinarian for the best height of the dog food bowls for your dog.

    Cleaning

    • Wooden dog feeders have more style than the plastic feeders, but cleaning the table and legs of the feeder is not as easy. Scrubbing the wood with lots of water and a scrubber will damage the wood. However, regular cleaning will be necessary, as you'll find your dog's slobber and food bits do accumulate. You can usually clean the wood with a damp rag or all-purpose spray cleaner and paper towels.