How to Make an Elevated Dog Feeder

Raising the level of your dog's food bowls eases strain on your pet's neck and back and can even help him digest the food better. Elevated feeders also mean you don't have to bend over as far to pick up your pet's dishes, and they can lead to less mess on the floor. You can buy expensive elevated dog feeders, or you can make your own. Make a single feeder, or try a double one that holds both food and water bowls.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Two dog bowls
  • ½ inch plywood
  • Router
  • Sand paper
  • Wood glue
  • Hammer
  • Wood finishing nails
  • Polyurethane varnish or stain
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the distance from the ground to your dog's shoulder. This will be the height of your feeder. Next measure the diameter of your dog dishes. Add 4 inches to this measurement. This will be the width of your feeder. Multiply the diameter of your dog dish by two and add 6 inches. This will be the length of your feeder.

    • 2

      Cut a piece of plywood for the top of your feeder. This piece should measure the length and width you determined earlier. Trace two circles on the top of your feeder with the pencil where the dog dishes will sit. These circles should be ¼ inch less in diameter than your dog dishes. Leave 2 inches between the circles.

    • 3

      Use the router to cut out the circles of plywood. Sand the inner edges to smooth. Test to make sure the dog bowls fit snugly into these openings.

    • 4

      Cut out the sides, back and front of your feeder. The sides will measure the width of the feeder by the height. The back and front will measure the length of the feeder by the height.

    • 5

      Apply wood glue to the top and side edges of each piece and attach them to the top. Hammer in wood finishing nails at the corners and every 4 inches along the sides. Allow the glue to dry overnight.

    • 6

      Finish the wood with a coat of polyurethane varnish or stain.