One of the reasons why elevated dog bowl for dogs were promoted as preventing bloating in large dogs is because they are supposed to create a “healthier eating posture.” The truth is that most likely, dogs have evolved to eat in a head down posture so eating in a different posture may not necessarily be a good thing. When you think of elevated dog bowls, you probably think of larger dogs and their risk for bloat.
While it is true that elevated dog bowl can help to protect large and deep-chested dogs from eating too quickly, there are also benefits for smaller dogs. Raising your dog’s bowl even a few inches off the ground can make it more comfortable for him to eat and it can also improve his digestion. Plus, if your dog happens to be an enthusiastic eater, elevated dog bowls usually help to keep the bowl in place so your dog can’t push it across the floor as he eats. To help you get started, consider the following three top-rated elevated bowls for small and medium dogs: To help you get started in looking for elevated dog bowls you will find reviews for some of the top-rated models for small, medium, large, and giant breeds below.
Large and giant breeds have an increased risk for developing musculoskeletal conditions as they age – particularly osteoarthritis and other bone and joint problems. Asking a large dog to eat from a bowl placed on the ground can force him to adopt an unnatural and uncomfortable posture which can actually exacerbate these issues. Elevated bowls, on the other hand, can reduce the strain on your dog’s neck, hips, shoulders, and joints, helping to promote better posture in general. This is also very beneficial for older dogs, not just large and giant breeds. To help you get started, consider the following three top-rated elevated dog bowl for large and giant dogs.
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Feeding the larger dog breeds can be a bit more complicated than many people think because it is not that simple as it is the case with smaller dogs. A special dog bowls for large dogs are a healthier choice for your pets as they can minimize the excessive air build up in their stomachs, so this text will help you in finding the suitable bowl for your beloved friend.
However, there is something else you should know before buying the bowl.
What types of material are the dog bowls made of?
The first question when considering purchasing the dog bowl is which material is the best as not all materials are suited to any dog breed.
Plastic Bowls
The plastic dog bowls are rather inexpensive and lightweight, but except that, we cannot say many good things about this type of material. They tend to spill easily because of the light weight material, while the dogs who like to chew a lot will literally destroy the plastic bowl, and the last thing you need is that your dog ingests small plastic pieces. Finally, the plastic dog bowls are anything but easy to clean, and any potential scratch can be a perfect place for harmful bacteria.
Stainless Steel Dog Bowls
Unlike the plastic ones, the stainless steel dog bowls are the top choices for large dogs as they are easy to maintain, quite lightweight, and almost unbreakable. Although the design is pretty much the same, these bowls will last forever, and the definite plus is the rubber ring or mat on the bottom, which will prevent the bowl from sliding.
Ceramic Dog Bowls
The heaviest of all three types of material, the ceramic dog bowls are virtually impossible to be tipped over by your dog. However, they need more maintenance and care, as they can easily break if you or your dog are not careful enough, while they have to be washed regularly as well. You can find the ceramic dog bowl in a variety of sizes, designs, patterns, and colors.
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Specially designed large dog bowls
After you chose the material, you may consider the bowl with unique features, and while it not necessary, they will certainly improve your pet’s health, so why not try them out?
Slow Feeder Dog Bowls
This type of bowl is invented for larger breeds to reduce the chance of choking, obesity, and bloat, as most of the larger dogs tend to eat fast and sloppy, which is definitely not good for their health. Choosing the slow eating dog bowl will surely save your pet from over-weight, and that is one of the reasons why this type of bowls are considered the best dog bowls currently on the market.
Gravity Feeder Dog Bowls
The gravity feeder bowl is totally opposite of a slow feeder bowl, and therefore, we don’t recommend it as it will allow your dog to eat as much as they can, which is not healthy at all. Its feature to constantly refill the bowl will prevent you from knowing what amount of food your dog is getting, making it quite unpractical.
Electronic Dog Bowl Feeders
The electronic bowl allows you to control the portions of food your pet is taking thanks to a programmable timer. It is excellent because your dog will get the food at the same time each day, which can come handy if you are not at home to feed it on your own. However, the price of this type of bowl is higher than usual.
Elevated Dog Bowl
Highly practical bowls, the elevated dog bowl for large dogs can help with your dog’s digestion and posture, and also, it will keep the dust and debris out of the bowl. The larger breeds can enjoy while eating from this type of bowls because it prevents choking.
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To help you find the best elevated dog bowl for lagre dogs here is our list of eighth top products you can find right now:
Best Elevated Dog Bowl For Large Dogs: Top 8 Reviews
1. Bergan 88142-P Elevated Dog Bowl
I really like the design of this one, it’s a little bit more modern looking than the other two above. Believe it or not, the legs are adjustable so the stand can grow with your pet. Stainless steel bowls are removable for ease of cleaning.
The stand is made in the USA from durable BPA-free injection molded plastic
- Made in the USA: It doesn’t really benefit your dog, but if you like to be patriotic then this is a plus.
- Removable legs: Allows you to adjust the height of the feeder, so you can start smaller and raise it up as your dog grows taller. What a great feature!
- 2 Stainless Steel bowls included: Easily removed for cleaning, and they hold around 11-cups each.
Pros:
- Very easy to put together – the components just snap into place
- Some users have been known to take the unit itself apart and put it through the dishwasher to sanitize it!
- Plastic is good – easy to clean and doesn’t rust.
Cons:
Some users have struggled a bit with the “snapping into place” of the components. What I would say here is, it may require a bit of force – if it was very easy then the structure wouldn’t be as robust.
2. Petmate EZ Reach Diner
A elevated dog bowl platform designed especially for tall dogs, to prevent them having to stoop to eat and drink. This x-large sized holds a whopping 12-cups worth of food per bowl. The cool bone-shaped handles make it easy to grip and lift. The stainless steel bowls can be easily removed for cleaning of them and the unit itself.
- Rubber inserts around bowls: Prevents annoying rattling noises and ensures the bowls stay put
- Stainless steel bowls: Dishwasher safe – yay! For when you want to have a day off washing out the bowls yourself, and give them a deep clean.
- Cut-out Handles: Not only are they easy to slot your hands into, but they are an awesome bone shape – very stylish!
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- Sturdy design
- Doesn’t lie about being for large dogs – tall enough for Siberian Huskies, German Shepherds and teenage Great Danes!
3. Suncast Elevated Feeding Tray, Large
Very self-explanatory, this is an elevated dog bowl, with space for two feeding and/or water bowls, housed in a plastic frame. Purchase includes two stainless steel bowls to fit.
- Plastic frame: Very easy to wipe down and keep clean
- Detachable legs: Gives you the choice of using flat on the floor, or providing the necessary height for large dogs. Also, the legs can be stored conveniently underneath the tray – great for travelling or saving space when not in use.
- 2 Stainless Steel bowls included: 8-inch in diameter and a perfect fit for this feeder, we all like extras with our purchases!
Pros:
- It’s a great product that is fit for purpose and provides value for money.
- It’s tried and tested by many people, emphasized by it’s popularity
- It is genuinely for large dogs – the right size for Huskies, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers
Cons:
My only complaint with this is it doesn’t have rubber feet, so if you have a smooth-finish floor, you will need to put a mat, or something similar, underneath the legs to stop it travelling around – especially if you have a vigorous eater!
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4. OurPets Signature Series Elevated Dog Bowl
This 14-inch sized bowl is elevated to provide the right eating position and also reduce stress on bones and joints. It is designed in black color, and it comes with reversible stainless steel panels and a pair of bowls, which can be used for food and water, separately.
Pros:
- Improves posture and digestion
- Easy to clean
- It stays in one place
- Optimum size
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Rubber feet, not very quality
- The bowls can rust after some time
5. Bergan Standard Dog Bowl
This spacious dog bowl is excellent for larger breeds as it can store up to 17 cups of dry food, while its design and stainless steel material provide suits any home. It is very easy to clean, and the durable material will keep it intact for years to come.
Pros:
- Huge size, suitable for large dog breeds
- It fits in Bergan extra-large feeding station
- Quite durable and easy to clean
- Prevents splashing
- Excellent price
Cons:
- The inside stickers are hard to remove
- The rust spots can occur if used for water
6. Northmate Interactive Feeder
A very challenging feeder for your dog as it will turn feeding into a game, so your dog will not be exposed to risks of gas and vomiting caused by fast eating. Not only that it reduced bloating, but it also gives your dog a mental stimulation, which is very important, and it also works great with all types of food, wet, dry, and raw food.
Pros:
- Gives mental stimulation
- Prevents obesity and bloating
- Dishwasher friendly
- “Blades of grass” will slow down eating
Cons:
- It is made of plastic, which is not very durable
- Challenging to use
7. Wetnoz Ultra Big Pooch Dog Dish
A very interestingly designed dog bowl, this Wetnoz bowl is easy to maintain, it is durable, and what’s most important for large breeds, it can store up to five cups of food. This multi-purpose product also has non-skid rubber feet, makes it hard to move while the dog is eating.
Pros:
- Quite spacious
- Affordable price
- Sturdy material
- Highly functional
- Beautiful design
Cons:
- Not dishwasher-proof
8. New Petnet SmartFeeder
This is the latest technology feeder that will keep you and your dog satisfied even if you’re not at home to feed your beloved pet. It is programmable via your iPhone, so you can turn on notifications to get the insight into how many foods is left in the feeder. It can be washed in the dishwasher and has a rechargeable battery, while the USB cable is chewing-proof.
Pros:
- Your dog will eat at the exact time every day
- Feed your dog from everywhere
- Easily programmable
- Modern looking
- Fantastic customer support
Cons:
- A bit pricey comparing to more traditional bowls and feeders
- The clogging can be a problem
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Buying Guide
Factors to consider before buying an elevated dog bowl for large dogs
Before purchasing an elevated dog bowl for large dogs, there are several factors to consider to ensure you choose the right one:
- Size and Capacity: Ensure the bowl is large enough to comfortably accommodate your dog’s meal portions. Large dogs require bigger bowls to prevent spillage and allow them to eat comfortably.
- Material: Look for durable, non-toxic materials like stainless steel, ceramic, or BPA-free plastic. Stainless steel is often recommended as it’s durable, easy to clean, and resistant to bacteria buildup.
- Design Features: Consider design elements that enhance your dog’s feeding experience, such as elevated bowls to promote better posture, anti-slip bases to prevent skidding, or slow-feed designs to prevent gulping and aid digestion.
- Ease of Cleaning: Opt for bowls that are easy to clean to maintain your dog’s hygiene. Removable components or dishwasher-safe bowls can simplify the cleaning process.
- Stability: Choose a bowl that’s sturdy and stable, especially if you have an enthusiastic eater or a larger dog that may knock over lighter bowls.
- Health Considerations: If your dog has specific health issues like arthritis or neck strain, choose a bowl that addresses these concerns, such as raised or tilted bowls to reduce strain on joints and muscles.
- Cost: Consider your budget while ensuring you’re not compromising on quality and functionality. Remember, investing in a durable, well-designed bowl can save you money in the long run by avoiding frequent replacements.
- Customer Reviews: Read reviews from other pet owners to gauge the bowl’s performance, durability, and suitability for large dogs. Look for feedback on factors like ease of cleaning, stability, and overall satisfaction.
- Compatibility with Your Dog’s Needs: Consider any specific needs or preferences your dog may have, such as needing a spill-proof bowl due to messy eating habits or preferring a certain material.
- Brand Reputation: Choose bowls from reputable brands known for producing high-quality pet products. Research the brand’s reputation for durability, customer service, and adherence to safety standards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when purchasing an elevated dog bowl for your large dog, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure you make the right choice. First, assess the size and capacity of the bowl to accommodate your dog’s meal portions comfortably. Next, prioritize materials that are durable, non-toxic, and easy to clean, such as stainless steel or BPA-free plastic. Look for design features that promote your dog’s health and well-being, such as elevated or slow-feed designs. Stability, ease of cleaning, and compatibility with your dog’s needs are also crucial considerations.
Finally, factor in cost, customer reviews, and brand reputation to make an informed decision. By considering these factors, you can select an elevated dog bowl that meets your dog’s needs and enhances their feeding experience.
