Many Labrador Retriever dog owners have heard about the benefits of raised dog bowls or “feeding stations” but dog owners believe they are only necessary for large dog breeds. The reality is that eating and drinking from bowls placed at a proper elevation will assist any size dog with digestion.
Question:
I have a 5-year-old chocolate lab named Chaka (after Chaka Khan). Can you tell me if a raised feeding bowl is better for digestion and reducing the risk for her stomach to turn? If so, how high should the feeding bowls be? Is it common for their stomachs to turn or get twisted? Thank you in advance, as I am a first time Lab owner and head over heels in love with my sweet angel!
Answer:
The health benefits of elevated dog feeders are highly acknowledged by veterinarians and other dog experts, and include the following benefits:
- Cleanliness and hygiene – Keeping the dog’s dining area clean.
- Better posture and comfort – If a dog has a back or neck problems, a raised pet feeder will certainly help him/her to eat and drink more comfortably.
- Easy swallowing – Imagine trying to swallow with your head down! Some dogs with mega-esophagus or other conditions find it very difficult.
The key to selecting the ideal dog feeder is to balance your own preferences with the needs of you dog. For example, your dog’s eating habits might make a ceramic bowl the best choice for feeding, but you may be able to use lighter weight, unbreakable stainless steel bowls in waterers. With a bit of planning, both you and your dog will benefit from an upgrade to beautiful, functional and practical dog feeders.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Colby and Shannon – Check out Trendy Pet, they have raised feeders with slow feed bowls.
Thank you, Dave! That looks like a great bowl! We’d love to test it out and write a review on it!
This needs to address the problem that our lab likes to create. He loves to take his kibble out of his raised bowl, set it on a nice spot of carpet, and then proceed to eat it off of the rug. Crazy lab.
G – I think you summed it up perfectly by saying “Crazy Lab”!
We use an elevated dog feeder for my Australian Shepherd Linus. Linus shares his water bowl in the elevated feeder with my Black Lab, Stetson. However, Stetson eats out of the brake fast bowl to help slow down his eating.
Have you heard of an elevated dog feeder that has obstacles similar to the brake fast dog food bowl?
Colby – No, I haven’t found a break-fast bowl yet for the elevated dog food feeder but have been looking everywhere for one. Our Dakota inhales her food and we would love to slow her down while keeping the food bowl elevated. If you find one, please let me know and I will do the same.