9 Best Elevated Dog Bowls for Every Kind of Dog
Updated: Oct. 07, 2022If your dog plays with his water, makes a mess or has an achy arthritic neck, our pet expert explains how elevated dog bowls can help.
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An elevated dog bowl offers your pet more than a fancy dining experience. It prevents messes made by water-splashing canines who love to “dig” in the water bowl because it won’t slide around as much, so your dog doesn’t have to “chase” the bowl over the floor. An elevated dog bowl also reduces neck strain for tall dogs, old pets with arthritis and canines with elbow or hip dysplasia who must stretch down to reach the food. Veterinarians recommend seeking or avoiding elevated dog bowls for specific medical conditions:
Seek:
- Dogs with megaesophagus can’t swallow or keep food down unless they eat and drink in an upright position. Munching from an elevated bowl means gravity gets food into their tummies and keeps it there. Any dog may develop the condition. Wire-Haired Fox Terriers and Miniature Schnauzers may inherit the condition, but predisposed breeds include the German Shepherd, Newfoundland, Great Dane, Irish Setter, Shar-Pei, Greyhound and Labrador Retriever.
Avoid:
- Eating from an elevated bowl increases the risk for big dogs susceptible to gastric dilation volvulus, or bloat. The condition can affect any dog, but the Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Weimaraner, Irish Setter, Gordon Setter, Standard Poodle, Basset Hound, Doberman Pinscher and Old English Sheepdog have the highest risk and shouldn’t eat from raised bowls. This life-threatening condition causes the tummy to swell with gas until it twists, cutting off blood circulation.
For dogs not in these at-risk groups, an elevated dog boys adds to doggy toy delight and offers both style and convenience. There are many styles available, from inexpensive to high-dollar and everything in between. Choose your dog’s feeding station based on individual needs.
What to look for when buying an elevated dog bowl
Elevated dog bowls typically sit on top of or inside a booster frame that holds the bowls. Consider the frame, the bowls themselves and the individual dog.
- Elevation increases instability. Look for a wider, or weighted, base to reduce the chance of the dog knocking over the frame.
- The framework needs a non-skid bottom to prevent it from sliding around.
- Food and water bowls need daily cleaning, or they could make dogs sick. Dishwasher-safe bowls are the most convenient.
- Dogs aren’t tidy eaters. Choose an elevated dog bowl with an easily cleaned frame.
- Take your dog’s size into account. Measure the dog from a standing position from the floor beneath his front paws to the top of the shoulders—subtract about six inches for the right size. That way, the dog can eat without stretching up or lowering its neck. The top of a food bowl should be level with the dog’s lower chest.
- Choose the best materials you can afford, and they’ll last the lifetime of your dog. Inexpensive plastic can crack as it ages or hold odors and bacteria. Dogs can also treat them like dog toys, and chew and destroy wood or plastic. Silicone and stainless steel (the veterinarian’s choice) hold up well.
Evaluation criteria
- Design and function
- Quality of materials
- Easy cleaning
- Non-skid bottom and/or wide weighted non-tip base
- Cost
- Reader reviews and satisfaction
Best overall elevated dog bowl
Neater Pets Neater Feeder Deluxe Elevated & Mess-Proof Dog Bowls
The Neater Feeder elevated dog bowl design keeps the mess from doggy diners contained. The protective walls keep dropped food off the floor and away from ants or other pests. Water drains back into a reservoir to keep your floors dry. This elevated dog bowl comes in three sizes to suit every dog. Each comes with two stainless steel bowls (a slightly larger bowl for water) that fit in the pre-formed plastic tray. Additional “booster” legs are available for taller dogs.
Pros
- Raised walls keep food spills contained in the feeder
- Spilled water drains into reservoir
- Stainless steel bowls
- Dishwasher safe
- More than 1,000 rankings averaging 4.7 stars
Cons
- Reviewers complain it’s not tall enough for larger dog breeds
Best value elevated dog bowl
Foreyy Raised Pet Bowls
The classy Foreyy raised pet bowls feature two stainless steel bowls in a natural bamboo wood frame that comes in four heights. Anti-slip feet keep it stable, even during energetic meals, while the bamboo repels water. The moderate cost and long life make it an economical choice.
Pros
- Stainless steel bowls
- Natural bamboo table frame
- Dishwasher safe
- Easy assembly
- Four heights from four to 15 inches to fit any dog
- Nearly-perfect pet product with more than 10,000 ratings averaging 4.5 stars
Cons
- Some reviews note that mold may grow on wood near bowls if not kept clean
Best splurge elevated dog bowl
PawHut Raised Pet Feeding Storage Station
The PawHut pet feeding station offers an elevated feeding surface and a way to store your dog’s food. This product assembles easily, with a solid wooden base and two stainless steel bowls. Designed for large dogs like Golden and Labrador Retrievers, it measures 16.25 inches—enough storage space for those large bags of kibble. Handles on each side of the wooden station allow for effortless movement, and it fits in with your furniture in either brown or white. It’s pricier than other options, but your dog is worth it.
Pros
- Storage bin to store dog food out of sight
- Stainless steel dishwasher safe bowls
- Two colors
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Higher price tag
- Only for large dogs
Best elevated dog bowl on Amazon
Emfogo Dog Food Bowls Raised Dog Bowl Stand Feeder
The Emfogo dog bowl stand comes in three stylish wood selections which sit on a minimized frame that’s adjustable to your dog’s size. It can raise as little as five inches off the floor for little dogs and up to 13.5 inches for large dogs, adjusting as your puppy grows to adulthood. The dishwasher-safe stainless steel bowls provide enough room for small to large meal servings. The rustic wood composition looks elegant and a non-skid base keeps the food station in place.
Pros
- Stylish and elegant
- Adjustable height
- Dishwasher safe stainless bowls
- Three wooden color designs
- Easy to assemble
- Popular Amazon product with over 1,900 ratings averaging 4.6 stars
Cons
- Not tall enough for giant breeds like Great Danes
- Unfinished wood allows stains with messy water drinkers
Best adjustable elevated dog bowl
Vantic Elevated Dog Bowls
Pick from three sizes of Vantic elevated dog bowls: small, medium or large pets. Each size has seven adjustable heights and angles for the bowls to satisfy any dog’s needs. It’s able to tilt 15 degrees, one of the few with this option, and provides additional help for dogs with neck strain or other issues. Assemble it in minutes without screws or tools. Made from smooth-finished natural bamboo, the attractive stand easily wipes clean and disassembles for storage when necessary. The stainless steel bowls are dishwasher safe, too. Reviewers repeatedly comment on the company’s excellent customer service for corrections on bowl size and more.
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Adjustable height and angle
- Stainless steel, dishwasher-safe bowls
- Exceptional customer service
- About 2,400 ratings averaging 4.5 stars
Cons
- Tilting water bowls means they hold less water
Best elevated dog bowl for large dogs
Platinum Pets Double Diner Feeder
These gorgeous Double Diner Feeder elevated bowls for large dogs come in 18 vibrant powder-coated colors. They fit into a lightweight, easy-to-move wrought iron stand sized for large dogs at 11.25 inches high. With no assembly required, this feeder arrives ready to use. The bowls are chip, rust, fade and scratch resistant and dishwasher safe. For pet parents who want to add color to their dog’s dining station, this gorgeous feeder earns top marks. Another must-have pet accessory? A comfy dog bed.
Pros
- 18 color options
- Lightweight, easy to move metal stand
- Easy to clean
- Dishwasher safe bowls
- Under $35
- Rubber band fits around dish to prevent rattling
- 5,800 ratings averaging 4.7 stars
Cons
- Rubber dish band eventually stretches out
Best elevated dog bowl for small dogs
Frisco Diamond Dog Double Bowl Diner
For small dogs, you can’t go wrong with the Frisco Diamond Dog Double Bowl Diner. The simple and effective diamond stand design comes in two sizes for tiny to small size pets, with either two- or four-cup, dishwasher-safe stainless steel bowls. The non-skid, wrought iron metal stand is hand washable, with no assembly required. And the under-$20 price tag can’t be beat!
Pros
- Perfect for toy-size dogs at three inches high
- Can size up for small to medium size dogs at 3.5 inches tall
- Dishwasher-safe stainless steel bowls
- Stylish, hand-washable and skid-free metal stand
- Under $20
Cons
- Reviewers complain metal bowls move in the stand as pet eats, and make noise
Best single elevated dog bowl holder
ZPirates Adjustable Dog Bowl Stand
The ZPirates Store offers a single adjustable dog bowl stand in three sizes and two design options. Each size can adjust the height of the bowl by two to three inches. These stands offer the freedom to truly customize your pet’s bowl. Choose any style bowl, measuring 5.5 to eight inches around the outer diameter. Round, square, V-shaped, U-shaped or polygonal style bowls fit into the kitchen-grade wooden bamboo stand. It collapses to take on the road, and the company will replace or refund the product if you’re not satisfied.
Pros
- Solid construction
- Collapses for travel
- Three sizes and two design options
- Adjusts two to three inches in height
- Designed to fit existing bowls
- Company will replace or refund if not satisfied
- Over 1,900 ratings averaging 4.2 stars
Cons
- Very lightweight, may wobble as dog eats
- No bowls included
- Must purchase two holders (one for water, one for food)
Best elevated dog bowl for travel
URPower Elevated Dog Bowls
The URPower elevated dog bowls work well for everyday use or on the road. The adjustable platform offers bowls at 2.8-, eight- and 12-inch heights by removing or adjusting the placement of the plastic legs. It comes in black, gray or light gray and features two stainless steel bowls. Rubber anti-skid pads on the ends of the legs keep bowls in place. Silicone mats in the pet bowl cavities reduce movement or spillage. Speaking of keeping your pup hydrated on the go, we also love this portable dog water bottle.
Pros
- Disassembles easily for travel
- Leg placement allows three height options
- Three colors
- Dishwasher-safe metal bowls
- Inexpensive at under $30
- More than 4,000 ratings averaging 4.4 stars
Cons
- Lightweight plastic isn’t as stable
FAQs
Do dog bowls need to be elevated?
No. In most cases, dogs do well without an elevated bowl. An elevated dog bowl may relieve neck strain for aging dogs or help with digestion in specific cases.
How high should a dog’s bowl be elevated?
The height of the dog bowl depends on the size of the dog. It should reach no higher than to where the dog’s front legs join the body.
Do elevated dog bowls help with digestion?
Not necessarily. If a dog suffers from megaesophagus, a raised bowl may help.
Sources:
- VCA Animal Hospitals, Megaesophagus
- VCA Animal Hospitals, Bloat: Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus in Dogs
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