Dog Food Bowls: To Raise Or Not To Raise?

That  is definitely the question, and one that has for many years been of  great debate due to the suggestion, in the 90s, that raised bowls  influence the likelihood of bloat.  However, a lack of further studies  and investigations into this suggested phenomenon has meant that they  are still readily available, regularly recommended and used without  mishap.

While care should be  taken, as some breeds or individuals, are naturally more predisposed to  getting bloat due to genetics or body type, we believe they can still be  very beneficial for many dogs and recommend them for most sighthound  owners where appropriate.

With  sighthounds, as lanky dogs, providing an elevated food bowl at chest  level allows for a much more comfortable feeding posture.  It reduces  strain on the neck, back, and front legs which is particularly important  and beneficial for older individuals or those with medical conditions  such as arthritis, tendonitis, respiratory or throat conditions or other  weaknesses.

As a large breed,  and through their racing careers, many greyhounds do have pre-existing  conditions, are prone to arthritis, and come off the track with tight  muscles and tensions that can be eased supported by using a raised  feeder.

Regardless of age and  medical status, raised feeders are considered to reduce mess, reduce the  chance of choking, ensures food travels more efficiently down to the  stomach, provide stability and prevent the dog from chasing their food  bowl around the floor, and some even claim it slows down speedy  eaters…though we know this last point is definitely not universal!

While  raised feeders are significantly more expensive than your two quid food  bowl from the supermarket, they are a worthy investment with a good  quality feeding station lasting the duration of your dog’s life.

The  downside, however, is that finding a raised feeder that is tall enough  to suit a greyhound isn’t as simple as popping down to the local pet  shop.  The good ones are firmly squared away in the land of online  shopping!  There is a huge variety available, including height  adjustable stands, but in our experience the fixed height stands are of a  higher quality and longevity.  

Make  sure to measure your hound so to get the most appropriate height  feeder, as you want the bowls to sit at your dog’s chest height.

If  you are concerned about bloat, but want to use a raised feeder, there  are ways to minimise the risk such as using a slow feeder insert in your  dogs raised bowl to prevent gulping and feed a good quality diet at  least twice a day, instead of one big meal.  

Feeding  dry kibble has been suggested to be a potential cause of bloat due to  the dogs need to then gulp down large quantities of water after eating.   A review of diet may be important in considering changing to a raised  bowl.

Additionally, do not feed  your dog before walking, or immediately after walking, to allow time for  their body to calm down, and try and discourage them from taking in  large amounts of water (and air!) in one go.

If  you are considering switching your dog to a raised feeder, have a  conversation with your vet first for their thoughts on the  appropriateness of them for your individual dog.