Elevate Your Dog s Diet The Benefits of Incorporating Bella Pet Food

5 Benefits of Elevated Food Bowls for Dogs: Myths or Facts?

Over the years, there have been plenty of contention topics among dog owners are grains good or bad?

Should dogs be spayed or neutered before a certain age?

Can they see color?

However, one topic that has repeatedly been questioned is the benefit or detriment of elevated food bowls for dogsand how these now popular raised dog food bowls affect our pets.

What are elevated dog food bowls?

An elevated dog food bowl is any pet food bowl that does not sit directly on the floor. The actual height of elevation of the bowl may vary based on design. There are elevated dog food bowls (also called raised dog food bowls) that come in set elevations for different-sized dogs.

There are adjustable raised pet food bowls that allow owners to choose a specific bowl height.

With the popularity of raised food bowls, many pet owners have wondered if they should ditch their old regular dog food bowls and start their canines on elevated ones due to the potential benefits they provide.

However, there's more to know about elevated pet food bowls than some sources may lead you to believe.

How to pick a raised dog food bowl?

If there are different heights for elevated bowls, how does one find the correct and perfect height of an elevated food bowl for a pet?

If you decide to switch from regular dog food bowls to using elevated feeders for your dog, height is the main component to consider, and it's essential to select a raised bowl at the correct height.

Measuring is key.

How to measure:

The best way to measure your dog to get the right elevated dog bowl is to get your Fido to stand with his legs directly underneath him.

From here, get a tape measure and measure from the floor up to the point where your dogs front legs meet the chest.

Alternately, you can measure from the floor up to your dogs shoulder and subtract between 3 and 6 depending upon his overall height.

You want to subtract 6 for larger dogs, whereas for smaller dogs, you would subtract 3.

Just remember: if you aim to reduce stress on your dog's spine or neck, you should use a raised dog food bowl tall enough to do this.

However, I recommend first reading this article and doing enough of your own research on using raised bowls, and here's why.

Elevated food bowls for dogs have been advertised as having many benefits for dogs' health.

Unfortunately, not all of those advertised benefits hold.

Lets take a look at some of these widely spread truths and falsehoods from a scientific viewpoint.

READ MORE:Mealtime Battle Regular Dog Bowl vs. Raised Dog Bowl

5 Myths and Facts ofElevated Food Bowls for Dogs

1 Elevated Dog Food Bowls Reduce Bloat in Large Breeds

This is FALSE.

When first promoted, raised dog food bowls were sold as something extremely beneficial for larger breed dogs at a higher risk of bloating.

This view was sold as science because it resulted from a statistical study (the Glickman Study).

However, this was no proper study, and the conclusion was extremely flawed.

All that this study did was look at the information of other available, non-science-based literature and anecdotal evidence that already existed and did no research into the matter at all.

In fact, the largest study on contributing factors to canine bloat in larger breed dogs to date says the exact opposite.

Elevated feeding may induce bloating in canines, especially in those with sensitive stomachs.

True, this study wasn't perfect; however, it's the best research paper we have to date.

From what research the scientific community currently has, the idea that elevated feeders can prevent bloat in large-breed dogs is questionable at best.

So, do elevated feeders for dogs reduce bloating in larger breeds? The correct answer here would be that we don't know for sure, but, likely, they DO NOT.

RELATED:5 Reasons Your Dog Has Canine Bloat and How to Prevent It

2 Elevated Dog Food Bowls Create a Healthier Posture for Dogs

This one is both TRUE and FALSE.

Companies promoted elevated food bowls for dogs to prevent bloating in large dogs 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 (sources: 1, 2, 3), so eating in a different posture may not necessarily be a good thing.

With that being said, in theory, this altered posture can be beneficial in other instances, such as older, arthritic, or injured dogs.

When a dog has a case of canine arthritis, joint pain, or immobility issues, eating with a head-down posture can cause excess strain and pain.

By raising your dog's food bowl, your pet no longer has to experience those pains and strains because they do not have to lean down as far to eat.

This has not been researched, though, and is mostly guesswork.

So, is elevated feeding good or bad for older or injured large-breed dogs? There is still controversy here, as I've indicated in my theory.

Since the evidence is scarce to support each side's benefits and detriments, it is a matter of the owner's preference.

RELATED:5 Best Collapsible Dog Bowls for Easy Travel

3 Elevated Dog Food Bowls Promote Cleaner Eating

This is FALSE.

Somewhere along the line (probably with new companies trying to sell the revolutionary raised dog food bowls and making stuff up) came the myth that elevated dog feeders promoted cleaner eating spaces for canines.

We arent sure where this idea came from, but this one is absolutely false and has no scientific or even logical basis.

Because of how dogs evolved to drink water and consume food, regardless of the height of your dog's food bowl, your pet can still spill kibble, drop kibble, or even move kibble outside of his bowl.

When dogs consume food, they have their mouths in the same proximity to the source regardless of height.

There is no science on how elevated dog food bowls promote cleaner eating, nor do we need it; watch your pooch eat.

4 Elevated Dog Food Bowls Don'tSlide Across the Floor

This is TRUE.

One concern that some dog owners have is the fact that their dog moves his bowl across the floor as he eats.

Elevated feeders can certainly prevent this from happening, and there's no doubt about that.

However, it is worth noting that a raised dog food bowl is not the only solution to the problem.

Just off the top of my head, two other things that can solve this issue are bowls with rubber on the bottom that prevents sliding or rubbery dog food mats where you can place your Fido's bowl to prevent sliding (which also helps to keep the area cleaner).

Therefore, because we have reasons to believe that elevated food bowls for dogs pose a potential hazard for some breeds to develop bloating, it may be better to choose alternative solutions to the sliding bowl problem rather than opt for an elevated feeder.

READ THIS:Dog Food Bowls That Slow Down Eating When Do You Need One?

5 Elevated Bowls SolveOne SpecificProblematic Behavior in Dogs

This is TRUE.

One particular behavioral issue in dogs that isn't common but can be seen often enough for owners to start looking for solutions attempting to swim or dig into the water bowls, even if the bowl is small.

Some dogs, particularly those with a high predilection for water, spend a great deal of time trying to paddle in their water bowls as if it's the pool.

There's no explanation for this other than they like to be in the water.

The issue is most common with puppies.

Elevated feeders definitely discourage dogs from turning their water source into a pool.

VIDEO GUIDE:How to Choose the Right Dog Bowl (step by step)

The Final Verdict

Frustratingly, when I try to summarize my conclusions on the benefits of elevated food bowls for dogs, I must admit that there are both benefits and detriments to their use. Overall, I would say that the potential cons of using elevated dog food bowls outweigh the possible pros (unless you have a particular reason to use them).

So if you are considering using a raised dog food bowl for your Fido, my advice is that you weigh these pros and cons against your specific case and your specific dog before making your final decision.

Remember to consider the added cost of raised dog food bowls, especially if you're currently on a budget dog food diet.

Say you have a Great Dane and want to use an elevated feeder to reduce the strain on his neck and spine while eating.

Science indicates that an elevated feeder in larger dogs prone to bloating more easily is contradictory.

So, while your Great Dane may not experience strain in his neck from eating at an elevated feeder, the risk of bloating trumps this benefit.

Say you have a 14-year-old Basenji (a breed not particularly prone to bloat) with a severe case of canine arthritis in the neck, spine, and legs.

You want to use an elevated feeder to assist with posture-related pain and strain.

Common sense indicates that using an elevated feeder in this instance would be beneficial.

Potentially alleviating pain and strain and would not pose concerns of increased risk of canine bloat.

Whatever your decision, definitely speak with your veterinarian before making a switch to a new dog feeder.

Explain the concerns that you have and ask for advice on the best methods to fix them.

Maybe the answer is elevated food bowls for dogs, and maybe it's not.

Common Questions About Elevated Food Bowls for Dogs

If you still have any lingering questions about elevated food bowls for dogs, the following information should help.

Should a Dogs Food Bowl Be Elevated?

You should consider elevating your dogs food bowl if he is elderly or has issues with his joints or bones. Stick to other options if your dog is a larger breed.

Why Are Elevated Dog Bowls Bad?

Elevated dog bowls are only bad for certain dogs. Specific breeds are at a higher risk of bloat if they eat from an elevated bowl.

Do Elevated Dog Bowls Help?

Yes, elevated dog bowls can help your dog, especially if he has bad joints or bones. It can reduce the strain on his joints, including his hips and neck.

Do Raised Dog Food Bowls Cause Bloat?

Depending on the breed, elevated food bowls for dogs can cause bloat. Luckily, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk.

Let your pup take advantage of an elevated bowl.

Are our Raised Dog Bowls Dangerous?

As long as you know the risk of bloat and take proper precautions, raised dog bowls are not dangerous. To be safe, consult your dogs vet before switching him to an elevated bowl.

READ NEXT:Top 25 Best Puppy Food Brands (2018)

Benefits of Incorporating Raw Food in Your Dog's Diet

Hi, I'm Kona! I'm a shy and polite German Shepherd that loves naps, hates being away from my mom and never misses a mealtime.

Once upon a time, my ancestors ran in packs and ruled the animal kingdom while hunting for sustenance on the forest floor.

Now, I enjoy a consistent bowl of food before heading to the couch to snuggle with my mom - matching pajama sets may be involved. My life may be comfier than that of my ancestors. Still, I love having a connection to my roots, like nutritious morsels of raw food.

Adding raw food to your pet's diet helps reignite excitement in dinner and has some impressive benefits.

Here are just a few benefits of incorporating raw food into your pup's regular diet!

Benefits of incorporating raw food into your dog's diet

Healthier teeth and better breath

Raw food tends to have more diversity in food textures, especially when bones are involved. These ingredients can help clean teeth, and the properties found in raw ingredients can lead to fresher breath than grain-heavy meals.

Healthier Skin and coat

Raw meat is an excellent source of healthy Omega 3 fatty acids, working wonders for skin and coat health. If your dog has a dull coat or tends to be itchy, healthy fats from raw food are a great way to ease discomfort and feel soft again.

Offers additional healthy fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals

Supplemental nutrients can help enhance life for your pups! Adding raw ingredients to their diet creates an adequate nutritional balance without completely changing their daily diet.

Healthier bones and joints

Animal bones are a great source of calcium for increasing bone density, while nutrients found in raw meat can aid in joint support.

Consistent Stool

This one is for the owners as much as it is for the dogs. Raw food has more digestible ingredients and avoids grains that can be tough on tummies. This smaller, more consistent stool means comfier potty breaks for your pup and an easier cleanup for you.

Things to keep in mind with a raw diet

Planning a completely raw diet on your own takes effort. It's more than just throwing a raw steak into your dog's bowl every day. A fully raw diet takes thought, effort and multiple types of food to create a well-balanced bowl full of nutrients. If you don't want to navigate this yourself, we offer many raw food blends that guarantee a well-balanced diet.

Not every dog should have a raw diet. While some dogs will experience positive results, experts say that puppies and dogs with certain medical conditions should stay away from fully-raw diets. Talk to your vet to determine if a raw diet is right for your pup.

There can be bacteria risks. There is always a tiny chance of bacteria risk for you and your dog when working with raw meat. Luckily, this isn't a problem when you buy from companies that specialize in freeze-dried or frozen raw food meals for pets. Toiffer only offers products from companies that have a robust quality control process. With these companies, your pup can experience the benefits of raw food without the risk or the messy prep.

Your pup can experience benefits from adding raw ingredients to a non-raw meal. You may not want to take balancing the nutrients in your dog's diet into your hands - but that doesn't mean your pup can't experience the benefits of raw food! Incorporating raw ingredients into their standard diet is a great way to offer consistent nutrients and add nutritional benefits. You can also lean on outstanding companies that create delicious raw foods that are just as easy to use as their standard kibble.

Ways to easily incorporate raw food benefits into your dog's diet

Freeze-Dried Raw Foods

Skip the messy prep and cleanup - freeze-dried raw food is just as healthy (and delicious) as the raw food you can throw together at home OR while traveling! The lighter weight and easy storage make it the perfect product for an on-the-go pet. And a guaranteed balanced diet takes the guesswork out of finding the nutrients your dog needs.

Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Food

Surf n Turf freeze-dried raw food leverages the vitamin-E-rich properties of beef with the healthy fats of salmon to create a balanced diet. Open Farms freeze-dried dog food boasts 85% protein from raw animal ingredients mixed with organic fruits and vegetables.

Northwest Naturals Freeze-dried Meals

These freeze-dried raw food blends have an easy break-apart texture, making for great training treats or meal toppers. The Beef or Chicken flavors are perfect for keeping even the pickiest dogs excited about mealtime.

K9 Natural Freeze-Dried Meal

Each K9 Naturals blend of freeze-dried meals come with specific benefits. For example, Lamb and King Salmon has natural anti-inflammatory properties and supports healthy skin, coat and joints. Lamb Green Tripe aids in digestion, skin, coat and immune function. The Hoki and Beef blend helps brain and eye development and is an excellent option for puppies. These blends can be eaten as complete meals or delicious meal toppers your dog will love.

Steve's Real Food Freeze-Dried Dog Formula

Steve's Real Food makes raw feeding easy, convenient and affordable. Steve's Real Food Freeze Dried Nuggets for Dogs features free range meats like vegetarian-fed pork & turkey and grass-fed beef. These diets are even fortified with goats milk! This versatile raw food option is a great meal topper or can be eaten as a complete and balanced meal.

Frozen Raw Foods

Frozen food is another clean and convenient option for raw dog food. These products are easy to store in the freezer, quick-thawing and delicious.

Northwest Naturals Frozen Raw Diet for Dogs

These easy-carry bags carry Individual Quick Frozen nuggets acceptable for any dog size. These meat, organ and bone nuggets are the perfect treat or addition to your pup's everyday meal! You can also switch it up with delicious flavors like Beef, Chicken, Turkey, or Trout.

Smallbatch Cat Frozen Sliders

This feline formula consists of 97% humanely raised and harvested meat, 1% organic produce, and 2% natural supplements to create a 100% healthy and delicious meal. With flavors like Turkey and Chicken, even the pickiest kitties will be excited about every meal.

Primal Pronto Scoop & Serve Frozen Raw Formula

Let your pet enjoy the tastes and benefits of frozen-fresh raw food without waiting! Primal Pronto Frozen Formulas thaw in minutes and are just as easy to scoop and serve as kibble. This formula comes in Beef and Lamb for dogs and Chicken or Chicken and Salmon for cats.

Give your dog a well-balanced meal that they will love by incorporating raw nutrients! Changing your dog's diet can feel daunting - we're here to help. Find all of your frozen and freeze-dried raw foods at Toiffer or on our website today!