Elevated dog feeders can provide ergonomic benefits to some dogs that eat out of them. The feeders are also suggested contributors to bloat in dogs, a potentially fatal condition. Consult your veterinarian before choosing an elevated feeder for your pet.
Bloat
Bloat in dogs, otherwise known as gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) is a potentially life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with food, water, and/or gas and consequently twists into unnatural positions and cuts off blood flow to organs. The stomach twisting also makes it so the dog cannot properly produce saliva or vomit.
Susceptible Dogs
Large breeds are most susceptible to bloat. According to the website Pet Place, breeds prone to bloat include Great Danes, Bloodhounds, Poodles, German Shepherds, Irish Setters and Akitas. The website also indicates that for unknown reasons, dogs with narrow chests and who are lean are also more likely to develop bloat than other dogs. Older dogs are also more susceptible than puppies.
If a large dog uses an elevated feeder, its risk of bloat increased 110 percent, notes the Vet Info website.
Risks
Pet Place indicates elevated dog feeders can actually contribute and/or cause bloating in dogs. This is because it can cause a dog to inhale more air and/or for it to eat its food at a faster than normal rate, both of which contribute to bloat. The website Pet Education says the same thing, but adds that some studies have not been able to find a definite correlation between elevated feeders and bloat. Still, the site recommends feeding dogs, especially those susceptible to bloat, at ground level.
Benefits
The website Dog Supplies Advisor indicates elevated feeders can reduce unnecessary stress on a dog’s neck and can decrease strain on the neck and back. The site says the feeders can be beneficial to large dogs for that reason as well as for arthritic dogs.
The site indicates elevated feeders can decrease the amount of air your dog swallows while eating, decreasing the risk of bloat.
Considerations
Dog Supplies Advisor suggests purchasing an adjustable-height elevated feeder to accommodate your growing dog. This could, the website suggests, keep your dog from having neck and alignment problems as well as bloat.
