Would a raised dog feeder help my dog?

A massage client asked me this question earlier this week.   The dog in question is a Boxer (beautiful boy) who happens to be suffering from degeneration in his spine.

Although he is doing well with regular swimming, acupuncture and massage therapy, his owner knows that he is comparatively young (8) and she wants him to have a good quality of life for a long time.  So that’s when we started talking about changes she could make to his physical environment to make things less stressful for him (ramps, steps, etc.)

Would a raised feeder help my dog?

Raised feeders can be a real advantage for a dog with orthopaedic problems or arthritis.  Eating from a raised feeder helps to relieve strain on the neck and back, allowing the dog to eat without dramatically altering their posture and helping them to retain balance.

But – some studies have shown that dogs who are susceptible to bloat have an increased risk from eating from a raised feeder.  The most notable reference for this link is an article by Dr Larry Glickman in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Vol. 17, No. 10.

Gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV) is known by the common term ‘bloat’  and other terms such as ‘stomach torsion’ or ‘twisted stomach.’  Regardless of what name you use, the condition is life-threatening.  Dogs can die of bloat within several hours.   Even with treatment, as many as 25-33% of dogs who develop bloat will die.

In bloat, the stomach fills up with air and puts pressure on the other organs and the diaphragm. The pressure on the diaphragm makes it difficult for the dog to breathe. The air-filled stomach also compresses large veins in the abdomen, preventing blood from returning to the heart.

Filled with air, the stomach can easily rotate on itself, pinching off its blood supply. This rotation is known as volvulus.  The stomach begins to die and the entire blood supply is disrupted.  A dog with this condition can deteriorate very rapidly – meaning a trip to the vet as an emergency.

Purdue University ranks Boxers as the 16th breed most susceptible to bloat (Great Danes are the highest).  So, in this case, the owner decided not to opt for a raised feeder.  Not only is her Boxer on the higher risk list, but he also is a gobbler – making quick work of his food!

This is just one example where it pays to do a little research.  An idea that seems like a good one may not be so.

Interactive Dog Feeder

Northmate Green Modern Interactive Dog Feeder is one seriously cool dog feeder. It is designed to slow your dog down when eating. Many dogs “inhale” their food, my foster is one of them, which can lead to all sorts of digestive problems, such as bloat. The technical term is Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or GDV. Green slows down their eating time considerably while adding a fun, modern look to their eating space and  fulfills their scavenger drive instinct.

Slower eating is better. It reduces the problems above, and it also helps your dog stop when full, instead of overrstuffed. GREEN by NORTHMATE is  designed after a  tuft of grass that turns your dog’s meal into a challenging game. It is dishwasher safe.

I went to Kahoots Pet Store to see if they had one, they didn’t. I explained to the sales clerk what I wanted and explained its purpose. She told me to put a large rock, one the dog cannot swallow, in its food bowl and that will slow down Fido’s eating as well. My foster is the only one that inhales her food.

So I got a big rock, one she cannot swallow, but fits in her food dish. (I boiled it to clean it). I know dogs eat all kinds of nasty things. I put it in her dish and it works! I was surprised and watched her as she slowly ate her food. She gets every meal with her rock now.

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What Should I Look For in a Raised Dog Feeder?

If your dog is your best friend and companion, this is a very important question.  There are many types of dog feeders on the market (wood, metal, plain, colorful …) but which one best suits your family?

First you should determine the size based upon the height of your dog.  A raised dog feeder should go up to your dogs chest.  It should be something that not only feeds your dog, but that is part of your decor; one that defines who your dog is and the style of your home.  Do you prefer the look of metal?  wood?  or would you rather have one that is colorful with stained glass, dog embellishments and gems?  It’s all personal preference.

What are the benefits for my dog?  Using a raised dog feeder reduces the air your dog ingests while eating and drinking.  This in turn helps avoid stomach bloat which is the second leading cause of death in dogs.

“In bloat (dilatation), due to a number of different and sometimes unknown reasons, the stomach fills up with air and puts pressure on the other organs and diaphragm. The pressure on the diaphragm makes it difficult for the dog to breathe. The air-filled stomach also compresses large veins in the abdomen, thus preventing blood from returning to the heart. Filled with air, the stomach can easily rotate on itself, thus pinching off its blood supply. Once this rotation (volvulus) occurs and the blood supply is cut off, the stomach begins to die and the entire blood supply is disrupted and the animal’s condition begins to deteriorate very rapidly. ” PetEducation.com

Secondly, it allows our dogs to eat at a more natural level which reduces the strain on the neck, back muscles, and joints.  The height from these feeders allows a dog to stand more naturally, eliminating the need for dogs to crouch down.  This is especially beneficial for larger dogs, seniors or dog with arthritis.

When looking for a raised dog feeder you should also take into account the physical build of your dog.  If your dog has long flowing hair or ears such as an afghan you might consider a dog feeder with one bowl to allow their hair to flow over the edges.  If your dog has a short muzzle such as a boston terrior or pug you might consider a dog feeder that has a bowl that isn’t too deep, but instead wider to help them with eating.

Consider the personality of the dog.  If your dog likes to drag his/her bowls around the yard or chew on his bowl you might want to avoid ceramic or stained glass feeders.  A more durable steel feeder would be more practical.  Some pet owners would prefer to have an automatic dog feeder which will dispense food at intervals throughout the day.

Lastly, a raised dog feeder will keep their eating area cleaner.  At Defining Designs you can purchase a custom made feeder in your choice of height, color, dog embellishments, number of bowls, etc.  Each one is handmade with stained glass that has been ground on the sides to prevent sharp edges, gems, etc.  They are not only beautiful and enhance your home, but they are also healthier for your dog.  Whether you have show dogs, are a celebrity that lavishes your pets, or someone who has a rescue dog … these raised dog feeders would be a great addition to your home.

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