Things to Consider When Purchasing a Raised Dog Feeder

The dog feeder's height.  

It is believed that the perfect height for feeders is six inches below the dog's front shoulder. If your dog is relatively small and six inches seem to be too low for it, four inches should do.

The dog feeder's capacity.

You want to have the correct size for your dog depending upon the amount of food you feed your dog in each sitting.  A 1 pint bowl will hold about 1 2/3 cups; a 1 quart will hold about 3 cups; a 2 quart will hold about 6 cups; a 3 quart will hold about 9 1/2 cups; and a 5 quart will hold about 16 cups.

The functionality of the bowl feeder.

Raised dog feeders can come in a single to three-bowl feeders. Two-bowl feeders are ideal if you have two pets or if you rather serve food and water at the same time. Some are made especially for big dogs, while some can be customized according to your needs. Whichever the case, try to make sure that the one you are going to buy best matches the requirements of your pets.

Consider your dog’s unique physical features in addition to his or her size and age.

If you own an Irish Setter or an Afghan Hound for instance, a single raised feeding bowl that stands separately from a water bowl will be most practical for your dog. Single feeders allow long ears and facial hair to drape over the sides of the bowl to prevent messes and keep your dog more comfortable. If your dog has a pug face, choose a broad rather than deep bowl to allow your dog to pick food up more easily.

Single-bowl raised feeder units provide more flexibility.

You may keep your food and water bowls in separate areas of the house or wish to offer water in different locations throughout the home.

Last but not least, consider how convenient the bowls will be for you to fill and clean.

Bowls that sit flat into raised feeders may be held in place securely, but they are not always easy to lift out for cleaning. People with arthritis or limited hand mobility may find them inconvenient.

The key to selecting the ideal dog feeder is to balance your own preferences with the needs of your dog. With a bit of planning, both you and your dog will benefit from an upgrade to beautiful, functional and practical dog feeders.

What Are the Benefits of a Raised Dog Feeder? 

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 terrier 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.

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.