9 Best Elevated Dog Bowls for Every Kind of Dog (2024)

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9 Best Elevated Dog Bowls for Every Kind of Dog (1)Amy Shojai, CABCUpdated: Oct. 27, 2023

    If your dog plays with his water, makes a mess or has an achy arthritic neck, our pet expert explains how elevated dog bowls can help.

    Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.

    9 Best Elevated Dog Bowls for Every Kind of Dog (2)RD.COM, VIA MERCHANT (3)

    An elevated dog bowl offers your pet more than a fancy dining experience. It prevents messes made by water-splashing canines who love to “dig” in the water bowl because it won’t slide around as much, so your dog doesn’t have to “chase” the bowl over the floor. An elevated dog bowl also reduces neck strain for tall dogs, old pets with arthritis and canines with elbow or hip dysplasia who must stretch down to reach the food. Veterinarians recommend seeking or avoiding elevated dog bowls for specific medical conditions:

    Seek:

    • Dogs with megaesophagus can’t swallow or keep food down unless they eat and drink in an upright position. Munching from an elevated bowl means gravity gets food into their tummies and keeps it there. Any dog may develop the condition. Wire-Haired Fox Terriers and Miniature Schnauzers may inherit the condition, but predisposed breeds include the German Shepherd, Newfoundland, Great Dane, Irish Setter, Shar-Pei, Greyhound and Labrador Retriever.

    Avoid:

    • Eating from an elevated bowl increases the risk for big dogs susceptible to gastric dilation volvulus, or bloat. The condition can affect any dog, but the Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Weimaraner, Irish Setter, Gordon Setter, Standard Poodle, Basset Hound, Doberman Pinscher and Old English Sheepdog have the highest risk and shouldn’t eat from raised bowls. This life-threatening condition causes the tummy to swell with gas until it twists, cutting off blood circulation.

    For dogs not in these at-risk groups, an elevated dog boys adds to doggy toy delight and offers both style and convenience. There are many styles available, from inexpensive to high-dollar and everything in between. Choose your dog’s feeding station based on individual needs.

    1/9

    9 Best Elevated Dog Bowls for Every Kind of Dog (12)Neater Pets Neater Feeder Deluxe Ecomm Via Chewy.com

    Best overall elevated dog bowl

    Neater Pets Neater Feeder Deluxe Elevated & Mess-Proof Dog Bowls

    The Neater Feeder elevated dog bowl design keeps the mess from doggy diners contained. The protective walls keep dropped food off the floor and away from ants or other pests. Water drains back into a reservoir to keep your floors dry. This elevated dog bowl comes in three sizes to suit every dog. Each comes with two stainless steel bowls (a slightly larger bowl for water) that fit in the pre-formed plastic tray. Additional “booster” legs are available for taller dogs.

    Pros

    • Raised walls keep food spills contained in the feeder
    • Spilled water drains into reservoir
    • Stainless steel bowls
    • Dishwasher safe
    • More than 1,000 rankings averaging 4.7 stars

    Cons

    • Reviewers complain it’s not tall enough for larger dog breeds

    2/9

    9 Best Elevated Dog Bowls for Every Kind of Dog (13)Foreyy Raised Pet Bowls For Cats And Dogs Ecomm Via Amazon.com

    Best value elevated dog bowl

    Foreyy Raised Pet Bowls

    The classy Foreyy raised pet bowls feature two stainless steel bowls in a natural bamboo wood frame that comes in four heights. Anti-slip feet keep it stable, even during energetic meals, while the bamboo repels water. The moderate cost and long life make it an economical choice.

    Pros

    • Stainless steel bowls
    • Natural bamboo table frame
    • Dishwasher safe
    • Easy assembly
    • Four heights from four to 15 inches to fit any dog
    • Nearly-perfect pet product with more than 10,000 ratings averaging 4.5 stars

    Cons

    • Some reviews note that mold may grow on wood near bowls if not kept clean

    3/9

    9 Best Elevated Dog Bowls for Every Kind of Dog (14)Pawhut Raised Pet Feeding Storage Station Ecomm Via Amazon.com

    Best splurge elevated dog bowl

    PawHut Raised Pet Feeding Storage Station

    The PawHut pet feeding station offers an elevated feeding surface and a way to store your dog’s food. This product assembles easily, with a solid wooden base and two stainless steel bowls. Designed for large dogs like Golden and Labrador Retrievers, it measures 16.25 inches—enough storage space for those large bags of kibble. Handles on each side of the wooden station allow for effortless movement, and it fits in with your furniture in either brown or white. It’s pricier than other options, but your dog is worth it. For another similar worth-it option, check out the Yeti dog bowl, too.

    Pros

    • Storage bin to store dog food out of sight
    • Stainless steel dishwasher safe bowls
    • Two colors
    • Easy to assemble

    Cons

    • Higher price tag
    • Only for large dogs

    4/9

    9 Best Elevated Dog Bowls for Every Kind of Dog (15)Emfogo Dog Food Bowls Raised Dog Bowl Ecomm Via Amazon.com

    Best elevated dog bowl on Amazon

    Emfogo Dog Food Bowls Raised Dog Bowl Stand Feeder

    The Emfogo dog bowl stand comes in three stylish wood selections which sit on a minimized frame that’s adjustable to your dog’s size. It can raise as little as five inches off the floor for little dogs and up to 13.5 inches for large dogs, adjusting as your puppy grows to adulthood. The dishwasher-safe stainless steel bowls provide enough room for small to large meal servings. The rustic wood composition looks elegant and a non-skid base keeps the food station in place.

    Pros

    • Stylish and elegant
    • Adjustable height
    • Dishwasher safe stainless bowls
    • Three wooden color designs
    • Easy to assemble
    • Popular Amazon product with over 1,900 ratings averaging 4.6 stars

    Cons

    • Not tall enough for giant breeds like Great Danes
    • Unfinished wood allows stains with messy water drinkers

    5/9

    9 Best Elevated Dog Bowls for Every Kind of Dog (16)Vantic Elevated Dog Bowls Adjustable Ecomm Via Amazon.com

    Best adjustable elevated dog bowl

    Vantic Elevated Dog Bowls

    Pick from three sizes of Vantic elevated dog bowls: small, medium or large pets. Each size has seven adjustable heights and angles for the bowls to satisfy any dog’s needs. It’s able to tilt 15 degrees, one of the few with this option, and provides additional help for dogs with neck strain or other issues. Assemble it in minutes without screws or tools. Made from smooth-finished natural bamboo, the attractive stand easily wipes clean and disassembles for storage when necessary. The stainless steel bowls are dishwasher safe, too. Reviewers repeatedly comment on the company’s excellent customer service for corrections on bowl size and more.

    Pros

    • Sturdy construction
    • Adjustable height and angle
    • Stainless steel, dishwasher-safe bowls
    • Exceptional customer service
    • About 2,400 ratings averaging 4.5 stars

    Cons

    • Tilting water bowls means they hold less water

    6/9

    9 Best Elevated Dog Bowls for Every Kind of Dog (17)Platinum Pets Modern Double Diner Feeder Ecomm Via Amazon.com

    Best elevated dog bowl for large dogs

    Platinum Pets Double Diner Feeder

    These gorgeous Double Diner Feeder elevated bowls for large dogs come in 18 vibrant powder-coated colors. They fit into a lightweight, easy-to-move wrought iron stand sized for large dogs at 11.25 inches high. With no assembly required, this feeder arrives ready to use. The bowls are chip, rust, fade and scratch resistant and dishwasher safe. For pet parents who want to add color to their dog’s dining station, this gorgeous feeder earns top marks. Another must-have pet accessory? A comfy dog bed.

    Pros

    • 18 color options
    • Lightweight, easy to move metal stand
    • Easy to clean
    • Dishwasher safe bowls
    • Under $35
    • Rubber band fits around dish to prevent rattling
    • 5,800 ratings averaging 4.7 stars

    Cons

    • Rubber dish band eventually stretches out

    7/9

    9 Best Elevated Dog Bowls for Every Kind of Dog (18)Frisco Diamond Dog Cat Double Bowl Ecomm Via Chewy.com

    Best elevated dog bowl for small dogs

    Frisco Diamond Dog Double Bowl Diner

    For small dogs, you can’t go wrong with the Frisco Diamond Dog Double Bowl Diner. The simple and effective diamond stand design comes in two sizes for tiny to small size pets, with either two- or four-cup, dishwasher-safe stainless steel bowls. The non-skid, wrought iron metal stand is hand washable, with no assembly required. And the under-$20 price tag can’t be beat!

    Pros

    • Perfect for toy-size dogs at three inches high
    • Can size up for small to medium size dogs at 3.5 inches tall
    • Dishwasher-safe stainless steel bowls
    • Stylish, hand-washable and skid-free metal stand
    • Under $20

    Cons

    • Reviewers complain metal bowls move in the stand as pet eats, and make noise

    8/9

    9 Best Elevated Dog Bowls for Every Kind of Dog (19)Adjustable Dog Bowl Stand For Small Ecomm Via Amazon.com

    Best single elevated dog bowl holder

    ZPirates Adjustable Dog Bowl Stand

    The ZPirates Store offers a single adjustable dog bowl stand in three sizes and two design options. Each size can adjust the height of the bowl by two to three inches. These stands offer the freedom to truly customize your pet’s bowl. Choose any style bowl, measuring 5.5 to eight inches around the outer diameter. Round, square, V-shaped, U-shaped or polygonal style bowls fit into the kitchen-grade wooden bamboo stand. It collapses to take on the road, and the company will replace or refund the product if you’re not satisfied.

    Pros

    • Solid construction
    • Collapses for travel
    • Three sizes and two design options
    • Adjusts two to three inches in height
    • Designed to fit existing bowls
    • Company will replace or refund if not satisfied
    • Over 1,900 ratings averaging 4.2 stars

    Cons

    • Very lightweight, may wobble as dog eats
    • No bowls included
    • Must purchase two holders (one for water, one for food)

    9/9

    9 Best Elevated Dog Bowls for Every Kind of Dog (20)Urpower Elevated Dog Bowls Raised Ecomm Via Amazon.com

    Best elevated dog bowl for travel

    URPower Elevated Dog Bowls

    The URPower elevated dog bowls work well for everyday use or on the road. The adjustable platform offers bowls at 2.8-, eight- and 12-inch heights by removing or adjusting the placement of the plastic legs. It comes in black, gray or light gray and features two stainless steel bowls. Rubber anti-skid pads on the ends of the legs keep bowls in place. Silicone mats in the pet bowl cavities reduce movement or spillage. Speaking of keeping your pup hydrated on the go, we also love this portable dog water bottle.

    Pros

    • Disassembles easily for travel
    • Leg placement allows three height options
    • Three colors
    • Dishwasher-safe metal bowls
    • Inexpensive at under $30
    • More than 4,000 ratings averaging 4.4 stars

    Cons

    • Lightweight plastic isn’t as stable

    FAQs

    Do dog bowls need to be elevated?

    No. In most cases, dogs do well without an elevated bowl. An elevated dog bowl may relieve neck strain for aging dogs or help with digestion in specific cases.

    How high should a dog’s bowl be elevated?

    The height of the dog bowl depends on the size of the dog. It should reach no higher than to where the dog’s front legs join the body.

    Do elevated dog bowls help with digestion?

    Not necessarily. If a dog suffers from megaesophagus, a raised bowl may help.

    Sources:

    Originally Published: October 07, 2022

    9 Best Elevated Dog Bowls for Every Kind of Dog (21)

    Amy Shojai, CABC

    Amy Shojai, CABC, is a certified animal behavior consultant and nationally known authority on pet care and behavior. She began her career as a veterinary technician and is the award-winning author of more than 35 pet titles, including pet-centric thrillers.

    She writes for the veterinary and pet products industry, with more than 4,000 articles and columns published. Amy wrote the expert content at puppies.About.com and cat behavior content at cats.About.com (now TheSpruce.com). In addition to Family Handyman, she has written for Reader's Digest, HuffPost, MarthaStewartLiving.com, Chewy.com, DailyPaws.com, FearFreePets.com, HillsPets.com, AdamsPetCare.com, Purina, HomeAgain, Sergeants, Good Good, Catster.com, Dogster.com, Daily Paws and many more.

    She hosted the Pet Peeves radio podcast, offers a fun Ask Amy video on YouTube and appears as a pet expert on Animal Planet’s DOGS 101 and CATS 101. Amy toured as the national spokesperson for Purina Kitten Chow “Lifetime of Love” and the Cat Chow “Way of Life” and wrote the award-winning “Cats Emotional Health” column as a Cat Chow Mentor for more than a decade.

    Amy frequently lectures at conferences and gives webinars about writing as well as a variety of pet-related issues. Perhaps most memorably, she represented the “cat side” and won a nationally televised tongue-in-cheek debate (NBC Today Show, Fox, CNN and others), arguing whether cats or dogs are the more appropriate White House pets.

    9 Best Elevated Dog Bowls for Every Kind of Dog (2024)

    FAQs

    What dog breeds need elevated bowls? ›

    Large sized dog breeds include Boxers, Chow Chows, Collies, Dalmatians, German Shepherd, Golden Retrievers, Husky, Vizsla may want a dog food bowl that is around 10 to 16 inches high.

    Do vets recommend elevated dog bowls? ›

    Pets with neck or shoulder pain, herniated cervical discs, arthritis of the spine, or other diseases of the head or neck may benefit from elevated dishes. The elevated platform keeps the pet's head and neck up, eliminating strain on the neck that would be caused by reaching down to a bowl on the floor.

    Why not to use elevated dog bowls? ›

    One of the major concerns associated with raised dog bowls is the potential risk of developing bloat, especially in large or giant breeds. Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is a serious condition where a dog's stomach fills with gas and potentially twists.

    What kind of dog bowl is best for dogs? ›

    Dr. Michelle Dulake, DVM tells PEOPLE, when possible, you should look for “stainless steel bowls” because they “ do not harbor pathogens and are easy to disinfect to prevent different diseases.” On the other hand, Dr.

    What is the correct height for elevated dog bowls? ›

    Elevated feeding bowls should be positioned about 6 inches below the pet's wither height. For small dogs subtract 4 inches. Raised dog food bowls, which are also commonly known as elevated feeders. Elevated dog bowls will help with swallowing.

    Do raised bowls cause bloat? ›

    According to the study, “approximately 20 and 52% of cases of GDV (bloat) among the large breed and giant breed dogs, respectively, were attributed to having a raised feed bowl.”

    Should dog bowls be on the floor or elevated? ›

    A raised dog bowl is a great idea for most dogs, even small dogs, but are particularly beneficial to medium and larger dogs. Why? Straining down to reach your food is no fun for anyone and it can also have digestive and physical implications in the form of neck and even back strain.

    Is stainless steel or ceramic better for dog bowls? ›

    When it comes to selecting a feeding bowl for your dog or cat, stainless steel is hard to beat. Stainless steel can survive exposure to high temperatures, doesn't easily scratch or dent, and will not rust.

    Are elevated dog bowls good for senior dogs? ›

    They can be great for older dogs, because there's less strain on the neck, hips, shoulders and joints. They can keep the feeding area cleaner by preventing your dog from spilling or pushing their bowl around the floor. And most importantly, they can reduce the risk of bloat.

    Do elevated food bowls cause bloat in dogs? ›

    The idea that raised bowls may be associated with bloat stems from a study published in 2000. The study sought to identify non-dietary risk factors of GDV (age, relatives, fast eating, raised bowls). There were more cases of bloat in giant breeds who used a raised bowl than those who did not.

    What is the most hygienic dog bowl? ›

    Stainless steel bowls are durable, easy to clean, and aren't porous, so bacteria can't easily thrive on them. They don't break if you drop them and are usually dishwasher safe. The healthiest is food grade stainless steel (not “for pets only”) where the company says it's been tested for heavy metals.

    What is the safest type of dog bowl? ›

    Stainless steel bowls tend to be at the top of the totem pole when it comes to safe dog bowls. There's a reason that stainless steel is a go-to for top chefs everywhere. Stainless steel is non-porous, which means it won't hold onto bad bacteria, plus it is super easy to clean which keeps it sanitary for your pup.

    Are glass or metal bowls better for dogs? ›

    Stainless steel presents the best combination of properties for pet bowls. Its hygenic, meaning the surface won't harbor bacteria and can be readily cleaned with soap and water washings. It's also very durable.

    When should you use an elevated dog bowl? ›

    The possible benefits of elevated feeders for dogs

    This may be beneficial for dogs with orthopedic conditions, joint disorders, spinal conditions, arthritis, or for senior dogs with limited mobility. For some dogs, elevated feeders prevent them from making as big of a mess during feeding as with a floor level dish.

    Should pitbulls have elevated food bowls? ›

    Having your dog's bowl higher off the ground puts less strain on your dog's neck. So if your dog is older or struggles with joint or bone issues, elevated bowls are a great way to make them comfortable when they eat. If you have a large or giant breed dog, elevated bowls aren't going to be the best fit.

    Should German shepherds eat from elevated bowls? ›

    Yes, they are. Just like for other dog breeds, using an elevated dog bowl stand improves the posture of your german shepherd while eating. This also gives them various other health benefits compared to a normal dog bowl stand which we'll talk about in a moment.

    Are raised dog bowls better for older dogs? ›

    5. Consider a raised food bowl. Older dogs that suffer with arthritis may find it harder to reach down to their food and therefore prefer a slightly raised bowl.

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