Do dogs and cats really need those higher bowls to save their backs?

Question

They are pretty expensive.

Answer 1

It's for their tummys not their backs. Just put the bowl you have on top of a shelf or step. Don't pay out a fortune for a raised bowl.

Answer 2

Elevated bowls are not to save dogs backs. It is save their lives. The concern is to prevent bloat which can be a problem with large breeds. Read up on it. I don't have a clue why you would want to elevate a cat's bowl, except maybe to keep it cleaner and keep bugs out.

PS--Here is a quote from www.globalspan.net/bloat.htm:

Bloat is a very serious health risk for many dogs, yet many dog owners know very little about it. According to the links below, it is the second leading killer of dogs, after cancer. It is frequently reported that deep-chested dogs, such as German Shepherds, Great Danes, and Dobermans are particularly at risk. The technical name for bloat is "Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus" ("GDV"). Bloating of the stomach is often related to swallowed air.

Understand what this is saying--second leading killer of dogs--kills more dogs than parvo, distemper, etc., all the things you vaccinate against. When the food bowls are higher, the dogs swallow less air.

Answer 3

It's interesting how many say that dogs "by nature" eat low to the ground. Dogs are domesticated animals and not wild, their diets are totally different from their wild relatives. They have evolved and have more human diseases and medical problems than their wild relatives do.

I've used raised bowls for my Rottweilers for about 10 years. As mentioned, it has nothing to do with their back. Depending on what you read some say they should be raised and some say not. I perfer to take my chances with the raised bowl and prevent bloat.

My Rottweilers have never had a problem eating this way and seem to be more comfortable eating from a raised bowl.
The stands are not that expensive.

More large breeds are prone to bloat. It's a matter of choice and educating yourself on the pro's & con's of doing things as well as seeking advice from those that have been using the methods for a while.

Answer 4

I haven't heard of such bowls, but I don't see why they would be necessary. Cats and dogs are designed by nature to eat their food from ground level.

The only circumstance I know of where an animal needs to eat from a higher level is dogs with megaoesophagus, where they need the height so gravity can help them swallow. I think these bowls are a money spinner!!

Chalice

Answer 5

I use a square plastic container to store my dog food & a round one to store my cat food. Set the dogs food bowl on one & water bowl on the other. Cats food is on top of the dryer so the dog won't eat it! Solves all problems at once

Answer 6

Raised bowls are usually used to prevent bloat. It can save a large dog's life. Smaller sized dogs don't need them, but large breeds such as great danes need them to prevent them from swallowing air while they eat which leads to bloat.

Answer 7

We bought a highered table for our Lab as the vets say that it aids in the dogs/cats digestion.

Answer 8

Are you kidding me I find higher bowls a rip off, have had dogs for my whole life, they all lived healthy and long with perfectly good backs eating with their buckets just on the floor. But if you want you can still buy one online their cheaper online, and it can't hurt.

Answer 9

I wouldnt think so.. I have a rottweiler and we had a some what of a high bowl..well she would tip it over so she could laydown and eat..so we got her a lower bowl so she could laydown and eat...But i have never heard about a higher for there backs

Answer 10

its not to really save their backs its so that their joints dont bow. it gets them up on their pads. It does however help stretch the dogs back which is also just good for the structure of the dog.