A Guide to Elevated Pet Feeders: What Size for your Dog

Upcycled Vintage Pepsi Crate Dog Feeder  

Recently For Love of a Dog Jewelry & Gifts began offering eco friendly elevated pet feeders configured from vintage crates, as well as handcrafted original dog feeding stations.   When one of our own dogs was first diagnosed with arthritis, we began looking into elevating Lucy's food and water bowls so she could be more comfortable. 

Many vets and dog experts agree that one of the simplest things the dog owner can do to help maintain or improve their dogs health is to give it an elevated feeding station. Here are some of the reasons:

• Promote better digestion: By eating from an elevated surface air swallowing is minimized which can lead to gastric discomfort. This is especially true in dogs who are fast eaters. Elevated surfaces also reduce the incidence of bloat. Dogs with megaesophagus also benefit as gravity helps in swallowing.
• Promote better muscle and joint health: Eating from an elevated surface reduces the stress and strain on muscles and joints caused by years of eating from the floor. It can be especially helpful in arthritic dogs or others who have other painful orthopedic ailments by improving their posture while eating.
• Cleanliness and Hygiene: Because an elevated surface is up off the floor there is less chance that dirt, hair or other debris will get into the food.

Elevated feeding stations save a lot of bending and stooping to feed your dog. They are also easy to clean. You will feel better knowing you have provided your pet with something that will improve its wellbeing.

WHAT SIZE FEEDER IS RIGHT FOR YOUR DOG

The height of your elevated feeder is important. Most experts say to start by measuring the height of your dog at the whithers (from the floor to the top of the shoulder). From that measurement subtract 3 to 6 inches. The taller your dog the more you subtract. Below is a breed guideline for table height, however you should observe your dog as you know it better than anyone. We have a friend with a dog who is 30” at the whithers and an 18” table is just right. 

• Very short dogs measuring between 5 and 10 inches would require a table height of 3 to 5 inches.
• Short dogs measuring between 11 and 14 inches would require a table height of 5 to 7 inches.
• Medium dogs measuring between 15 and 18 inches would require a table height of 7 to 10 inches.
• Tall dogs measuring between 19 and 22 inches would require a table height of 10 to 18 inches.
• Extra tall dogs measuring over 23inches would require a table height of 18 inches.

 Fetch some eco-friendly elevated dog feeding stations from For Love of a Dog.  Each comes with free UPS delivery!