Elevated Feeder For A Dog: Yes Or No?
When we take a dog that we have adopted home, we ask ourselves, is it convenient to have a tall feeder ? Or is it better if the feeder is on the ground?
The advantages of the tall feeder
Many experts recommend using an elevated pan for several reasons:
- Hygiene. When dogs drink (and also when they eat), they have a tendency to lift their heads to facilitate the passage of food to their stomach. In this way, when we use feeders on the ground, the food and, above all, the water that does not pass through their throats fall to the ground.
- Another important aspect related to hygiene is the humidity normally created under a drinking fountain on the floor, which promotes the proliferation of fungi and bacteria.
- Arthritis. Feeders located on the ground can cause some discomfort for animals that have muscle tension or back problems. In many cases, our pet will have difficulty bending over and eating.
- We must not forget that our dog, in the last phase of his life or if he is sick, will have less appetite when eating and will cost him much more work to do so. The best is an elevated feeder.
- There are dogs that have a specific problem, called mega esophagus (this one is big and flaccid). Instead of the food passing directly into the stomach, it gets “trapped” in the esophagus. Therefore, a tall feeder can help bring the food down into the stomach.
The choice of high feeder
The tall feeder that we are going to install in the space where our pet will eat must adapt to certain variables. On the one hand, the size and physical characteristics of the dog; on the other hand, how is the stay, the space available, the material of the feeder, etc.
There is a very simple idea to start from. Large dogs need large bowls for their food. Small dogs with smaller bowls.
To choose the ideal elevated feeder, the first thing we can do is measure our friend’s height. What references will we take? Usually, the highest point of your shoulder blades is four or six inches below that point.
Some types of elevated pans
Cone-shaped feeders help longer-eared dogs not to let their ears fall into the food. and in the water, staining them. For some dog breeds it can be very helpful.
shallow feeders
These feeders are suitable for dogs with a flatter muzzle, and also for puppies. The advantage is that dogs with these characteristics can easily reach the food, avoiding a lot of tension in their throats.
Deep elevated feeder
These devices are designed for dogs with a long muzzle. With these pans, you will have more space for your nose and mouth, and access to food will be simple.
slow feeders
Feeder manufacturers also consider the case of gluttonous dogs, or dogs that ingest food too quickly.
Generally, they are bowls with barriers that make access to food difficult and make it possible for the animal to feed more slowly.
The main advantage of slow feeders is that the dog will improve digestion and nutrient absorption. They are usually containers with raised upper edges and a lower edge protected with some non-slip material.
automatic pans
The technology touches all sectors, and so does the issue of feeding our pets. The main use is to schedule the feeder so that our furry friend, when we are away, can have food in the amount and time we schedule.
The feeder material
Stainless steel is the best option to choose the best dog feeder, as well as the water cooler. This material is corrosion free and does not give off harmful particles. In terms of hygiene, we can wash and sanitize it many times, and it won’t lose its properties.
The consultation with the veterinarian
We can find many indications in every bowl we find on the market, but it is best to ask our veterinarian.
The professional will help us decide what our pet really needs, according to its physical characteristics and the health problems it may have.
Let’s not forget that some dogs can develop allergies to the components of the bowl they eat, elevated or not.
