Having a dog is quite the experience. There is a definite mutual love and respect in substantial quantities. Dog owners find that they are willing to go the extra mile to take care of their pets as they would a member of their family, and this is manifested in so many ways. They take time out of busy schedules to go on long walks, casually drop costly vet bills, act finicky about food and water and whether or not their pet is as comfortable as possible. Owning a dog is a commitment, and like most commitments, it is no easy task. It requires conscious and deliberate efforts and more often than not, it brings considerable rewards.

Feeding your pet

Dogs eat from a variety of foods and it is pertinent to make sure they get a balanced diet. This is necessary because benefits are usually reaped and accrued in terms of health. There should be meat for protein, vitamins and omega fatty acids for skin and healthy coat, whole grains and vegetables. It is also important to focus on how they should be fed, when they should be fed, the type of feeder which would be advisable to use, etc. 

Elevated dog bowls

Elevated dog bowls like the name imply, are dog bowls that are elevated at a height above ground, aimed at helping dogs reach their food easily. They are a model used for making outdoor dog bowls. They come with many benefits, including the fact that they are less prone to sliding across the ground and making a mess dog-owners would have to clean up later. As most large dogs are prone to lying down on their bellies to eat, elevated dogs bowls are a good way to ensure they get correct posture while eating. This also reduces strain to a dog’s neck, shoulders, hips and joints and optimize overall orthopedic health of the dogs. However, despite these benefits, there are drawbacks to using elevated feeders for dogs.

It was common anecdote in past times that elevated dog bowls prevent bloat in dogs. Bloat is a medical condition which can prove fatal to dogs. This condition is caused by increased air intake into the dog’s stomach while eating. When this happens, the dog’s stomach gets filled with gas and twists. This closes both ends of the stomach and prevents entry and exit is materials from it. This causes a build-up of material in the dog’s stomach and causes the dog’s stomach to swell, putting pressure on its diaphragm, reducing blood flow and causing difficulty in breathing. This can prove quite fatal if medical care isn’t given immediately.

A recent study has shown however, that elevated dog bowls heighten the risk of large dog getting bloated. While the sample pool was not randomized, no counter test has been conducted to dispute it. Before getting an elevated dog bowl for your dogs, especially if it is a larger breed and more prone to bloat, it is advisable to reach out to your vet to discuss the wisdom in employing an elevated dog bowl in the feeding of your furry friend.