Is a Tall Dog Bowl Always Better? A Comprehensive Guide

Can a Raised Dog Bowl Be Used? Let's delve into the topic with a bit more clarity and detail.

Firstly, let's discuss how to choose a raised dog bowl. Begin by measuring your dog's shoulder height, then subtract 6 to 12 centimeters from this measurement. This is the ideal height for a raised bowl suited to your pet. For small breeds, subtract 6 centimeters, and for large breeds, subtract 12 centimeters. As for medium breeds, it's up to you to decide what's best, considering your dog's specific needs.

Now that we've covered how to select a raised dog bowl, let's move on to the main theme of today's article.

The truth is, a raised dog bowl isn't as magical as it's often made out to be.

Can it prevent bloat?

Many raised dog bowls are still marketed with claims about preventing bloat, a condition that pet owners who've experienced it know can be terrifying.

Some may argue that raised dog bowls do indeed prevent bloat, as my own dog has benefited from using one.

While it's true that raised dog bowls can somewhat prevent bloat, there is no scientific research worldwide that conclusively proves their effectiveness in preventing this condition.

The socalled research by Professor Glickman, which suggested that raised dog bowls can prevent bloat by reducing pressure on the dog's cervical spine, was actually not a rigorous scientific study. It lacked substantial data and evidence. This socalled research was based on the premise that a raised bowl could prevent bloat, but it failed to provide comprehensive support for this claim.

On the contrary, a study published in a magazine within the American Veterinary Medical Association found that raised dog bowls can actually lead to a range of other issues, such as gastric dilation.

Because dogs tend to eat faster with raised bowls, they may find it harder to feel full. This can lead to overeating, which in turn increases the risk of gastric dilation and weight gain.

Should you stop using a raised dog bowl?

Not necessarily. Raised dog bowls are particularly suitable for older dogs with joint diseases, as the height can reduce the effort required to eat. For these dogs, a raised bowl is an excellent choice.

However, for the vast majority of dogs, a raised bowl is not an absolute necessity. After all, dogs' ancestors and even your dog's grandparents likely never used raised bowls throughout their lives. They ate and drank from the ground, just like most dogs do.

Therefore, for the majority of healthy dogs, raised dog bowls can be more of a disadvantage than a benefit. You can view them as a functional product that is only beneficial for specific groups of dogs.