Raised feeding bowls

[Joanne and Armani]

I apologize if this has already been discussed but I couldn't find it in a search. A friend of mine knows of a Labradoodle that underwent surgery for bloat this week. The vet said he has seen an increase in bloat with Labradoodles and Goldendoodles. I started reading about how to prevent bloat and there seems to be a real controvercy regarding raised food bowls. I went and bought one after doing a small amount of research, then I stumbled across one study that says the bowls increase the chance of bloat by 110%! My question, do any of you use raised food bowls....good or bad?????

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

There is a discussion in the Health and Medical Group on Bloat.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/healthandmedicalissues/forum/topi...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The search feature is on the fritz. There are lots of discussions here about this, though.
I agree with Caitlin and use a raised bowl. My guy is very large, and he's just more comfortable not having to hang his head down so low to eat.
I'm a volunteer with a German Shepherd rescue, and years ago, we were told you must use a raised feeding dish for large breed dogs who are prone to bloat; it was believed it helped prevent it. Now, we hear the opposite. I'm not sure which is right, but I have noticed that many dogs seem to prefer not having to hang their heads down to eat. I've seen a lot of large dogs lie down to eat from a bowl on the floor, they seem more comfortable that way.
There are other factors involved in the risk of bloat besides the height of the bowl. Large, deep chested breeds are much more at risk. Dogs who eat rapidly and wolf down their food are more at risk. Dogs who consume large amounts of food at one time, also. Foods that are high in animal fat increase the risk, too. If you are using commercial kibble, animal fat, often chicken fat, should not be listed in the first 4 or 5 ingredients.
I don't think there are any definite answers. I once did an informal survey on another doodle site, and the results were split exactly 50/50 between those who used raised bowls and those who didn't. So there is no clear-cut answer, IMO.

[Natasha]

I am no expert on this at all, but here is my opinion.

Rouser looked like a giraffe trying to eat out of a normal bowl so I gave the raised bowls a shot. We noticed that he eats more slowly using the raised bowls. So, for us, I think that means that he is less likely to have a problem. He would INHALE his food before and we tried a heavy rubber ball in the middle to slow him down but he just removed it - too smart for us.

So, give the bowls a shot and see what your dog does. If he eats faster or if you hear him coughing or choking while eating then switch back.

OH - I also ordered really wide bowls so that the food is more spread out and we smear some chicken pate that we make on the bottom (like underneath his kibble), both of these steps make him slow down as well.

If you can, consider feeding 3 times per day as well.

Does your dog tend to relax and lay down after eating? I've read that's helpful (ours does).

[Adina P]

He is smart! My sweet, but less brilliant Rosco is also a fast eater. We sometimes put in a couple of bones into his food bowl to slow him down. He eats around them and when he's done he takes them out. NEVER has dawned on him he can take them out earlier...either that or he's too hungry to be bothered!?

[Nugget's Family]

I'm really glad you started this discussion. We have been thinking about asking my dad to make a raised feeding station for Nugget, but now I'm wondering....

I always to try "go back to nature" when I think about things like this....If Nugget were out on a hunt and had to eat her prey, she would probably drag it to an elevated area or lay down beside it to eat. However, she would have to work a lot hard to get the meat, which would probably eliminate the bloat factor since she wouldn't be able to swallow her food too fast.

Although Nugget has done fine over the last three years without a raised feeding station, she does eat like quite the lady....small, slow mouthfuls, so maybe that's why she's been fine with it. But, I really do think it would be better for her to not have to bend her head over so much to get her food. So, I think I will ask my dad to get on this next project! :-)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I bought this feeder at Petsmart:
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2751816&lmd...
It's really ideal for several reasons, the most important one being that you can adjust the height of the bowls, which is not an option with most of them. Also, it takes up much less space than most of them, and it's very easy to clean. You can't tell from the photo, but it's very sturdy and doesn't rock or tip, either.

[shelly]

I too have heard both sides.. kind of reminds me of the conflicting opinions on back and tummy sleeping for babies...

[Eileen Ross and Cody]

There are bowls that are divided or have something in the middle that slow down their eating. Google feeding bowls for dogs and you should find something. I have one for Cody that has compartments. It is the speed that they eat that causes bloat.

[Joanne and Armani]

Thanks everyone for your input. I don't think there is any real answer....after reading and considering all the suggestions...I will keep my raised bowl and since Armani would win any timed food eating contest, I think the most beneficial thing I could do for her is to slow her down. I got a larger bowl, put the small amount of wet food under her kibble and put a large stone in the bowl. It takes her twice as long to eat now and seems to have done the trick. I will also watch her activity after eating. All great suggestions...thanks!

[Julie Robinson]

OMG I hope this is not the case. Muppet my labradoodle has a raised bowl. I bought so she would not suffer from future back ache. You never know what to do for the best do you???

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Don't panic, Julie. There is no clear evidence on this issue either way. All you can do is stay informed and make choices based on what seems to be best for your individual dog and situation.
I feel very comfortable with my decision to use a raised bowl for Jack, and I am one of the biggest worry-warts around!

[shelly]

I'm a member of that "club" too, Karen - (Club - "Worry Warts -"WW") LOL
Glad to be in such GOOD company!!!