What kind of doggie dishes does your doodle use?

[chastity]

Hello there! I am getting my 7 month old labradoodle in a couple of weeks and am stuck on what kind of dishes would be best for her to eat out of. i've heard alot of people telling me to get some dishes that are raised up because they say its better for them to digest and they won't strain. My doodle -Charly is a medium doodle. If anyone has any suggestions i would truly appreciate it. Thank You!!

[Tante & Jordan & now Annie!]

I use raised dishes, if you go that route make sure to buy the kind that has the bowls slip in with the bottom open. I have one that way and my other does not. Water and food collects in the bottom and it is a mess to clean up.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

My SIL will be making a raised platform for Samantha's bowls. Can you share a picture of yours so I can show him?
Thanks,
Adrianne

[Tante & Jordan & now Annie!]

Now so you know I normally keep them cleaner than this... do not judge me ;)

I like the steel because of what everyone said about bacteria but the plastic one is easier to keep clean. I wish I had a drill where I could drill holes in the bottom of the steel bowl one.
Jordan is wanting know why I am taking her food bowl away....

[Oliver]

We use the Store-n-feed and got it from amazon.com-

http://www.amazon.com/Virtu-Store-N-Feed/dp/B0002ZFPZS/ref=pd_bbs_s...

Oliver saying, "Feed me!"
http://picasaweb.google.com/meredith.morrow3/Oliver812Weeks#5275552...

[2hl9mp3c2fuam]

I heard raised is good - for taller dogs and also the metal type bowl. I have been told they hold less bacteria.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

We use stainless steel as there has been discussion about chemicals seeping into the food from the plastic bowls. There has also been alot of discussion as to whether or not raised bowls are better or not. The concern is bloat.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I use stainless steel bowls, they are the easiest to keep clean and also there is no danger of any chemicals from plastics. They came with the raised stand I use. But Jackdoodle is a very tall standard, and it's obvious to me that he is more comfortable not having to hang his head all the way down to the ground to eat or drink.
As Andy said, there has been a lot of discussion about whether raised bowls help to prevent or contribute to large dogs getting bloat. A lot of it has to do with very deep chested breeds (labs are in that category), and whether or not your dog is a very fast eater...there is some thought that in those cases, the raised bowls may contribute to bloat. Some people put various objects in the bowls to slow down the dogs who inhale the food...ring shaped objects where the dog has to eat around them, etc. I did a survey of people using raised bowls for standard doodles on another forum last year, and the answers came back exactly 50/50 between those who did & did not.
This is the one I use...I like it because it's adjustable, and doesn't take up as much space as those "boxy' kinds:

http://www.muttmart.com/ProSelect_Adjustable_Black_Dog_Diner_SKU_ZW...

[Nancy & Bisbee]

We use a raised wrought iron stand with ceramic (dishwasher safe) bowls that slip in and out. No problems so far... good luck

[Adina P]

I don't think dogs "strain" -- short or tall, except for dogs like dachshunds and other short legged dogs....in my opinion all dogs strain or don't strain (I vote for DON'T strain) equally. Horses are QUITE tall and they still reach ALL THE WAY to he bottom of the ground to feast on grass. My dogs show NO problems eating off their bowls that sit on the ground and they are of differing height. Plus the chance that NON-raised bowls may reduce the chance of bloat. My dogs eat out of ceramic bowls on the floor. They drink out of plastic Buddy Bowls. When we travel I use stainless steel bowls because they are lighter and stackable.

[chastity]

thank you all for such quick response and suggestions! they told me that she is eating out of bowls that are on the floor and not raised... i'm wondering if i should just keep her in that same routine?!

[Adina P]

I really don't think that SHE will care too much...but if she's doing FINE eating that way I see no reason to change her over.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

I wouldn't change it except to make sure to be using metal or ceramic bowls.