elevated feeders and bloat

[lori]

I was recently searching for elevated feeder recommendations for our 28 lb doodle when to my surprise I came across older forums here relating those feeders to bloat. There were mixed opinions on this so I was wondering what the latest info was. I thought raised bowls would be better but now I am not sure. Would appreciate your opinions. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I don't know of any new information on that. I don't use raised feeders. If you come across any thing new let us know please.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

I was only able to find reference to one scientific study that identifies raised food bowls to bloat (the Glickman study). It is interesting that I can not locate any other studies or research that links bloat to raised bowls. 

Our 3 doodles all use raised bowls.  I am interested in knowing if anyone can find any other research that shows any links between raised bowls and bloat. 

The Glickman study was issued in 2000.  All the articles I reviewed reference the Glickman study. 

[karen gallant]

I am curious as to what the latest is too. I have raised feeders for both my dogs.

[Sue]

Here is the study dated 2009.

http://www.crittersitextra.com/pettips/NEW_Purdue_Bloat_Study.pdf

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

@sue - thanks for the link - this only references the study and I believe they are only referencing the 2000 study.

 

On some of the forums they mention that in 2009 Glickman made some additional comments, interpreted by some as backing away from the original study conclusion.

 

It is interesting that no one else has any scientific information to concur with this study.  If I am not mistaken the study was on "pure breed" Great Danes at a time where the veterinary and breeding communities advised that bowls be elevated - therefore almost of all the dogs were fed with elevated bowls. 

 

My opinion is that it a flawed study and does not really shed any light on the subject.

[Kyoko]

I stopped using the raised bowl after our old Chow Chow had bloat. Besides the raised bowl, he ate really fast, and often regurgitated the un-chewed/ undigested food. He had the many of the risk factors such as old age, being fed once a day, raised bowl, etc.... But, I think it is the combination of variety of risk factors.....

I see some of the similar risky traits in my standard poodle, so I take caution to reduce other risk factors. 1) He eats fast  2) I can hear him inhaling the air as he eats 3) deep chest. He also burps after he eats, which makes me think that he had air in his stomach.   So, he eats twice a day, but 1/2 cup at the time with slow feeding bowl ( he get 3 serving of 1/2 cup per feeding )  on the floor. Also walks and play is before feeding. He was a bit of shy dog, but now being certified therapy dog and has been going to the university really changed him, and he is much of a cuddly bear, which should help with the reduction of nervousness which is said to be the one of the contribution.....

The experience of the bloat was horrible. So scary and I did not know what is was.... It happened in 4 am, he woke me up which I rushed him to the emergency vet, and he was operated on immediately....

This is something that I never want to go through again...

[lori]

Kyoko, I am so sorry that you and your dog had to go thru that…so scary! I am learning so much here and really appreciate all the input from everyone. I started out looking for recommendations on feeder heights and size and instead have learned things about health risks that I never knew.

[Darlene S Bentley]

According to this article  no one really knows.  :/   ....  http://www.vetinfo.com/elevated-dog-feeder.html#b

I have been wondering also about how to feed ... on the floor or elevated?

I have only ever had one scare with bloat. It was my little 20 pound Heart Boy Leeo my Schnoodle. Turned out to be his pancreas eating his internal organs and stomach cancer. That is why the bloated effect. It came on all at once. No prior history of illness. Sadly he went to The Bridge at the tender age of 5.