How High Should A Dog's Bowl Be?

Determining the proper height for your dog’s bowl is important for their health and comfort.

The height of the bowl can impact your dog’s digestion, posture, and risk of bloat.

This article will provide tips on measuring your dog and choosing the ideal bowl height.

We’ll also cover the pros and cons of elevated bowls.

Table Of Contents show

Why Bowl Height Matters

Traditionally, dog bowls sit on the floor. However, this may not be the best position for all dogs. An elevated bowl can provide several benefits:

Better digestion. When a dog eats from a bowl on the floor, gravity works against the food moving through the esophagus into the stomach. Raising the bowl lessens this pressure.
Comfort. Large breeds don’t have to bend as far to reach an elevated bowl. This reduces strain on their necks, joints, and backs.
Cleaner food. Bowls on the floor collect dust, dirt, and hair. An elevated bowl keeps your dog’s food cleaner.
Slows eating. Some dogs gulp their food too quickly, which risks bloat. Elevated bowls may slow eating for these dogs.

However, elevated bowls also have some risks, primarily increasing the chance of bloat in large, deep-chested breeds. Later, we’ll go over some precautions about using raised bowls.

Determining the Ideal Height

There is no universal “right” height for all dogs. The ideal elevation depends on your dog’s size and physical condition. Here are some guidelines for choosing the height:

Measure Your Dog

The bowl height should allow your dog to eat comfortably without craning their neck up or down. To find the right level:

Have your dog stand on a level floor with their legs positioned under them.
Use a measuring tape to measure from the floor up to the top point of your dog’s shoulder blades. This is called the “withers.”
Subtract about 6 inches from this withers measurement.
The resulting height will give you a good estimate of the proper bowl elevation. It should reach near the bottom of your dog’s chest.

This formula gives you a starting point. You may need to adjust up or down an inch or two to find your dog’s ideal position.

Bowl Height by Dog Size

As a general rule, here are typical bowl heights by dog size:

Small breeds: 2-6 inches
Medium breeds: 7-10 inches
Large breeds: 10-16 inches
Giant breeds: 16-24 inches

However, your individual dog may vary. Go by their measurements rather than strict size categories. For example, a petite Labrador may do better with a “medium” height versus the “large” recommendation.

Adjustable Bowls

Rather than choosing a fixed-height bowl, consider an adjustable elevated feeder. With these, you can tweak the height as needed to find your dog’s perfect fit. They also allow you to raise the bowl as your puppy grows.

Adjustable bowls give you more flexibility to accommodate your dog’s size and comfort. Look for sturdy models with a wide, stable base.

Pros and Cons of Elevated Bowls

Raised dog bowls provide some benefits but also carry some risks in certain dogs. Here is an overview of the pros and cons:

Pros

Easier for large dogs to eat without bending down
May improve digestion
Prevents neck and joint strain
Slows rapid eating
Keeps food off dirty floors

Cons

May increase the risk of bloat in large-chested dogs
Could cause muscle strain if too high
Tip over easier than bowls on the floor
More expensive than standard bowls

The risk of bloat is the biggest concern with elevated dog bowls. Let’s look at that more closely.

Bloat Risk in Large Breeds

Bloat goes by several names including gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) and twisted stomach. It occurs when the stomach expands with gas and sometimes twists or rotates. This traps air, food, and water in the stomach.

Other Tips for Choosing Bowls

Aside from height, also consider:

Capacity: Choose a size appropriate for your dog’s needs. For example, a large breed needs a bigger food bowl than a small dog.
Material: Stainless steel and ceramic resist bacteria and are easy to clean. Avoid plastics.
Style: Select a shape that matches your dog’s muzzle so they can access all the food. Consider a slow feed bowl if your dog bolts meals.
Non-slip: Use bowls with rubberized bases to prevent spilling. Or place them on a non-slip mat.
Lipped design: A subtle outer lip can help keep messy eaters from scattering kibble. But avoid a high ridge that makes it hard for your dog to reach food.

Along with finding the right elevation, keep these factors in mind when selecting feeding bowls.

Feeding Tips for Dogs with Megaesophagus

One condition where vets uniformly recommend elevated bowls is the megaesophagus. With this disorder, the esophagus loses the ability to push food into the stomach.

Dogs with megaesophagus frequently regurgitate their meals. But an elevated bowl uses gravity to help food travel into the stomach rather than coming back up.

If your dog has a megaesophagus, raise their bowls to shoulder height or higher. Feed smaller portions more frequently. Keep your dog upright for 15-30 minutes after eating.

FAQs

Are elevated bowls better for all dogs?

There’s no definitive proof that raised bowls are universally better. They do benefit some dogs, but consult your vet about whether one is right for your pet.

Why does my dog refuse to eat unless the bowl is raised?

If your dog is healthy, they may simply prefer the elevated position. But if it’s a new behavior, talk to your vet, as it could signal joint pain or another issue.

Do dogs gulp more from raised bowls?

Some studies found dogs eat faster from elevated bowls. Use a slow feed bowl or bowl insert if your dog gulps their meals.

How do I know if the bowl height is hurting my dog?

Signs that the bowl is too high include straining the neck to reach it, front legs on tiptoes, and reluctance to eat. If your dog seems uncomfortable, lower the bowl an inch or two.

Should I get a custom stand for my extra-large breed?

You can find adjustable stands that accommodate giant breeds. But for very tall dogs like Great Danes, you may need a custom table or shelf to ensure a healthy eating height.

Conclusion

The ideal height for your dog’s bowl depends on their size and physical abilities. While some dogs do well with floor-level bowls, an elevated stand can improve comfort and digestion.

Measure your standing dog to determine the appropriate vertical position. Allow them to eat without bending or stretching. Adjustable bowls give you the flexibility to meet your dog’s needs.

Keep a close eye on large or deep-chested dogs eating from raised bowls. Consult your vet about any concerns over bloat risks. With the right adjustments, an elevated bowl can make mealtimes happier and healthier for your dog.

How High Should a Dog’s Bowl Be?