Has your dog been using the same old dog bowls for years? Are they chewed up, dented, scratched or even chipped or rusted? Would you eat or drink out of them? Even if your dog’s bowls aren’t in serious need of replacement, an upgrade may be in order. Providing the right dog feeder for your pet’s unique size, body structure and feeding habits can contribute to his or her health and comfort.
The Benefits of Raised Dog Bowls (aka Dog Feeders)
Many dog owners have heard about the benefits of raised dog bowls or “feeding stations” but think they’re only necessary for large breeds. The fact is eating and drinking from bowls placed at an appropriate height will aid any size dog with digestion. Raised feeders minimize the amount of air dogs swallow while gulping and chewing food. They also help prevent vomiting and choking while reducing the likelihood your dog will suffer from stomach bloat. Not having to lean, bend or stretch for food and water contributes to good posture and puts less strain on your dog’s neck, joints and hips. Insects, rodents, dust and dirt are also less likely to reach food and water raised off the floor or ground.
Raised dog feeders now come in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials that allow you to truly customize your dog’s dining station. What sort of bowl and stand combination will work best for you and your dog? Certainly you will want to choose an attractive design that suits your home’s décor. With wooden, wrought iron, stainless steel, rustic and trendy designs to choose from, you’re likely to find whatever you’re looking for. Look to suit your dog’s needs as well as your personal tastes to make the most of your dog feeder upgrade.
Key Considerations in Dog Feeder Selection
If you have a new puppy, consider an adjustable feeding station that will accommodate his or her growth. Many raised bowls are of such high quality they will literally last a lifetime. If you are thinking long-term, be sure the feeder you select can accommodate your dog’s needs throughout his or her lifecycle.
Consider your dog’s unique physical features in addition to his or her size and age. If you own an Irish Setter or an Afghan Hound for instance, a single raised feeding bowl that stands separately from a water bowl will be most practical for your dog. Single feeders allow long ears and facial hair to drape over the sides of the bowl to prevent messes and keep your dog more comfortable. If your dog has a pug face, choose a broad rather than deep bowl to allow your dog to pick food up more easily. Bowls featuring rims that turn inward are helpful for toothless or older dogs that tend to have trouble ingesting food.
Your new dog feeder should also match your dog’s eating style. Some dogs are playful eaters and enjoy dumping food bowls or tossing them to the floor. If this describes your dog, choose heavy ceramic bowls instead of stainless steel and solid stands with non-skid feet. If your dog prefers to drink water while eating, a double style raised diner is ideal.
Single-bowl raised feeder units provide more flexibility. You may keep your food and water bowls in separate areas of the house or wish to offer water in different locations throughout the home. Perhaps you want to keep a raised water bowl outdoors. In all of these cases, single feeder stands are ideal.
Last but not least, consider how convenient the bowls will be for you to fill and clean. Bowls that sit flat into raised feeders may be held in place securely, but they are not always easy to lift out for cleaning. People with arthritis or limited hand mobility may find them inconvenient. Similarly, ceramic bowls are much heavier than stainless steel options and may break if dropped.
The key to selecting the ideal dog feeder is to balance your own preferences with the needs of you dog. For example, your dog’s eating habits might make a ceramic bowl the best choice for feeding, but you may be able to use lighter weight, unbreakable stainless steel bowls in waterers. With a bit of planning, both you and your dog will benefit from an upgrade to beautiful, functional and practical dog feeders.
Source: http://hubpages.com/hub/raised-dog-bowls
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