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BPO Breeding Forum => Breeding Questions & Information => : Saint and Mal mom July 11, 2006, 07:44:32 PM

: Question about feeding
: Saint and Mal mom July 11, 2006, 07:44:32 PM
Should I be elevating my girls' food dishes off the the ground? I know that you are supposed to do so for Great Danes and other tall breeds, but I just didn't know if it's bad or something for their backs to bend to eat like normal. Zoey stands when she eats and Dolly actually lays down to eat. Is that unhealthy?
: Re: Question about feeding
: doggylover July 11, 2006, 07:50:17 PM
The reason people raise the dish is because it is supposed to reduce the incidence of bloat.  If you are feeding dry kibble I would raise the dish. 
:)
: Re: Question about feeding
: shangrila July 11, 2006, 07:53:54 PM
I personally belive in elevated feeding. I believe that it helps reduce air intake (which helps reduce bloat), that it helps prevent water spillage, and that it just looks more comfortable. For my saint zoey, elevated feeding it crucial because it hurts her hips to bend down (she has HD).

But at the same time, for every article you read saying elevated feeding prevents bloat, theres another that says low feeding prevents bloat, etc. So if one dog seems more comfortable laying and the other standing, I would get an elevated feeder for Zoey and keep Dolly's on the floor
: Re: Question about feeding
: Saint and Mal mom July 11, 2006, 08:34:16 PM
Where's a good place to buy an elevated feeder? Something sturdy but cheap.
: Re: Question about feeding
: shangrila July 11, 2006, 09:16:27 PM
I bought my first elevated feeder at target for like $20. It was wooden with ceramic bowls and lasted for a little over a year before the wood was too scratched and I accidentally dropped one of the bowls and broke it. Then I bought a plastic one at petsmart that stores food underneath that was also like $20. I absolutely love it. The bowls are nice and big, and since it is plastic it is lightweight and easy to clean. I don't use the storage part because it is not practical for me, but I still like this one way better than the last one, although I will say that one was probably cuter. Here's the link to it http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441775057&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302025790&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023689&bmUID=1152673821007&itemNo=34&Nao=24&In=Dog&N=2025790&Ne=2
: Re: Question about feeding
: Bella's mom July 11, 2006, 09:50:06 PM
I bought my first elevated feeder at target for like $20. It was wooden with ceramic bowls and lasted for a little over a year before the wood was too scratched and I accidentally dropped one of the bowls and broke it. Then I bought a plastic one at petsmart that stores food underneath that was also like $20. I absolutely love it. The bowls are nice and big, and since it is plastic it is lightweight and easy to clean. I don't use the storage part because it is not practical for me, but I still like this one way better than the last one, although I will say that one was probably cuter. Here's the link to it http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441775057&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302025790&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023689&bmUID=1152673821007&itemNo=34&Nao=24&In=Dog&N=2025790&Ne=2

I have the same feeder.  I use it to store the food, but use bowls attached to Bella's crate to actually feed her.  Their stainless steel and cheap and you can put them at whatever height that you want.  (I had to start feeding Bella in her crate as a pup to help train her not to use the potty in it!)