:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spruce-pets-header-illo-9e753c7d2d5c41c78b01bea00f975fd3.png)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MaryJoDiLonardo-bw-the-spruce-pets-724a3baebaff4de1b13be8a441a12d0f.jpg){kind=small}
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MaryJoDiLonardo-bw-the-spruce-pets-724a3baebaff4de1b13be8a441a12d0f.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/NelvaJ.BryantDVMMPH-84579b9904d74e2eaa1c0d8b94c2923a.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/untitled-5582-Edit-d19315b04e5a4b7e85ec15100d87de46.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-Pets-9-best-elevated-dog-bowls-5080288-final-01-841892abfd9e4cb08157ea75a088602a-bf4d65fa233b4b93bc45f92975c327f7.jpeg)
The Spruce Pets / Chloe Jeong
Whether you like the way they look or you’ve heard they’re healthier for your pet, elevated dog bowls can be a great tool to help your dog eat. These bowls are designed to lift food and water dishes off the floor so your dog doesn’t have to bend over so far to eat and drink.
“Deciding whether or not to use an elevated food bowl should take into account the individual dog's size, age, any medical risks or conditions, and their personal preference,” says Tina Sherman, a small animal veterinarian in St. Louis. “Elevated feeding decreases the frequency of front limb and neck bending, which would decrease repeated movement, in theory decreasing risk of overuse. However, bending downward is a natural movement for dogs and eating or drinking from that position is normal from a physiologic perspective."
The best elevated dog bowl should be easy to clean, have a stable design to prevent spills, and will be the appropriate height for your dog. Some will also have additional features, such as optional slow feeder puzzle bowls, which can help slow down dogs who eat too quickly. To help you find the best elevated dog bowl your pup, we researched a wide range of options, looking for the best combination of features, price, design, and utility.
Our favorite is the OurPets Comfort Diner Elevated Bowls because it comes in various sizes, has a tip-resistant design, and comes with bowls that are dishwasher-safe, making them super easy to clean. But there are several other bowls we recommend that might fit you and your dog even better.
Read on to discover the best elevated dog bowls.
Best Overall
OurPets Comfort Diner Elevated Dog Bowl
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/OurPetsComfortDinerElevatedDogFoodDish-c372ad18984941f09d6b983e7c0b31f9.jpg)
Amazon
Comes in three useful sizes
Dishwasher-safe bowls
Hard to tip over
Can act as an automatic water dispenser
Water can accumulate under water bowl
May be too large for small spaces
This feeder from OurPets is our top choice for its overall value and smart features, like a tip-resistant design. It also has a spill ridge that makes it harder for eager dogs to upset their dinner when they’re excited at meal time.
One of the most unique features is its built-in water bottle notch, which lets you turn one of the dishes into an automatically refilling water dispenser. Simply remove one of the bowls and insert an upside down water bottle into the notch (sized to standard 2-liter and bottled water bottle openings), and it will act as a reservoir that replaces the water your dog drinks.
The Comfort Diner Elevated Dog Food Dish comes in three different heights (4 inches, 8 inches, and 12 inches) with three different bowl sizes (1.5 cups, 4 cups, and 5.5 cups). Both included bowls are made from rust-resistant stainless steel and are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
Our only quibble with the Comfort Diner is that liquid can sometimes accumulate beneath the metal bowls. People with small spaces should also measure for the Comfort Diner in advance, since the stable base has a much larger footprint than the bowls themselves.
Price at time of publish (12-inch): $36
Best Adjustable
Pet Zone Designer Diner Adjustable Elevated Dog & Cat Bowls
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PetZoneDesigner-1d73c220b6354c24aec50607fabe1ecc.jpg)
Chewy
Folds for storage
Dishwasher-safe bowls
Adjusts to multiple heights
Not sturdy enough for big dogs
If you’ve recently adopted a pup that’s still growing, look for an adjustable feeder like this option from Pet Zone. Constructed of durable plastic, the frame adjusts from 2.75 inches to 8 inches to 12 inches, making it a reliable option for puppyhood to adulthood. Even better, since it folds up so neatly, you can tuck it out of the way until dinnertime if you’re short on space. In terms of stability, there’s a ridge on the top to keep food from falling on the floor, and non-slip pads keep the whole thing from moving when your pup eats.
Also included are two stainless steel bowls for food and water. They each hold 56 ounces of water or 7 cups of dry food, making this a great option for those with large breed dogs. They’re also dishwasher-safe, so they’re easy to maintain and clean in between feedings. Still, if you already own other bowls, like a slow-feeding option, you can easily switch it out, and it will stay in place (just make sure it’s the same size as the bowl the stand comes with or you may need to secure them in place).
Price at time of publish: $27
Best Budget
Loving Pets Black Label Collection Rustic Bone Diner for Dogs
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/rusticbonediner-9579bbf94a4a4743a91305f7bde6819f.jpg)
Amazon
Rustic design
Comes in various sizes
Dishwasher-safe bowls
Too short for larger dogs
Not as stable as other options
The Loving Pets Rustic Bone Diner has a weathered copper finish with decorative bone embellishments on the front and back—it's the only elevated dog bowl that looks something you found antiquing. But with its galvanized steel frame, you can still count on this elevated bowl to stand up to daily use. Unfortunately, there are no rubber pads to prevent it from sliding around, so you may want to purchase a mat to put underneath.
The smallest sized elevated bowl from Loving Pets' Black Label Collection holds its two bowls about 4 inches off the ground, making it a great pick for smaller dogs. The included bowls are stainless steel and top rack dishwasher-safe, and they come in different capacities, depending on which size feeder you buy. The smallest option holds 1 pint, which equals about 2.5 cups of food and water, while the other two hold 1 quart and 2 quarts, which equals about 4 to 8 cups of food and water.
Both bowls fit snugly into the designated circles attached to the feeder’s frame, but the design is quite minimal, so they may be easily knocked out if your dog gets excited when eating.
Price at time of publish: $9
Best for Large Dogs
Yangbaga Elevated Dog Bowls
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/YangbagaElevatedDogBowls-524746784f4640429cb5855bf7affe62.jpg)
Amazon
Prevents noises during eating
Comes with anti-slip, absorbent mat
Attractive design
Assembly required
Wood is a little more difficult to keep clean
Measuring nearly 18 inches tall, this pick from Yangbaga is ideal for large dogs like Great Danes or Great Pyrenees. It has anti-slip pads on the bottom of the legs to keep it from sliding around when your dog eats and comes with an anti-slip, absorbent dog mat to collect spills. While it doesn’t come fully assembled like other options on this list, it includes all the assembly materials and tools and comes together quickly. We especially love that the wood finish lends it a modern design that will fit in better with your home decor.
It also is equipped with two premium-quality stainless steel bowls that can hold up to 6 cups of food and water. Unfortunately, there aren’t any spill ridges, so it’s best to fill it a bit under full capacity to prevent spills and keep the wood dry and free of mold and mildew. Still, there are little bumps inside of each bowl holder to prevent them from moving and making noises during dinnertime. When it’s time to clean up, simply toss the bowls into the dishwasher and wipe down the stand.
Price at time of publish: $28
Best for Small Dogs
Neater Pets Deluxe Neater Feeder
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/NeaterPetBrandsNeaterFeederDeluxe-d2471216b9e54a0fb7efaaf19bd384ad.jpg)
Amazon
Backsplash and reservoirs prevent messes
Comes in various sizes and colors
Available with a slow-feeder bowl
May be too large for small spaces
Leg extensions sold separately
With the smallest size raising 6 inches off the ground, this pick is ideal for small dogs prone to messes when they eat and drink. It’s designed with a reservoir on the bottom that collects any spilled water, and there's a backsplash and tray on the top to collect any spilled food. Just note that the safeguard design is bulkier than other options, so this isn’t the greatest pick if you live in a small apartment with limited space. It’s also equipped with non-skid feet, so it should stay in place even if you don’t have a mat.
We love that it comes in seven colors, ranging from black and gray to bronze and cranberry, and it’s also available in two other sizes for medium to large dogs. If you find that your dog is in between sizes, the brand also makes leg extensions that can raise the feeder an extra 3 inches. The included bowls are stainless steel and dishwasher-safe, and you can choose a slow-feeder bowl for your dog’s food. Each size has a water bowl that’s slightly larger than the food bowl, with the smallest size having a capacity of 2.2 cups for water and 1.5 cups for food.
Price at time of publish: $36
Best Splurge
Ozarks Fehr Trade Originals Raised Double Bowl Dog Feeder
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/OzarksFehrTradeOriginalsElevatedBowls-34a7e242581949d5a9d566040d09f6b3.jpg)
Amazon
Attractive design
Comes in various sizes and colors
Comes assembled
Not as stable as other options
Wood could rot from messy drinkers
If you’re looking to splurge on an elevated dog feeder, try this stunning solid wood option.
Handmade in Missouri, this feeder is like having a nice piece of canine furniture in the room. The Ozarks Fehr Trade elevated bowl comes in four different finishes, including natural and deep black options. The wood is Eastern white pine, which is a softer wood that's less likely to splinter or split. Even better, it comes in five different size options, ranging from 3.25 to 17 inches tall, to suit small and large dog breeds alike.
The feeder includes dishwasher-safe stainless steel bowls for easy cleanup. Unfortunately, it does not come with anti-skid features, but you can remedy this by placing a mat underneath it to prevent it from moving. If you have a particularly messy drinker, we recommend consistently wiping up any spills to prevent the wood from rotting. As a bonus, the feeder comes fully assembled, so you can use it as soon as it arrives.
Price at time of publish (17-inch): $200
Best for Travel
Dexas Popware for Pets Double Elevated Pet Feeder
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/DexasPopwareforPetsDoubleElevatedPetFeeder-006f9d1d86ba492785765bba5bc29470.jpg)
Amazon
Bowls and legs lock into place
Several colors and two sizes
Dishwasher-safe bowls
Not sturdy enough for big dogs
Silicone bowls aren’t as durable as others
Fully collapsible, this elevated pet bowl from Dexas Popware for Pets is perfect for when you and your canine BFF hit the road. It can fold down to 0.2 inches, making it easy to slide under your seat, into a fully-packed trunk, and more. Not to mention, its slim profile makes it an excellent choice for those living in small apartments. It also comes with two removable, dishwasher-safe silicone bowls that can collapse for easy storage. Just keep in mind that these need to be washed and dried frequently to prevent mold growth. They’re also easy to chew, so it’s best to watch your pup while they eat. There are two sizes, with the smallest option holding 1 cup of food and water and the largest holding 2.5 cups of food and water.
Both the bowls and the stand lock into place, so you don’t need to worry about it collapsing on itself. It’s also equipped with anti-skid legs, so it won’t slip and slide on any surface. Still, the stand is rather lightweight, so bigger, eager dogs might push it around a bit when they eat. We recommend swapping out the bowls for stainless steel options if you want something more durable. As a bonus, this stand comes in several different colors, so you can choose your favorite color or pick a color for each of your dogs if you have more than one.
Price at time of publish: $19
Best Standalone Bowl
Platinum Pets Olympic Single Diner
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PlatinumPetsOlympicSingleElevatedBowl-7f8f8f3cc98e43999da25e5b35ac6a15.jpg)
Amazon
Comes in various sizes and colors
Chip-resistant, coated stainless-steel bowls
Attractive design
Bowl can rotate in the stand
Not as stable as other options
When you just need one feeder for your pet’s food or water, this is an artsy option. The wrought-iron stand is made of interlocking rings, and it holds a coated stainless steel bowl that comes in all sorts of colors, ranging from bubblegum pink to a silver vein. There are four heights, ranging between 4.25 and 8.5 inches, to accommodate dogs of any size. Unfortunately, there are no anti-skid markings on the stand, so you may need to purchase a mat to go under it to prevent it from sliding.
The included bowl is wide-rimmed and has a rubber gasket to help keep it from moving or making noise when your pet uses it. However, if you have a particularly eager dog, sometimes it can still rotate in the stand. The bowls vary in capacity, ranging between 0.75 and 6.25 cups, and are very easy to clean since they’re dishwasher-safe. The powder-coated finish also helps them resist chips, rust, and fading.
Price at time of publish: $14
Best for Flat-Faced Dogs
Super Design Mess Free 15° Slanted Bowl for Dogs and Cats
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SuperDesignMessFree15SlantedBowl-bc63b9c5ce4d4a71a47a0338e7430402.jpg)
Amazon
Dishwasher-safe bowl and stand
Non-skid feet
Comes in various sizes and colors
Only comes in single bowl
Messier than other options
Flat-faced dogs—officially called brachycephalic dogs—are dogs like English bulldogs, Pekingese, and pugs. They often have breathing and throat issues because of their short muzzles and noses and it can be hard for these pups to reach food in the bottom of a traditional bowl. A tilted feeder, like this one from Super Design, can help. It has a sturdy melamine base and has a stainless steel bowl inside. The bowl sits on a slight 15-degree slant to help your dog eat dinner. Just note that if you have an eager eater, they may spill some food on the floor due to the slant. Still, it’s packed with plenty of anti-skid features, including a silicone slip on the bowl to prevent it from rotating while in use and four rubber feet on the stand to keep it from sliding around.
This feeder comes in six heights and bowl sizes to appeal to dogs of any height. The smallest option is 3.14 inches high and can hold up to 0.5 cups of food, while the largest is 8 inches tall and can hold up to 4 cups. It also comes in various colors, so you can pick one to match your decor and coordinate colors if you have multiple pets. When it’s time to clean up, simply place both the stand and the bowl into the dishwasher.
Price at time of publish: $26
Best Stand
PetRageous Set The Table Steel Frame Dog Feeder
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PetRageous81030GizmosSetTheTableSteelFrameDogFeeder-89e83b0752ad45419cf43630ba2cf325.jpg)
Amazon
Non-skid feet
Durable
Can use your own bowls
May not fit larger bowls
Bowls may slide around
Use whatever bowls you like with this sturdy elevated stand. It’s made of powder-coated black steel with rims all the way around to keep bowls from falling off. The stand fits two stainless steel, ceramic, or plastic bowls of various sizes. Just note that there’s no anti-skid protection where the bowls sit, so they could still slide around when your dog eats (we recommend finding a bowl that has a rubber bottom to remedy this). Fortunately, the legs do have rubber feet, so you won’t need a mat to keep the stand stabilized on the floor.
Available in three different heights, this stand easily accommodates dogs of all sizes. The smallest stand is just over 4 inches tall (for small dogs and cats), while the largest is 12 inches off the ground. However, you’ll want to consider the size of your bowls before purchasing this option. The smallest size can hold two 5.5-inch bowls, the medium size can hold two 8-inch bowls, and the large size can hold two 9-inch bowls. For cleanup, simply wipe down the stand with a damp cloth.
Price at time of publish: $19
OurPets Comfort Diner Elevated Bowls is the best overall because the wide base on the feeder makes it hard to tip over, and you can pop in a bottle to create an automatic water dispenser. Another great choice is the Pet Zone Designer Adjustable Elevated Bowls because it adjusts to three heights and folds for easy storage.
What to Look for in an Elevated Dog Bowl
Height and Bowl Size
Feeders come in various heights, with the smallest options measuring between 3 to 4 inches and the largest options towering as high as 12 inches or more. Choose the right height based on your pet’s size and any medical issues they may have. Bowl size is another factor to keep in mind since many feeders will come with a bowl. You’ll want to find an option with a slightly larger capacity than what you typically feed your dog each meal so that kibble isn’t spilling out while they eat.
Stability
Many feeders have anti-skid rubber pads on the bottom to keep them from moving when your dog eats excitedly. Others are constructed with a more stable base to keep the entire feeder in place. If your dog is very eager at mealtime, look for a solid feeder that can’t easily be tipped over or pushed.
Easy to Clean
Spilled water and food can cause bacteria to build up, so you’ll need to clean your bowls and feeder regularly. Look for dishwasher-safe bowls and feeders that are easy to wipe clean. See if food or water can collect anywhere in the feeder and make sure it’s easy to mop up spills. You can also keep a paper towel in the well under bowls to soak up water spills. If you do this, be sure to change it regularly.
-
How do you measure how high an elevated bowl should be?
The ideal height of the bowls depends on any medical conditions and your dog’s own size, says Sherman.
“For dogs with megaesophagus who are using elevated feeding, we aim for a little above shoulder height to help create a downward slope from the bowl into their stomach. For dogs with neck or front limb arthritis, usually just below shoulder height is a good benchmark and can help minimize downward bending while not forcing them to reach upwards; aim for a good, neutral neck position,” Sherman says.
But if your dog is otherwise healthy but you (or your dog) prefer elevated bowls, choose a height far enough off the floor to prevent your pup’s front legs from bending, but still below the shoulder. That should allow for normal eating and drinking without repeatedly moving your dog’s limbs, Sherman says. -
Do both food and water bowls need to be elevated?
Whether you’re choosing an elevated feeder for medical reasons or because your dog prefers eating higher, both food and water bowls should be raised, Sherman told The Spruce Pets
-
What are the benefits of elevated dog bowls?
Sherman says elevated bowls can help make eating more comfortable if your dog has arthritis or it hurts when they move their neck or front legs. However, if a dog has arthritis in their back legs or is weak when standing, they might be more comfortable eating while lying down and would need a floor-level bowl. Elevated feeding is also critical with megaesophagus, a condition where the food pipe (esophagus) is too big and doesn’t allow food to pass as it should into the stomach.
Some studies also suggest elevated feeding could be a possible risk factor for a life-threatening condition called bloat, or gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV). Bloat is when a dog’s stomach fills with gas and then twists. “This is because more air tends to be swallowed with the food when dogs eat from a higher position,” explains Sherman. “For large to giant breed dogs or deep-chested dogs (who are at increased risk of GDV), I would use a floor-level bowl unless otherwise indicated.”
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
Mary Jo DiLonardo has been writing about pets and animals for several decades. She has a rescue dog and has fostered more than three dozen dogs and puppies, which means she has tried lots of food and water bowls. Pet health and safety is very important to Mary Jo and she’s always researching the latest products to keep the dogs in her care healthy and safe. For this story, she looked at scientific research and interviewed veterinarian Tina Sherman about when to use elevated bowls. Then she chose products based on durability, sizes, materials, and how easy they are to clean.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-Pets-13-best-dog-bowls-4158721-fd6d42e336ec482297f434be649176e3.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Slow-Feeder-Bowls-of-2023-0343584487da437cb9bb5f3ec69738b8.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/kurgo-duty-bag-d890da254e2f4739a7c75f88b21d1645.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-Pets-8-best-cat-water-bowls-4682626-f2079446d7b84e61854edb490f4da40f.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/caldwellpottybells-a5883c3469a04a11b8041ebd277b02c0.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Parrot-Playstands-of-2023-d4f8f7b05f2c4ff7bce6a41ebd1200b6.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cat-feeders-group-Leticia-Almeida-photo-06-cbd763495c204cbe97158a0f404efc25.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Beach-Accessories-for-Dogs-460ea4ce48294146a288da7997a58504.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Dog-Accessories-of-2022-04ccb03b4513421d997d675aed310701.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SpanomicSnuffleDogMat-3c9604ab17534c4bb33dfe6fa0081995.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Cat-Water-Fountains-group-Leticia-Almeida-photo-03-8d377c28b6c044aca064205c9ab66f0f.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-treat-dispenser-toys-for-dogs-6822969-0ef7178062984929817eb194f7f70115.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Dog-Toys-of-2023-6a3564b2f2094ed8842f81c9505ddb42.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-Home-best-dog-tug-toys-v1-942ced28600349a79a36a6f94c03871f.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Hedgehog-Cages-be439f44dde94e8fa2d39ac9be5cb1ae.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/In_Use_Square_1800x1800-a8f4dc3c5548430c823c031beadc3582.jpeg)