Raised Feeding Bowls and Bloat
 

I happened across this article online today and thought I would share it as it has me concerned. Bridget's bowls are in a small raised feeder frame which I thought would be better since she’s so small. But after reading this I’m worried! I think I’m just going to move her bowls onto the floor to be on the safe side! Any comments from all the experts out there??? :)

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For those not familiar with bloat, bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus or GDV) is the second leading killer of dogs after cancer. Bloat is a genuine veterinary emergency. Nearly every supplier and manufacturer of dog feeding bowls is selling raised food bowls. The bowls are being promoted, among things, as aiding a dog's digestion and as reducing the risk of bloat.

In fact, just the opposite is the case. Purdue's School of Veterinary Medicine has found that use of the raised feeder increases by 110% the risk of bloat. No research exists to support the claim that the raised feeder reduces the risk of bloat.

Many breeds are particularly susceptible to bloat and dogs of all breeds have been known to bloat. The only medical problem for which the raised feeder is recommended is a condition known as megaesophagus. Only a veterinarian should diagnose megaesophagus.

I dont believe this what so ever.

Recon used to throw up after he ate all the time. Then I got him the raised dishes and hasnt done it since. My vet says that it is better for them to eat out of a raised food dish. So I will continue doing so until I hear otherwise from my vet who I trust far more than some study results.

I agree with you. I dont really see the need for the small dogs but the big ones I do.

You know sometimes too much information is a bad thing.Ihave done alot of research on the internet on bloat in dogs and also the barf diet and it all starts to make you paranoid.One of the articles I read said you shouldnt give them exercise 1/2 an hour before and after food. you read so much for and against it all gets very confusing.Do what you feel is right.I feed my jack russell and cairn terrier along the lines of the barf diet but not my yorkie. :) dianne :)

I found this site, which gives some good reasons to use a raised feeding bowl:
http://www.catsanddogspa.com/page3300.html
Hope it helps everyone make a decision.

bloat
 

I have never heard of a toy dog getting bloat...isn't it a problem for a deep chested, large breed dog?

Bridget's mommy - I would be interested in the website where you found this information. Do you still have it available to share?

Hi guys :)

I'd never heard of bloat before I read this message, however, today I was looking for something else and sort of tripped over this section on bloat and I thought I'd share it with you. It even lists the breeds most susceptible. Hope this helps someone who may have this problem... :)

http://www.lakeeffectdogs.com/bloat.htm

I don't really believe that. My dogs are both small so they do not need a raised feeing bowl but my mama-in-law has a lab and the vet recommended using a raised feeding bowl.