The Best Dog Bowl Stands
It may seem like an extravagance to buy a food bowl stand for your dog, but there are some practical reasons to make this update. Changing the position your dog eats in can help their overall digestive health, and having their food bowl closer to their mouth will make mealtimes less messy. But finding the perfect stand for your dog's bowls can be a challenge, so we've done the research to find the best. Keep reading to find out more about our favorite dog bowl stands.
What to Look For
When researching the best dog bowl stands, we wanted to keep an eye out for options that were easy to set up, easy to adjust, and easy to keep clean. Our top pick, a stylish and flexible stand from Pet Zone, has those qualities and more, all without being an eyesore in your space. But if you have multiple dogs, the unique, adjustable trays from YY Foreyy is hard to beat. Keep reading for in-depth reviews of our favorite dog bowl stands on the market today.
Pet Zone Designer Diner Adjustable Elevated Dog Bowls
Made from heavy-duty plastic, this adjustable feeding platform works great for dogs of all ages and sizes. Two stainless steel bowls fit into the main tray and can sit on the floor for puppies and small dogs. For medium and large pups, add the legs in either the horizontal or vertical position to make it the perfect height. The bowls are dishwasher safe, too, making cleanup easy and saving you the time you could be spending with your dog.
Pros:
- The included bowls are large enough to hold food for bigger dogs. Plus, you won’t have to constantly refill your dog’s water bowl if they tend to drink through it quickly.
- The plastic tray and legs are easy to clean and store. Pack this stand to take with you on road trips and set it up when you get to your final destination to help your dog feel more at home.
Cons:
- The stand could be tipped over if your dog is an enthusiastic eater, so it is best to set it up against a wall for support.
Urpower Elevated Dog Bowls
Give your dog a break from bending over with this elevated dog bowl set. There are three heights to adjust as your pet grows, making sure they are always comfortable while eating and drinking. The stainless steel bowls fit perfectly in the tray and can be removed for easy cleaning by hand or in the dishwasher. Rubber pads on the base of the tray and on each leg give it more stability and make sure it stays in place.
Pros:
- It is common for puppies to enjoy playing with their food more than eating it. Since these bowls fit tightly into the tray, it will discourage them from picking up their bowls and spilling the contents on the floor, thinking it’s a game.
- If you spend a lot of time on the road with your dog in the car or a larger vehicle, this dog bowl stand is light and packs up easily. Since it’s easy to clean, you can even use it outside and spray it off before storing it.
Cons:
- At the highest setting, these elevated dog bowls sit at 12 inches tall. This may be too short for taller dogs, including Great Danes and German Shepherds.
Vantic Adjustable Raised Dog Bowls
Making sure our pets have everything they need (as well as some special treats from time to time) can get pricey. This affordable dog bowl stand from Vantic has six adjustable heights and even comes with two stainless steel bowls for your pup. Made from durable bamboo, this stand holds bowls in either a flat or angled position to offer your dog the most comfort. The lock and key design keep it all together and the anti-slip back keeps the entire thing in place to reduce noise and mess.
Pros:
- This dog bowl stand is available in two sizes, one for small dogs and one for medium dogs. It is important you get the right size for your dog to help with their posture while eating and drinking.
- There are only a few components to this stand so it only takes five minutes or less to assemble the entire thing.
Cons:
- The bowls can’t hold as much water in the angled position as in the flat position.
YY Foreyy Adjustable Raised Dog Bowls
Practical and durable, this dog bowl stand has a lot going for it. The bamboo structure has two individual trays that can be adjusted to five different levels. Set the trays at the same height for your dog or at two heights if you have dogs of different sizes. Each tray has a silicone mat and metal guard rails to keep food and water bowls in place. Your pets will love eating dinner together at their own table.
Pros:
- The five tray heights from 2.8 inches to 13.2 inches give you a lot of room to play with, especially if you have a growing puppy. Start out on the lowest level and move upwards as they grow.
- The large trays make it easy to use any bowl you’d like for your dog. Whether you prefer stainless steel, plastic, ceramic, or a slow feeder bowl, they’ll all fit snugly on this stand.
Cons:
- It is more expensive than other dog bowl stands on the market.
Pawfect Pets Elevated Dog Bowl Stand
Designed with energetic dogs in mind, this dog bowl stand is solid and comes pre-assembled to save you time. At seven inches tall, this stand is best for medium-sized dogs to elevate their food and water, avoiding a huge mess for you to clean up. It comes with four stainless steel bowls that slot into the stand and have edges to make it easy to grab the bowls for cleaning and refilling.
Pros:
- The stainless steel bowls have a rubber ring underneath the lip that grips to the wooden stand when in use. This keeps the bowls from getting bumped and making a lot of noise while your dog is using them.
- Dogs who suffer from arthritis or other painful illnesses will benefit from using this dog bowl stand. Bringing food and water up to their level instead of forcing them to bend over will make them more comfortable.
Cons:
- It isn’t as adjustable as other options on our list.
Our Tips and Tricks
Getting a dog bowl stand for your dog may be intimidating or scary for them at first, especially if they’ve never seen one before. But don’t lose hope, we have some tips to make the transition easier for you and your dog. If your stand is adjustable start by feeding your dog on the lowest level, giving them the same experience they would have with regular bowls. After a few days on this level, move up a notch and see how they react. You can even add an extra treat to their bowl to entice them. Your stand may have up to five levels, so take your time and stay at one level for a few days before moving on to the next. Practice is key, so don’t give up on your pup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a dog bowl stand good for my dog’s digestive health?
As your dog eats, their body uses gravity to move the chewed food towards their stomach. When your dog eats out of a traditional bowl on the floor, they are working harder to swallow their food because with their head down, gravity is against them. By updating to a dog bowl stand, your dog can stand up straight and eat without having to adjust their posture. Chewed-up food will be easier to swallow and the digestion process will be a lot smoother.
How tall should my dog bowl stand be?
Choosing the right height of dog bowl stand is necessary to keep your dog healthy and happy. The best way to do this is to measure the height from your dog’s shoulder to the floor. Subtract six inches from this and you’ll have your height. The ideal stand for your dog will allow them to eat without straining their neck too far forward.
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Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.