Beyond the Tilt: Combining Slow-Feed and Elevated Bowl Technology for Maximum Benefits
Every pet owner wants what's best for their animals. That means giving dogs and cats plenty of love. It also means providing them with safe, effective ways to meet their needs.
Some pets are easier to feed than others. Most pet owners place their animals' food in flat bowls on the floor. While that might be acceptable for some dogs, it's never ideal for cats and can encourage problematic habits in certain dog breeds.
If you're wondering what you can do to solve this problem, don't worry. The solution is simple. You can combine slow-feeding, tilted dog bowls with elevated bowl technology to maximize the benefits for your pet. Read on to find out about the benefits of this approach and how it can help to support optimal pet health.
All Cat Breeds Can Benefit From Using Tilted Bowls
Before we go into the benefits of using slow-feeding bowls for dogs, let's take a moment to discuss feline eating habits. Cats are pure carnivores that evolved to eat certain foods in a particular position. Their bodies aren't meant to have their necks extended downward to eat, so bowls placed flat on the floor can strain their necks and backs unnecessarily, causing joint problems and chronic pain.
The simple solution is to purchase a high-quality tilted pet bowl with a more ergonomic design. When picking out a new bowl, you should buy a food-safe, BPA-free product made of 100% melamine to best support your animal's overall digestive health.
Tilted Bowls Can Help Dogs of All Sizes Eat Better
Small dogs and many larger breeds can also benefit from tilted bowls. Brachycephalic or flat-faced dogs, in particular, can benefit substantially from a tilted bowl that is wide and shallow. They'll feel more relaxed while eating and won't have as much difficulty getting to the food at the bottom of the bowl.
Some larger breeds with longer snouts can also benefit substantially from slow-feeding technology. Dog breeds that tend to gobble their food will slow their eating rate when they use tilted bowls, improving digestion. Plus, they'll be less likely to make a mess.
Dogs with joint problems should always be fed using tilted bowls. They're designed to allow pets to eat in a naturally relaxed position, which helps to prevent unnecessary stress on the spine and joints. Pets that have arthritis or other mobility limitations will find that eating from tilted bowls is easier for them.
Elevating Dog Bowls Supports Optimal Health in Large Breeds
While small-breed dogs may not need their bowls elevated far off the ground, most mid-size to large breeds can benefit substantially from this simple step. Raising the bowl off the ground to a height appropriate for the dog improves their posture during feedings, similar to how using a tilted bowl improves cats' posture.
When dogs have to bend over constantly to drink or eat their kibble, it can cause poor posture. Over time, that can lead to back problems and exacerbate issues with arthritis. Older dogs and animals with mobility issues benefit greatly from elevated dog bowls. Still, pups of all ages will be less likely to develop postural issues over time, so it's worth starting when they're young.
Elevating a dog's bowl can also help with swallowing. Instead of having to work against gravity to move food up the esophagus, dogs can swallow food normally as they would in the wild. For animals with megaesophagus, elevating the bowl is an absolute necessity to ensure safe swallowing. However, any dog will have an easier time swallowing food taken from an elevated bowl.
Finally, elevated bowls prevent dogs from lying down while they eat, which is better for their digestion.
Get the Best of Both Worlds With Elevated, Tilted Bowls
For many animals, combining elevated bowl technology with a tilted bowl made from a high-quality material like melamine is the best way to ensure safe, comfortable feeding throughout the lifespan. Combining these two approaches also slows down eating without requiring you to purchase an expensive slow-feeder bowl.
While standard slow-feeder bowls are difficult for brachycephalic breeds to use, tilted bowls make it easier for these flat-faced animals to eat while simultaneously slowing them down enough that they don't swallow air or otherwise impede their digestion.
Elevated tilted dog bowls are also easier for people to use and less likely to create a mess than flat bowls placed directly on the ground. You won't have to bend over as far to feed your dog, and the bowl will stay in one place instead of getting scooted around the floor as dogs eat. Buying a complete system with a tilted inner bowl and heavier, elevated outer bowl will also help to prevent playful pups from dragging the bowl around the house.
What to Look for in an Elevated, Tilted Dog Bowl
You have two options if you want to start feeding your dog or cat from an elevated, tilted bowl. The first is to purchase a complete system with both a stainless steel bowl and an outer bowl made from easy-to-clean materials. Melamine is a perfect material for elevated tilted dog bowls because, in addition to being BPA-free, it's also dishwasher safe.
Your second option is to purchase a dog bowl with a separate platform for elevating the bowl. If you take this approach, be sure that the bowl is well-fitted to the platform to avoid issues with messy eaters and dogs that try to play with their food. You should also make sure that the platform gets cleaned regularly.
Is It Time to Take New Steps to Protect Your Pet's Health?
Investing in a tilted, elevated bowl is a simple, affordable way to support your animal's health, eliminate hassles for both you and your pet, and keep your dog or cat's eating area clean. We make it incredibly convenient to help your pet thrive during feedings. You can order a tilted, elevated bowl online and get it delivered straight to your door.
