Does anyone have any suggestions on using elevated food and water bowls? Should we be doing this or does it matter? Thanks.

I use them

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Used to known as LYNN but now Forum doesn't recognize my sign in
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Many years a go we looked at our dog trying to eat from a dish on the floor and it looked oh so un-comfortable. We have been feeding this way for quite some time & wouldnt go back to the floor.

I do not use raised food or water bowls.

I researched them before I adopted my pup and it actually can increase their risk for bloat quite significantly.
Just research bloat and raised bowls.

I never had a problem or noticed them gulping any faster or slower with raised bowls.
BUT.... if it bothers you you can always use raised bowls for comfort..... And then use the bowls with the bump in the middle to slow them down.

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It doesn't bother me but just the fact that it is considered a potential risk factor is what makes me uneasy. I wouldnt want to risk it, but that's just me-- I'm a worry wort. I'm just glad my pup is a "steady as she goes" kind of girl so gulping air whilst eating isn't too much of a worry.

Basically most quotes you see are using the Perdue study as an example. The study was taken in somewhat of a biased way.
I also believe the actual INCREASE means .1 raises to .2 .

Anyway.... Just imagine the differnce between you hunching over a kiddie table or an adult table. Thats how I feel the BIG DOGS feel when hunching down over the floor bowls. i would still recommend raised bowls and just go with a " slow feeder" bowl insert . You can also just make your own slow feeder by inserting something larger they can't swallow into a regular bowl. I know some people just toss a clean large stone in their that is too large for the dog to break or swallow.

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We have always had large dogs and always used raised bowls. When we got Riley ( our first Berner) I had read "not" to use the raised bowls But then his neurologist told us it was fine. He has some joint issues and the raised bowls are much more comfortable for him. Again I guess this is one of those things that you have to decide what you are comfortable with for your pup.

I use the raised bowls now! I wish I had used them with my first Berner!

Thanks everyone for your advice and help!