If you have never heard of elevated feeders or raised bowls for dogs, it is worth learning more about them and the benefits they can provide for Labrador Retrievers. Because most Labs are tall, they are forced to lean down quite a distance to reach their food or water if the bowl is on the floor. Over time, this can be hard on your dog’s body, causing him to prematurely age. Choosing a dog bowl that is at the right height for your Labrador Retriever will allow for easier digestion, as well as be easier on his bones and joints.
Easier Digestion
When dogs are provided with a feeder bowl that is the correct height, they will take in less air while they are eating or drinking. Air in the stomach equals gas and indigestion, which is very uncomfortable for your dog. An even greater risk of ingesting air is the chance of getting stomach bloat. This is a life-threatening illness that is the number one killer of Labrador Retrievers. When a dog eats too fast, too much or gets too much air, gas accumulates in the stomach, causing the bloating and expansion that is too much for the stomach to handle, and the need for surgery is imminent.
Easier on the Body
As Labrador Retrievers age, their bones and joints become stiffer and it becomes harder to stand for a long period of time. If Labs are forced to lean down a large distance to get their food or water, there is undue stress on the joints in the neck and hips. hoosing an elevated feeder will help you preserve the flexibility of your Labrador Retriever’s joints and give him a longer, more enjoyable life that is pain free.
