You don’t put your plates on the ground at mealtime, so why do you make your dog eat off the floor?
Elevated dog feeders provide you with the chance to offer your dog a more dignified and comfortable eating experience. Not to mention they can make cleanup a lot easier.
While elevated food dishes aren’t recommended for all dogs, many will enjoy and benefit from a raised dog bowl.
Below, we’ll share the best elevated dog bowls and give the whole low down on raised dog bowls!
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Best Overall Elevated Dog Bowl
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Most Affordable Elevated Dog Bowl
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Best Elevated Dog Bowl for Large Breeds
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Description: A wooden raised feeder with an easy-clean finish and four included stainless steel bowls. |
Description: A sleek raised metal bowl holder with an adorable bone-shaped design and a smaller pricetag. |
Description: A wooden food platform with anti-slip bowl pads and the perfect height for most large doggos. |
A wooden raised feeder with an easy-clean finish and four included stainless steel bowls.
A sleek raised metal bowl holder with an adorable bone-shaped design and a smaller pricetag.
A wooden food platform with anti-slip bowl pads and the perfect height for most large doggos.
Why Opt for an Elevated Dog Bowl?
Elevated dog bowls can provide a number of benefits for you and your pup. Some of these advantages are thought to offer health benefits, while others simply make your life easier.
A few of the most obvious advantages of elevated feeding bowls include:
- Less Painful for Arthritic Dogs. Some dogs, particularly older ones, have medical conditions that make feeding time painful or difficult; elevated food dishes often make eating easier. For example, dogs suffering from arthritis, spinal problems, or a condition called megaesophagus may be able to eat more easily from an elevated food dish.
- Keep Your Dog’s Eating Area Cleaner. Elevated feeding dishes help keep your dog’s eating area clean. Food crumbs will spill out of any food bowl, but they often become trapped beneath floor-level dishes. By using an elevated feeding platform, you can see food debris and clean up messes more easily.
- Prevent Bowl Slipping and Tipping. Elevated feeding platforms keep pet bowls in place, preventing your pup from scooting around or tipping them. This is especially common in puppies and food-obsessed doggos. The best elevated dog bowl sets have anti-slip feet to prevent the platform from budging.
- Easier to Fill and Maintain. It is easier for you to fill, empty, and clean elevated food dishes, as you don’t have to reach all the way down to the ground to access them. Your dog doesn’t care too much about this problem, but there’s no reason to make things harder on yourself than need be. This is an especially valuable benefit for older or disabled owners.
- Keeps Bowls Cleaner. Elevated dog bowls allow less hair, dust, and debris to coat your dog’s food and dish. You wouldn’t let your child eat food off the ground, so why let your pup? Remember: Even floors in cleanest homes are coated in bacteria. Raising your dog’s food bowl off the ground will help keep your dog’s bowl and food cleaner.
- Built-In Food Storage. Some elevated feeders feature storage compartments for holding dog food or the bowls when not in use. This is another feature your dog won’t care about, but it will make your life a little easier, especially if you’re planning an overnight trip with your pup and want to keep food and other canine accessories together.
- Stylish Design. Because many elevated dog bowls feature stylized designs, they can look quite nice in your kitchen and can complement your home decor!
Best Elevated Dog Bowls: 13 Recommendations
Below, you can see some of the best elevated dog bowls for high-rise eating, including a wide variety of sizes and styles. Just be sure to pick one that is the perfect height for your pup (the rule of thumb is that you want a feeder that stands about 4 to 6 inches below your dog’s shoulder).
1. Pawfect Pets Premium Elevated Feeder
A modern, wooden raised feeder with an easy-clean finish and four included stainless steel bowls.
About: The Pawfect Pets Premium Elevated Feeder is an attractive and functional wooden dog feeding platform that comes preassembled for stress-free setup. The silicone bowl liner keeps the steel dog bowls in place as your pup digs in, preventing messing sloshing, while the water-resistant finish is a breeze to wipe clean for long-term beauty.
Features:
- Made of bamboo coated in a polyurethane coating
- Comes with two complete sets of food bowls (4 bowls in total)
- Features no moveable or removable parts
- Made in China
Options: Available in four sizes:
- Small (4″)
- Medium (7″)
- Large (12″)
- Adjustable Large (12″, 14″, or 16″)
Pros
- Bamboo finish is attractive and water-resistant for longevity
- Wide range of size options for dogs of all sizes (including larger breeds!)
- Comes with four stainless steel bowls, giving you a backup set during cleanings
Cons
- Doesn’t feature non-skid feet
- Chew-happy hounds may give the wood frame a nibble
2. Loving Pets Layton Diner
About: Save your doggy dollars for treats and toys with the Loving Pets Layton Diner, an affordable metal elevated bowl holder with an eye-catching copper-toned finish. Its simple A-frame structure keeps pet bowls suspended above an open floor, making post-meal cleanup a breeze for spotting stray kibblets and sweeping.
Features:
- Comes with 2 stainless steel bowls that are dishwasher safe
- Metal construction is durable and easy to wipe clean
- Non-skid base keeps the platform in place during mealtime
- Made in India
Options: Size options include:
- Small 1-pint capacity (13″ x 5.5″ x 4″)
- Medium 1-quart capacity (15.5″ x 7″ x 4.5″)
- Large 2-quart capacity (17″ x 9″ x 4.5″)
Pros
- Affordable pricing for all sizes
- Sleek, modern look fits in most of today’s homes
- Durable metal frame can withstand the rigors of everyday use and is easy to clean
Cons
- Not an adjustable feeder
- Some owners reported that the non-skid base still slipped
- Decorative bone feature could conceivably snag dangling tags from a pup’s collar
Slip a dog food mat beneath your pup’s raised eating tray to prevent food, water, and slobber from raining down on your floor below. Not only does this make for easier cleanup, but it prevents long-term damage from everyday mutt messes.
3. IRIS USA Elevated Storage Feeder
A raised feeder built atop an airtight storage bin for dog food, treats, or other pupper accessories.
About: The IRIS Elevated Storage Feeder serves as both an elevated feeding platform and a place you can store your dog’s food. The inner compartment seals with two side clasps, keeping food, treats, or whatever else is inside safe from curious canines.
Features:
- Storage compartment features an air-tight seal, so food stays fresh and dry inside
- Comes with two stainless-steel feeding bowls
- Storage space varies by size
- Made in the USA
Options: Available in three sizes:
- Small (5.94″ height)
- Medium (8.97″ height)
- Large (15″ height)
Pros
- Space-saving design is ideal for smaller homes or apartments
- Great, portable option for feeding your dog on the go
- See-through compartment makes seeing how much dog food is left easy at a glance
Cons
- Food-focused pups may be tempted to chew through the container to get to the food or goodies stored inside
- Not the most stylish design to fit a home’s decor
4. YML Wrought Iron Elevated Feeder
A classy-looking wrought iron elevated feeder that holds a single bowl and features bone-shaped design elements.
About: The YML Wrought Iron Elevated Feeder is a cute elevated dog bowl made with artistically twisted wrought iron to let your dog eat in style. The open base design allows pet parents to spot and clean any floor messes with ease, while the non-slip feet keep the elevated feeder in place while your canine chows down.
Features:
- Wrought iron construction
- Features a fun, bone-shaped decoration around the unit
- Both the stand and included stainless steel bowl are dishwasher safe
- Made in China
Options: Available in three sizes:
- Small (6″ x 6″ x 5″)
- Medium (8.2″ x 8.2″ x 6.8″)
- Large (10.5″ x 10.5″ x 10″)
Pros
- Simple yet elegant design fits in any home
- Open base design makes for easy spot-cleaning
- Dishwasher safe for simple cleanup as needed
- Pricing isn’t too bad
Cons
- Only supports one bowl, so you’ll need to buy two if you want to raise your dog’s food and water bowls
- Some owners felt the platform was too lightweight for their pup’s boisterous eating habits
5. URPOWER Elevated Dog Bowls
A lightweight, plastic food bowl holder that can be adjusted to several different heights to suit dogs of different sizes.
About: URPOWER’s Elevated Dog Bowls feature a wide base made of hard plastic that wipes clean as needed, keeping mealtime messes and odors at bay. With silicone bowl insets for stability during mealtime and the feeder’s adjustable height design, the stand allows for a comfortable eating experience for dogs of all sizes.
Features:
- Anti-slip base equipped with rubber pads
- Comes with 2 steel dog bowls offering a 1.5-liter bowl capacity each
- Offered in Black, Grey, and Light Grey color options
- Detachable legs
- Made in China
Options: Available in a single adjustable size that can be adjusted to 2.8-inch, 8-inch, and 12-inch heights for breeds of all sizes.
Pros
- Hard plastic frame stands up to everyday use and is easy to wipe clean
- Affordable price given its adjustable nature (great for growing puppies!)
- Detachable legs are great for bringing it on the go
Cons
- A few pet parents experienced stand wobbling issues with excited eaters
- Some chew-obsessed dogs seemed determined to gnaw at the corners
6. The Fluff Trough Elevated Dog Bowl Feeder
A trough-style feeder that suits flat-faced dogs and others in need of extra mouth room during meals.
About: The Fluff Trough Elevated Dog Bowl Feeder is a top-notch choice for brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs needing more wiggle room during meals for comfortably scarfing down grub, using a large channel for food in place of standard steel dog bowls that has a removable silicone liner. Both pieces of the feeder are dishwasher safe for easier upkeep.
Features:
- Made of BPA-free, non-toxic, food-safe polyethylene terephthalate and silicone
- Trough capacity is up to 2 cups of dry food
- Color options include Black, Teal, Purple, and Grey
- Made in China
Options: Available in only one, 5-inch-high version, but that’s close to the ideal height for most small to medium-sized brachycephalic breeds like pugs, French bulldogs, and Boston terriers. It’s also available with a slow-feeder insert, mimicking the style of slow-feeder bowls in a flat-face-friendly design.
Pros
- Wide eating area of the feeder is suitable for flat-face breeds like pugs and bulldogs
- Trough-style nature is easier to clean than standard food bowls
- Owners report the height works great for pugs, bulldogs, and other short, stocky breeds
Cons
- On the pricier side
- Still need to purchase a separate raised water dish if you need one
7. FUKUMARU Elevated Ceramic Pet Bowls
A simple design makes this great-looking ceramic bowl platform a good option for owners who prefer ceramic bowls.
About: FUKUMARU Elevated Ceramic Pet Bowls are set on a simple frame that allows for easy cleaning beneath as needed. The stand includes two ceramic bowls that are made with food-grade materials that are microwave and dishwasher-safe.
Features:
- Made with metal legs and wooden bamboo or walnut holder treated with waterproof varnish
- 15-degree tilt offers a comfortable eating position for dogs with back or neck pain
- Available in a stylish Bamboo and Walnut finish
- Made in China
Options: Single size measures 5 inches high, suitable for small doggos.
Pros
- Ceramic bowls ideal for smaller dogs with metal or plastic sensitivities
- Modern look fits in great in most contemporary homes
- Tilted nature makes for a more comfortable eating experience for many dogs
Cons
- More height options would be ideal
- Base isn’t non-skid, so excited eaters might move it around during meals
- Tilted nature means you can’t fill the bowls to capacity, or you’ll risk spillage
8. GrooveThis Woodshop Personalized Elevated Dog Bowl Stand
An elevated dog bowl stand available in a wide range of colors and customizable with your pup's name.
About: GrooveThis Woodshop Personalized Elevated Dog Bowl Stand can be carved with your pup’s name, nickname, or whatever else you’d like that fits in the allotted space for a customized canine meal station. The top holds two steel dog bowls and lifts away to reveal a hidden storage container for food, treats, or other four-footed accessories.
Features:
- Made of solid wood with the top and storage space treated with water-resistant polyurethane
- Comes with 2 stainless steel dog bowls that are dishwasher safe
- Comes in 7 colors, including Grey, American Flag, Black, Blue, Dark Walnut, Magenta, and Brown
- Made in the USA
Options: Offered in 5 sizes:
- X-Small (16″ x 8″ x 5″)
- Small (18″ x 10″ x 7.5″)
- Medium (19″ x 11″ x 10.5″)
- Large (22″ x 12″ x 13″)
- X-Large (22″ x 12″ x 17″)
Pros
- Personalized nature makes for a special home addition
- Great range of sizes to choose from
- High-quality materials look great and last
- Pet parents love that it’s made in the USA
Cons
- Wood construction may tempt pups prone to chewing
- Expensive when compared to other elevated dog dishes
9. HTB Elevated Dog Bowl Stand
A wooden food platform with anti-slip bowl pads that's the perfect height for most large doggos.
About: Give your large breed’s eats a lift with the HTB Elevated Dog Bowl Stand, a raised feeding station that comes with two dog-safe stainless steel bowls. The legs are equipped with anti-slip feet, keeping the elevated feeder in place while your big barker digs into grub.
Features:
- Made of natural bamboo
- Side handles for easy moving as needed
- Bowl holders equipped with anti-slip pads for reduced movement and noise
- Made in China
Options: Offered in four sizes:
- Small (4-inch height)
- Medium (7-inch height)
- Large (10-inch height)
- X-Large (14-inch height)
Pros
- Height options are ideal for larger breeds
- Affordable price, especially for a larger-sized dog food stand
- Dual-bracketed base is sturdier than other open-style stands
Cons
- Bowls fit flush with the stand, so removing them requires you to bend down and slip your hand underneath
- Wood isn’t treated with waterproofing, so it must be dried frequently to prevent warping
10. Vantic Elevated Dog Bowl Stand
A wooden food bowl platform that allows you to adjust both the height and tilt to achieve the perfect pooch setup.
About: The Vantic Elevated Dog Bowl Stand features an adjustable height and tiltable design, making it an ideal choice for dogs with joint pain. Each of the stand’s feet have non-slip bases, and the bowl holder is lined with silicone pads to reduce noise and movement during mutt meals.
Features:
- Made of bamboo wood with a waterproof varnish
- Can be assembled and adjusted without tools
- Offered in 3 finishes, including Bamboo, Black, and Rustic Brown
- Made in China
Options: Available in three sizes:
- Small (6 adjustable heights from 2 inches to 7 inches)
- Medium (7 adjustable heights range from 4.5 inches to 11.2 inches)
- Large (8 adjustable heights from 5.3 inches to 11.3 inches)
Pros
- Adjustable and tiltable nature make for a more customized canine eating experience
- Relatively affordable price given its versatility
- Folds flat for easy transport or storage when not in use
Cons
- Tilt can make for messier eating and drinking
- Wooden frame not ideal for chew-obsessed doggos
11. YY FOREYY Raised Pet Bowls
A pair of elevated bamboo bowls for separating your pup's food and water, preventing unwanted mixing at mealtime.
About: Keep your woof’s raised eating area away from his water with YY FOREYY’s Raised Pet Bowls. Perfect for messy eaters, this elevated dish duo can be adjusted to multiple heights to suit your dog’s size and has slightly raised sides to make your floof feel more secure as he feasts.
Features:
- Made of bamboo with a non-slip base and silicone bowl holder inserts
- Eating position be set to flat or tilted, depending on your dog’s needs
- Includes 3 stainless-steel, rust-free, dishwasher-safe bowls
- Made in China
Options: Comes in 3 sizes:
- Small (5.23″ x 8.5″ x 4″)
- Medium (8.85″ x 9.64″ x 7″)
- Large (12.4″ x 10.8″ x 11″)
Pros
- Detached food-and-water design ideal for messy eaters and pups who dislike their food near water
- Ability to tilt the feeding area and adjust the height great for a more comfortable canine eating experience
- Non-slip base keeps the stand in place during meals
Cons
- Dogs who chew may damage the wood frame
- Some pet parents experienced issues during assembly with the stand’s precut holes being awkwardly sized
12. Dogit Elevated Dog Bowl
A raised dog food bowl with an anti-skid base and a hard plastic base that wipes clean.
About: The Dogit Elevated Dog Bowl is the perfect solo stand for a dog who just needs a single raised food or water bowl instead of a set. The included stainless steel bowl rests flush against the stand, leaving no pesky areas to trap food or block your dog’s access to kibblets.
Features:
- Hard plastic base wipes down easily as needed
- Anti-skid feet keep the bowl in place on hardwood or tile
- Five color options include Black, Blue, Off-White, White, and Pink
- Made in China
Options: Offered in two sizes:
- Small (4.87″ x 6″, 1 1/4 cup capacity)
- Large (6.5″ x 9″, 3 3/4 cup capacity)
You can also purchase a combo of the elevated food stand and a slow-feeder bowl in both sizes.
Pros
- Great option if you only need one raised bowl for mealtime or drinking
- Most owners report the stand stays in place
- Ease of cleaning is a win for pet parents
Cons
- Both heights are best suited for small to medium-sized dogs
- Some food may slip under the mostly covered frame and go unseen
- Somewhat pricey for a single raised bowl
13. Neater Pet Neater Feeder Deluxe
A high-sided feeding stand that traps flying food and slobber, protecting your floors, walls, and more from messes.
About: Keep runaway kibble and drool contained with Neater Pet’s Neater Feeder Deluxe, a raised eating platform with high sides that function as splash guards against mealtime messes, keeping them contained for easier cleanup. There’s also a tray beneath the bowls that captures spilled water, protecting your floors.
Features:
- Made of durable plastic
- Comes with a stand and stainless steel bowls
- Available in 7 color options, including Bronze, Aquamarine, and Midnight Black
- Stand made in the USA, bowls made in India
Options: Comes in three size options:
- Small (14″ x 9″ x 6″)
- Medium (18″ x 11″ x 10″)
- Large (21″ x 13″ x 14.5″)
Pros
- Higher sides protect the area surrounding your dog’s dining station from messes
- Most pet parents praise how easy this stand makes mealtime cleanup for messier eaters and drinkers
- Simple assembly makes setup a breeze
Cons
- On the pricier side, considering it’s plastic
- Not as aesthetically pleasing as other elevated dog bowls
Bloat and The Role of Elevated Dog Bowls
Known by a variety of names, including gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV) and gastric torsion, bloat is an emergency medical condition that occurs when a dog’s stomach rotates along its axis, literally twisting itself so that gases and fluids become trapped in the stomach.
Canine bloat typically requires immediate surgery, as well as supportive measures to treat the animal’s shock. Complications are common, and even dogs that receive prompt treatment may ultimately pass away, making bloat a very scary situation.
Despite the gravity of the issue, the cause of bloat remains elusive. However, a few associations have been documented. These include:
- Giant breeds appear more likely to suffer from bloat than small and medium-sized dogs are. In fact, research shows that 1 in 5 dogs weighing over 99 pounds will suffer from bloat at some point in their lives.
- Deep-chested breeds, such as German shepherds, Dobermans, and Great Danes, are some of the most common victims of bloat.
- Dogs who gobble down their food – and therefore swallow a lot of air while eating or gulping down water drinking – may be more likely to suffer bloat than slow eaters.
- Dogs who eat extremely large meals are more likely to suffer from bloat than those who eat smaller meals on a spaced-out feeding schedule.
- Dogs with a close relative who has suffered from bloat are more likely to suffer from the problem themselves. It’s an issue that tends to run in the family.
While veterinarians do not yet understand how to completely eliminate the possibility of bloat, a handful of strategies are frequently recommended to help reduce the chances of stomach-twisting problems.
These include feeding smaller meals spread through the day and preventing exercise or vigorous activity for a length of time after meals.
Do Raised Bowls Help Bloat Or Make it Worse? The Jury Is Still Out
In addition to smaller meals and taking it easy after dinner, breeders and vets used to recommend that owners of dogs susceptible to bloat (primarily big, deep-chested breeds) feed their pooch from an elevated feeding dish.
However, an analysis published in a 2000 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association provided a shocking conclusion. According to the authors:
“Approximately 20% – 52% of cases of GDV among the large breed and giant breed dogs, respectively, were attributed to having a raised feed bowl.”
Accordingly, some veterinarians now advise against feeding bloat-susceptible breeds and individuals from elevated food bowls.
In light of conflicting evidence and varied opinions, the best approach is to discuss the issue with your veterinarian and follow his or her recommendations regarding the height of your dog’s food bowl. Your vet will most certainly know best!
What to Look for in an Elevated Dog Bowl
In its most simple design, an elevated feeding station consists of nothing more than a small box with a food bowl resting on top.
But many elevated feeding stations include other features that can improve the functionality and aesthetics of your dog’s supper station!
The best elevated dog bowls offer:
- Food Storage. Some units are built around a storage-box concept, which allows you to store your dog’s food inside for easy access. But the flip side of this convenience is that many such units feature a flat bottom, which can trap moisture, mold, and bacteria on the floor, just like a food bowl sitting on the floor can.
- A Design That Matches Your Style. Other units pair form with function and are designed to be an attractive addition to your home. Some such models are made with wrought iron, while others are made with exotic hardwoods or aged copper. Some even feature hanging shapes and dog-inspired artwork! Just remember that these considerations are for your benefit, not your dog’s. Still, impressing visitors with a stylish dog bowl is always fun!
- Adjustable Height. Some models allow you to adjust the height of the platform, which can be a benefit for those with a growing dog. They can also be useful for breeders, veterinary offices, groomers, and anyone else that cares for a large number of dogs.
Personally, I think that the most attractive elevated dog bowl platforms feature a clean, modern design and are made from real wood. Then again, I can also appreciate the convenience offered by products that include storage space – especially for owners of large dogs who eat lots of food.
Consider what features matter most to you and select a bowl based on your preferences.
If you prefer the DIY route, you can even attempt at crafting a raise dog bowl by hand, as demonstrated in this video!
Elevated Dog Bowls: FAQ
We’ve rounded up the most commonly asked questions and concerns surrounding elevated dog bowls. Let’s jump in!
Do vets recommend elevated dog bowls?
It varies. Some vets recommend using an elevated dog bowl for canines with conditions like megaesophagus or severe arthritis, but others advise against them in breeds prone to bloat, such as Dobermans or Great Danes. If you’re considering an elevated bowl for your pooch, run it by your vet to be sure it’s a good fit for your pup’s needs.
Are elevated dog bowls worth it?
Potentially, if they fit your floof’s needs. Elevated dog food and water bowls can be far easier to use for pups with severe joint or spinal conditions. They’re also a good fit for messy eaters who’d otherwise flip a bowl while eating or drinking excitedly.
At the same time, elevated food and water bowls for dogs can be problematic in breeds susceptible to bloat, like Dobermans, greyhounds, and Weimaraners.
What is the best height for dog food bowls?
The best height varies by your dog’s size. Ideally, you want one that reaches chest height on your doggo so eating only requires a slight bend of the neck (so 4 to 6 inches below the shoulder in most cases.) If your pup is still a puppy, look for an adjustable bowl you can raise as needed during growth to save some doggy dollars. This is especially important with large-breed puppies.
How often should you clean elevated dog bowls?
The bowls themselves should be cleaned daily to keep bacteria and stinky smells at bay, but an elevated stand’s cleaning schedule can vary. Some only need a wipe-down as needed to keep dust and debris at bay, but if your mutt’s a messy eater, you may need to swipe it clean after every meal to keep the yuckies away.
What is the best material for elevated dog bowls?
Stainless steel bowls are generally the best fit for most dogs. They’re durable, easy to clean, and non-porous, so no grimy bacteria can fester in any cracks. They’re also dishwasher safe, making everyday cleaning a breeze.
As for an elevated dog bowl stand, look for something that wipes clean easily, like hard plastic or treated wood. Metals are a solid pick too, but they should be treated with waterproofing to prevent rusting. Ceramics and glass look nice, but they can be fragile, which doesn’t always mesh well with #doglife.
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Do you use an elevated feeding dish for your pup? Do you use any we picked for the best elevated dog bowls or another? Tell us all about it in the comments below.
5 Comments
June 24, 2019
I am looking for a bowl for a dog that eats lying down (head up but cannot stand anymore). Any recommendations, please.
June 24, 2019
I’d like to know where I can find the wood and iron leg elevated dog dish at the top of your website page.
Thanks
June 24, 2019
Hey, Toni. Unfortunately, that one is just from a stock photo. But I think it looks pretty neat too.
June 4, 2019
After reading the article on elevated dog bowls, I would like you to take a look at the biggest change to dog bowls in a very long time. Our furry family members are dependent on us for almost everything, they shouldn’t be dependent on us for their most basic need of water.
Please take a look at my innovative new bowl. http://www.perpetualwell.com
Regards,
Dave
January 16, 2019
I used the pawfect pets premium elevated feeder, it is untreated wood that absorbs ALL liquid (not sure what they mean saying it’s “waterproof”, I would say it is the opposite). It became moldy and disgusting within a few weeks. I had to throw it away. I would not recommend this product to anyone.