Dog bowl stands are useful for many reasons, but especially if you have a tall dog. You can buy simple stands that are nothing but a metal ‘T' with openings on either side to hold a bowl. You can also buy elaborate wooden bowl stands that have room underneath for storage. This DIY dog bowl stand offers all of those features for less than $20!
An elevated dog bowl brings your pet's head up and improves his posture while eating. This may be better for digestion, and it's definitely better for older, arthritic dogs or dogs recovering from certain injuries. Raising the bowl off the ground takes the stress off your dog's body because he doesn't bend down so far to reach his food.
Elevated food bowls may not be right for every dog. It's important that you do your research and make the best choice for your pet. If you have questions about whether or not a raised feeder is a good choice for your dog, call your veterinarian and ask for their advice.
Simple elevated feeders sell for $35-$100. More elaborate feeders could cost you more than $250! Making your own DIY dog bowl stand will cost you much less and be just as effective. Plus, you can cater it to meet your exact needs and preferences.
DIY Dog Bowl Stand
The first thing you'll need to do is measure your dog to ensure you're making a feeder that is the right height. Get your dog to stand with his legs directly underneath him. Using a fabric tape measure, measure from the floor up to the point where your dog’s front legs meet the chest.
Your dog's bowls should not be any higher than that measurement. As you can see in the photo above, I use a plastic tote to make this DIY dog bowl stand. Buy a tote that is no higher than the measurement that took from the floor to your dog's chest.
Trace the rim of your dog's bowls on the lid of the tote. Cut a circle that is just slightly smaller than the rim of the bowl. This will allow for a small lip that will hold the bowl in place.
You can also use this feeder as a dog food storage container. I buy dog food in 25-pound bags. I use a 32-ounce plastic tote for my DIY elevated feeder, which leaves plenty of room for dog food and bowls. You can remove the lid of the tote to access the food or just lift one of the bowls out to access it.
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